How To Use The Perfect Noggin
Watch The Video Below For Instructions
Discover The Clinical Studies Behind The Perfect Noggin
Study 1: Modifiable Cranial Cup vs. Repositioning and Cervical Stretching
This randomised clinical trial compared a modifiable cranial cup to traditional repositioning and stretching techniques for early correction of deformational posterior plagiocephaly. The study found that the cranial cup was more effective in correcting head shape deformities.
Study 2: Plagio Cradle Orthotic in Early Infancy
This study evaluated the use of the Plagio Cradle orthotic device in early infancy for correcting deformational plagiocephaly. Results indicated significant improvement in head shape with the use of the orthotic.
Study 3: Prevention of Deformational Plagiocephaly in Hospitalised Infants
This randomised controlled trial assessed a new orthotic device's effectiveness in preventing deformational plagiocephaly in hospitalised infants. The device proved effective in maintaining head shape symmetry.
Study 4: Use of the Cranial Cup in Premature Infants
This study focused on the use of a cranial cup to correct positional head shape deformities in hospitalised premature infants. The findings supported the device's effectiveness in improving cranial symmetry.
Study 5: Feasibility and Safety of the Preemie Orthotic Device
This research evaluated the feasibility and safety of a preemie orthotic device in managing deformational plagiocephaly in extremely low birth weight infants. The study concluded that the device is both safe and effective.
We’re here to answer all your questions.
How does The Perfect Noggin work?
The Perfect Noggin is a sleep surface, designed for all sleep in babies who cannot yet roll from their back to their belly. The head cup of the Perfect Noggin is the “ideal” anatomical shape – symmetrical, and with a Cephalic Index (CI) of 0.8-0.85 (which encompasses the average population CI of 0.835). Any head which does not meet these dimensions (i.e. is asymmetrical (plagiocephaly) or has a higher CI (brachycephaly) or significantly lower CI (scaphocephaly)) will grow into this mould through continued use.
Regardless of head position, when in the Perfect Noggin, a void will exist between any flat areas of the skull, and the curved head cup. The removal of pressure from the flattened area results in preferential growth there, and temporarily discourages growth at sites of contact between the head cup and the skull.
How long will my baby take to adjust?
Some babies need a couple of days, or even as long as a week to get used to sleeping on the Perfect Noggin. A few will require up to two weeks. Most parents tell us that following a few days of adjustment, their baby loves sleeping on the Perfect Noggin and now sleeps better than before!
Can flat head be prevented?
The risk factors that cause head flattening are almost entirely unpreventable. The foremost of these is torticollis; there is no way to prevent your baby being born with torticollis. Swift recognition of the issue and implementation of physiotherapy will hasten the resolution of tightness, allowing the baby to turn and therefore sleep, both ways equally.
However during this time, while head growth is so rapid, the risk of flattening developing is extremely high. A head which lies frequently on a standard, flat (non-contoured) surface, is likely to flatten in the area of prolonged contact.
Other risk factors include prematurity, developmental delay, multiple gestation pregnancy (twins or triplets), first born babies, male babies, breech positioning and assisted delivery. Clearly, none of these risk factors can be planned for, or prevented. The key is to manage the time during which the baby exhibits a strong head positional preference. The most effective way to do this, is to alter the surface on which the baby’s head rests while sleeping. If the head rests on a firm, anatomically-correct surface, flattening cannot develop.
What causes flat head in babies?
The brain of a young baby grows extremely rapidly. It is this brain growth which drives skull expansion, meaning head growth is very fast, particularly during the first 4 months of life. Babies spend a lot of time sleeping, and the safest position for a baby to sleep is on their back, as this significantly reduces the risk of SIDS (cot death). However, if a baby maintains one preferred head position for the majority of the time they are lying on a flat mattress, the area of the head in constant contact with the mattress is discouraged from growing. Growth will occur preferentially in areas of least resistance, meaning that the area in contact with the mattress will become flattened, and a disproportionate degree of growth will occur elsewhere on the head – the volume of the brain remains normal.
The most common reason a baby maintains a preferred head position is torticollis – these babies will turn their head to a preferred side and will develop plagiocephaly. In some babies, bilateral, symmetrical cervical tightness is present, causing the baby to prefer a central head position and develop brachycephaly.
Flat head in babies is not caused by neglect, a lack of
being held, or excessive use of swings, bouncers or car seats. It is not the
fault of the parents and does not signify any failings on their part. It is
also not inherited.
What are the alternatives to helmet therapy?
Once a baby can roll back to belly (a milestone most babies achieve by 6 months of age) the only effective solution to correct head flattening is a properly fitted cranial orthotic helmet. Unfortunately, the cost of these (£2500-£2800 plus travel costs) is almost always borne by the parents, and is never paid for by private healthcare insurance in the UK. Helmet therapy is extremely effective, and most babies adjust quickly to wearing the helmet for 23 hours a day.
For a baby over 6 months old, there are no effective alternatives to helmet therapy if you wish to actively alter the shape of your baby’s head. However, positional head flattening is purely cosmetic and therefore helmet treatment is a choice based on aesthetics. There is no truth to any claim regarding issues with hats, safety or sports helmets, glasses, ear phones, bullying or self-esteem in a child with uncorrected head flattening.
Most adults with deformational cranial flattening are unaware and perceive no negative repercussions on their lives. Many famous actors, sports people, politicians and others in the public eye have some degree of head flattening. With time, all flattening becomes less obvious and not helmeting your child is a valid choice.
Flat beds make flat heads.
Choose a contoured sleep surface that supports a naturally round head.
