Plagiocephaly and Helmet Therapy in Adelaide
Worried about a flat spot on your baby's head? Our orthotists offer fast, comfortable 3D head scans and custom 3D printed helmets, with support every step of the way.
Does your baby have a flat head?
It’s common for babies to be born with, or quickly develop, an uneven head shape or a flat spot. It often becomes noticeable in the first few months of life. This is known as plagiocephaly or brachycephaly.
- Plagiocephaly: a flat spot at the back and side of the head, with a bulge at the forehead or the opposite side of the head.
- Brachycephaly: flattening across the back of the head, making it look short, wide and tall.
An uneven head shape has little to no impact on how a baby’s brain develops, but it can be worrying for parents. That’s where we can help.
Fast, comfortable 3D head scans
NovitaTech’s cranial service uses a hand-held, non-invasive 3D scanner that captures your baby’s head shape with a safe blue light. It’s quick and comfortable for babies.
Our experienced orthotists use the scan to measure and classify your baby’s head shape on a number scale. This gives you an objective, repeatable measure, so you can see whether treatment is needed and track changes over time.
70% of the time, families find after the first scan that the asymmetry is less significant than they expected, and one appointment is all they need for peace of mind.
Your options after the scan
- Monitoring: follow-up scans every month or two to track your baby’s head shape as they grow.
- Repositioning and neck movement: we work with you and other health professionals, such as your physiotherapist, on repositioning and improving neck range of motion.
- Helmet therapy: for some babies, a custom helmet can guide head growth into a more even, rounded shape.
Our team explains the evidence behind each option and what you can expect, so you can make an informed decision for your family.
Custom 3D printed helmets
Each helmet is custom made on a 3D printer from your baby’s scan. It fits closely over the high spots of the head and leaves room over the flat spots, redirecting growth to the flat areas to improve the overall shape.
- Lightweight and breathable
- Removable, washable organic cotton liners
- Ideally used for babies aged 4 to 10 months
Helmet therapy is a family commitment. The helmet is usually worn 23 to 24 hours a day until you’re happy with the head shape or your baby outgrows it, with regular re-scans to track progress.
What families say
“From the scan and report provided that day, we were able to make an informed decision about helmet therapy.” Avalon, Carter’s mum
“The NovitaTech team was very reassuring. As a parent you have a lot of doubts and concerns… all the information they provided was correct and everything was just reassuring.” Anna, Oliver’s mum
Read Carter’s story and Oliver and Owen’s stories.
Plagiocephaly FAQs
Is plagiocephaly harmful to my baby?
An uneven head shape has little to no impact on how a baby’s brain develops. Many families seek advice because of how it looks and the worry it causes.
What age is best for helmet therapy?
Helmets are ideally used for babies between 4 and 10 months old, while the head is growing quickly.
Does the scan hurt?
No. The hand-held 3D scanner is non-invasive and uses a safe blue light. It’s fast and comfortable.
How long does helmet therapy take?
It depends on your baby. The helmet is usually worn 23 to 24 hours a day, and we re-scan regularly to track progress until you’re happy with the head shape or your baby outgrows the helmet.
Do I need a referral?
Contact us to book a head shape assessment and we’ll let you know what you need.
Who will we see?
Our experienced orthotists. Learn more about our orthotics service.
Book a head shape assessment
Worried about your baby's head shape? Send us a message and our cranial team will be in touch. Prefer to talk? Call (08) 8424 6160.