Treatment is usually not needed as the condition usually corrects itself with time.
However, in severe cases, repositioning therapy or cranial remoulding with corrective helmets may be needed, the doctors said. When the condition is severe, the two sides of the face may not be symmetrical, with the ears and other features on one side of the face misaligned with the other. One ear might stick out more or be positioned differently from the other ear, the forehead might be uneven, or the cheek, face and jaw are different from the other side.
When babies are seen for the problem before they reach the age of six months, repositioning therapy is usually recommended. This involves changing the position of the baby’s head during sleep or playtime to avoid pressure on the flattened area, said Dr Ng. When done regularly, repositioning therapy can correct most flat head problems.
If flat head syndrome persists beyond the age of six months, cranial remoulding with corrective helmets might be used to correct the shape of the head. Treatment is best done before the age of 12 months when the skull begins to harden. So if flat head syndrome is suspected, a specialist should be consulted when the baby is between four and eight months of age.