Did you know that More than a million babies each year will be diagnosed with Flathead Syndrome in the USA alone.  This number has increased over 600% since 1992, and affects nearly 48% of all babies 0-6 months old. This is largely a consequence of the combination of lifestyle changes in families and because babies now sleep on their backs.  If not corrected in early infancy, expensive and unpleasant treatment options can sometimes follow.

What is Flat Head Syndrome?

flat-head-syndrome

Flat head is a condition that is comprised of plagiocephaly (when flat spots develop on the infant’s skull), torticollis (occurs when an infant’s neck muscles become tight on one side, causing a neck tilt) or a combination of both. Flat head syndrome is a serious condition that can lead to long-term consequences for baby. Current research suggests that many infants with flat head syndrome experience not only cosmetic abnormalities, but also varying degrees of developmental delays later in life. [Pediatrics 200; 105:e26]

Additionally, on November 28, 2011 the AAP revised their stance on positional plagiocephaly and said this:

“The new report, published in the journal Pediatrics on Monday (11/28), suggests that pediatricians should counsel new parents about how to avoid flat head syndrome when they bring their newborns in for their check-ups in the first 2 to 4 weeks of life. Until a baby is one year old, doctors should also screen for skull deformities at every wellness visit.”

Preventing Flat Head Syndrome with Tortle

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Tortle was created by Dr. Jane Scott, a board-certified pediatrican and neonatologist and mother of 4.  Dr. Jane’s mission is to end plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome) and torticollis in babies.

What is a Tortle?

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  • A cost-effective, stylish and comfy beanie for baby specifically designed to help prevent positional plagiocephaly and torticollis, or flat head syndrome.
  • Tortle encourages a healthy range of head motion while keeping baby’s head from flattening
  • Can be worn whenever the infant is resting in a crib, car seat, bouncer or swing
  • Available in White, Pink Flower and Blue Elephants
  • Machine washable, lightweight knit beanie
  • Three sizes to fit infants up to 20 pounds
    • S  0-2 months / 5-10 lbs
    • M 2-4 months / 10-15 lbs
    • L  4-6 months / 15-20 lbs
    • Most helpful when used from birth until the infant is sitting up and no longer sleeping most hours of the day or night
    • FDA-cleared patented Class 1 medical device that easily travels with baby
    • Recommended retail price of $19.99

Why is Tortle Important?

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  • Every infant is at risk of developing flattened head syndrome if parents are following the AAP’s Back to Sleep recommendations – prevention is key.
  • If parents do not actively reposition the infant’s head from side to side, positional plagiocephaly can develop rapidly – many infants already have the problem by 2 months of age.
  • Incidence of plagiocephaly is increasing and now affects 1 in 3 babies by the age of 5 months.
  • Premature infants with prolonged hospital stays are at particular risk unless nursing program addresses the problem.
  • Medical treatments to correct the condition include physical therapy and custom helmets and can exceed $5,000 in cost.

Company Information

Give a new mother piece of mind – Tortle is a great baby shower gift!

How often do new parents register for tons of gifts that if we are being honest, will just be a waste of money and space. I remember registering for all the fun gimmicky things when I was pregnant with my first child , and things that I thought I would need, but most of it just ended up being useless and a waste of space.

If I had to do it again, I would definitely register for gifts that I could actually use. Who needs fifty onsies when your child will just grow out of them in no time, and probably get food stains all over them? Or what about the wipes warmer that doesn’t do anything but dry out your wipes. There are definitely gifts you should not waste your time or money on for a baby shower (and new moms…you should not bother with them).

The Tortle is a gift that many parents don’t even think about when they are filling out their registries, but just might end up being the one that gets the most use!

Gifting the Tortle

I recently had a chance to attend a baby shower for a friend, and the Tortle was one of the gifts that was high on my list to get the happy parents!

The baby shower was a great time. The games and party favors were super cute. We already know it is going to be a boy, so the theme revolved around that.

tortle party

We played some fun games; like molding babies out of play-doh, and a baby themed memory game.

tortle games

After the fun and games, the gifts were opened. The proud parents-to-be were excited to receive two Tortles!

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I Wish I Had Known —

Check out this video about what moms wish they had known before having kids, then tell us your thoughts!