Neck Support Pillow Infant Head Positioner

Product Information

When the head tilt is significant or the muscle is really tight, more aggressive physical therapy is quite helpful in the first three months. What does repositioning involve?

If the pain does not ease with ibuprofen, the doctor may prescribe a medicine to relax the muscle for a few days. The FDA has cleared caps, helmets or head bands for use as cranial orthosis devices intended to improve cranial symmetry or shape in infants and toddlers from 3 to 18 months of age, with moderate to severe non-synostotic positional plagiocephaly. Some cranial orthosis devices are also intended for adjunctive use for infants from 3 to 18 months of age whose synostosis has been surgically corrected, but who still have moderate-to-severe non-synostotic positional plagiocephaly. Vary your baby's crib position. Take note of how you lay your baby down in the crib. Always position your baby in the right way to encourage turning the head to the side that has not flattened.

Recommendations for Parents and Caregivers

If a parent or caregiver reports a problem with an infant head shaping pillow, advise them to discontinue its use and report it to the FDA and the manufacturer. Prompt reporting of problems can help the FDA identify and better understand the risks associated with medical devices. Siblings help when they play with the baby on the floor, encouraging the baby to follow them with his head in the restricted direction.

If your infant has an unusual head shape, talk to your infant’s health care provider about management options. Know that the use of infant head shaping pillows may delay the necessary evaluation and management of harmless conditions, such as flat head syndrome, or more serious conditions, such as craniosynostosis. Preemies are at greater risk of plagiocephaly because their skull bones are even less developed, and they are often tied in one position to a ventilator. If your doctor determines your baby has torticollis, it’s important to start treatment right away to prevent permanent asymmetry, a flat spot on your baby’s head and restricted head movement. Treatment options may include: Physical therapy Improve awareness and understanding among your colleagues and care communities regarding a safe sleep environment for infants, and etiologies and associated management options for flat head syndrome. If your child develops acquired torticollis, the typical course of treatment is to apply heat and use massage and stretching to ease the pain. Botox injections are also an option for older children with severe torticollis. Your pediatrician can refer you to a neurologist or orthopedist for more treatment.

COVID-19 Updates

Older kids may be at risk of crib accidents. Your older kid may use a pillow as a step to climb up the crib. They can suddenly fall and sustain a serious injury. What to Do if You're Worried About Flat Head Syndrome Be aware that infant head shaping pillows are not safe or effective for preventing or treating flat head syndrome or other medical conditions.