LATERAL POSITIONING CUSHION
Flat Head / Plagiocephaly
The ADJUSTABLE side cushion is the real prevention of flat heads in infants from birth to 4 months.
Whether it is a flattening located on a right or left lateral part of the back of the skull (Plagiocephaly) or whether it is a flattening of the entire back of the skull (Brachycephaly), the only valid and effective treatment for these flattened heads is to remove the support which caused the deformation.
Physiotherapy, osteopathy and chiropractors are all perfectly justified in releasing neck tension and restoring good range of motion in rotation and tilt of the head.
But when bone flatness has set in, positional treatment must be used quickly, before the flatness worsens and becomes irreparable.
The side positioning cushion consists of two connected foam triangles, allowing the child's body to be positioned semi-laterally at 45°. The child's head, which follows the body, is also placed laterally, on the chosen side. The large triangle supports the child's back; the child's lower arm rests on the upper edge of the small triangle.
In the case of unilateral posterior flattening, the child will be positioned only on the side that avoids weight bearing. In the case of flattening of the entire back of the skull, the child will be placed alternately on the left and right sides, every other day or after every other milk intake.
On a practical level, the child will initially be placed on their pillow during the day, in the presence of awake adults. They will sleep there continuously during the day. In the event of a significant deformity from the outset, the pediatrician will decide with the parents whether to use the pillow at night as well.
If the infant is only a few weeks old, the child may not be sufficiently supported and may reposition themselves on their back. An adaptable version of this Delta™ pillow is now available to suit the child's body size.
The earlier positional treatment is started, the faster the recovery. After 5 months, cranial ossification is well advanced and recovery is very unpredictable.
In all cases, the cushion will be removed around 4.5 months, the date at which the child often shows the desire to roll his body onto his stomach.
