Asymmetrical Top of Head Normal?

[rainbowmama]

My kids' pediatrician says it's normal for a child to have an asymmetrical top of their head (not the circumference, but the top of the skull). Does anyone else have a kid with an asymmetrical head? I feel guilty!

[Selkie]

Wait, why do you feel guilty? Are you thinking that you caused it?

 

ETA:  I don't remember if my kids had asymmetry when they were little. They're all taller than me now, so I don't see the tops of their heads very often these days.  :) If your doctor says it's normal, then I wouldn't worry.

Edited November 7, 2017 by Selkie

[rainbowmama]

Wait, why do you feel guilty? Are you thinking that you caused it?

 

ETA:  I don't remember if my kids had asymmetry when they were little. They're all taller than me now, so I don't see the tops of their heads very often these days.  :) If your doctor says it's normal, then I wouldn't worry.

 

This kid was born with a hematoma and a lot of ridging. The doctor and cranial facial specialist said his head was fine, so I just focused keeping him out of bounce hairs, swings, car seats, etc..., having him nap while I wore him, making sure he got lots of tummy time, etc... and as his head started to round out, I stopped worrying. I noticed his head feeling bumpy in the last half year. I asked his pediatrician again, who thinks it's fine. I asked the cranial facial surgeon again, who thinks he's fine. But I can't seem to let go my fear that it's just too late to do anything about it and that's why they are telling me it's fine, especially after the pediatrician confirmed that yes, his head is asymmetrical. (My husband and mother both don't think it is.) I worry that maybe I should have helmeted, that maybe I should have demanded more aggressive treatment for the hematoma (not sure that this is what caused the asymmetry)... that I should have done something, that I should be doing something now... I'm also feeling a little guilty about caring about his head shape, as of course he's my beautiful kid. I just worry I'm missing something or I did miss something important.

[6packofun]

I was just feeling my OWN head while in bed last night reading (sue me, I'm weird) and noticing how uneven it is.  LOL  None of my kids have nice smooth skulls, IMO.

 

I really think your kiddo is fine and will be fine. I mean it.  If you'd feel better asking one of the doctors in private if they REALLY think it IS OK, do it once and accept their answer.  :)

[maize]

I can't imagine what any of us could tell you that would be more reliable than the opinion of the doctors who have seen him.

 

Humans are usually not 100% symmetrical. It doesn't sound like there is any major malformation since the child's father and grandmother don't see it at all.

 

Are you generally a worrier?

 

I know as moms we want all the best all the time for our kids but I don't think time spent obsessing over minor imperfections is well invested.

 

:grouphug:

[Selkie]

This kid was born with a hematoma and a lot of ridging. The doctor and cranial facial specialist said his head was fine, so I just focused keeping him out of bounce hairs, swings, car seats, etc..., having him nap while I wore him, making sure he got lots of tummy time, etc... and as his head started to round out, I stopped worrying. I noticed his head feeling bumpy in the last half year. I asked his pediatrician again, who thinks it's fine. I asked the cranial facial surgeon again, who thinks he's fine. But I can't seem to let go my fear that it's just too late to do anything about it and that's why they are telling me it's fine, especially after the pediatrician confirmed that yes, his head is asymmetrical. (My husband and mother both don't think it is.) I worry that maybe I should have helmeted, that maybe I should have demanded more aggressive treatment for the hematoma (not sure that this is what caused the asymmetry)... that I should have done something, that I should be doing something now... I'm also feeling a little guilty about caring about his head shape, as of course he's my beautiful kid. I just worry I'm missing something or I did miss something important.

 

It sounds to me like you're a great mom and your worries are unfounded.  :grouphug:

 

I have OCD and used to worry like that when my kids were little (still do sometimes, actually). I was fearful that I was doing something wrong or missing something important and my kids were going to be messed up for life and it was all my fault. None of that turned out to be true, it was just my OCD messing with me.

[rainbowmama]

I can't imagine what any of us could tell you that would be more reliable than the opinion of the doctors who have seen him.

 

Humans are usually not 100% symmetrical. It doesn't sound like there is any major malformation since the child's father and grandmother don't see it at all.

 

Are you generally a worrier?

 

I know as moms we want all the best all the time for our kids but I don't think time spent obsessing over minor imperfections is well invested.

 

:grouphug:

 

 

I think what I want to hear is other parents chime in that they have kids with asymmetrical tops of their heads. I spend a lot of time looking at people's heads, and while I definitely have noticed a lot of men with weird, bumpy shaved heads, it's hard to tell with kids. If I didn't know where my kid's bump was, I'm not sure I could see it. I know I didn't see or feel it for years, if it's been there all this time. So, if it's so normal - not a flat spot on the back of the head, but a bump or unevenness on the top of the head, I'd love to hear from other parents whose kids have this.

[maize]

I don't think most people pay very much attention to whether or not their children's heads have barely perceptible bumps, therefor I doubt you are going to get a bunch of people chiming in to say their kids have these.

 

I'm not aware of any bumps on my own kids' heads, if they have them I imagine the hair masks them. Feeling my own head I can feel a bit of a bump on the left side that isn't there on the right. I have no idea at all if it has been there for decades or just since yesterday.

 

I really do think you can lay this concern to rest; I think your child is fine and you have no need for concern or guilt.

Edited November 7, 2017 by maize

[PrairieSong]

My grandson's head is asymmetrical. I babysat for him a lot last year and if I looked at him from the top I could see it. He is perfectly healthy. Now that he's over a year old and has more hair I don't notice it as much.

 

None of us is perfectly symmetrical.

 

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[gardenmom5]

1dd's skull is very asymmetrical. she even has more hair on one side than the other.

she started that way because her head was stuck at an angle in my pelvis for hours. the "scab" on top of her head the nurses were afraid to touch - was my blood.

she's brilliant btw.

[Okra]

Hugs. I have a kid with an asymmetrical head.

 

I also worried that maybe I should have helmeted him even though the cranial facial specialist said he would be fine! So similar! I also tried as much as possible to keep him off of his head.

 

But, mine is a teenager now. I can assure you I haven't thought about it in years, and nobody would notice it.

 

It's just a non issue. The cranial facial specialist was totally right. His head isn't perfectly round, but especially as he grew older and taller even I barely notice it. And, other people just don't that much time looking at people's heads.

 

So, hugs. I know how you feel! But, I've been there done that and everything turned out perfectly fine here.

 

I would try not to worry. Definitely don't feel guilty. I bet yours will grow up fine too.