Yang Luoting and Dear Jane's lead singer, Wong Tin Au (Tim), have a son and a daughter. Their eldest daughter is currently 4 years old, and they welcomed their youngest son, Tristan, in June last year. Tristan is now 9 months old. Netizens have noticed that in almost every photo Yang Luoting has posted since last month, Tristan can be seen wearing a helmet on his head. Paediatrician Dr. Chan Yan Wing explained that this type of helmet is a corrective helmet, usually used to treat plagiocephaly in infants. The treatment period is typically 3 to 5 months. Wearing the helmet does not compress the baby's head; instead, it provides space to guide the flattened skull to grow in its original direction. Therefore, babies need to wear it all day, even when sleeping. Most babies adapt easily within a few days.
The types of flat head syndrome include plagiocephaly, brachycephaly, asynclitism (a combination of plagiocephaly and brachycephaly), and scaphocephaly. Although there is currently no medical research to prove that flat head syndrome causes lasting damage to a baby's neurodevelopment, the unnatural structure of the skull due to asymmetry may hinder the balanced development of the baby's eyes and ears, potentially leading to issues such as astigmatism or hearing problems. An abnormal head shape can also affect appearance, and the child may likely experience psychological and social problems later in life.
Dr. Chan Yan-wing pointed out that as a baby's head grows rapidly in the first six months, the golden period for treating flat head syndrome is generally when a child is between 4 and 8 months old. The treatment period is usually 3 to 5 months. The earlier treatment is received, the shorter the overall treatment time and the higher the chance of success.
Common types of flat head syndrome (provided by paediatrician Dr. Chan Yan Wing)
Dr. Chan Yan-wing reminds parents that to prevent flat head syndrome, they should frequently allow their babies to lie on their stomachs for periods of time under supervision, performing exercises commonly known as Tummy Time. Additionally, parents should also change their baby's sleeping head direction to prevent flattening of the head. Once the baby can use a pillow, they can choose one that helps improve head shape.
Paediatrician Dr Chan Yan Wing
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