The Tortle Repositioning Lineup

Kid-tested, doctor-approved. Discover the repositioning benefits of our Tortle community of products. 

Tortle Air - Turtle Trot

$48.00
For your baby under 6 months, 

The Tortle Air™ Turtle Trot is an FDA-cleared repositioning therapy device designed to gently help prevent and correct flat spots and support healthy head positioning in babies. It redirects your baby’s head away from areas of pressure, encourages movement toward their less-preferred side, and provides passive stretching support for tight neck muscles associated with torticollis.

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Tortle Air Lucky Elephant - Size S Tortle

Tortle Air Lucky Elephant - Size S

$48.00
Specifically designed for 1- or 2-month-old baby with a head circumference under 14"

The Tortle Air Lucky Elephant offers the most advanced positioning aid for the management and prevention of Flat Head Syndrome at our smallest size. By actively deflecting your baby's head to different areas while they’re lying down on a flat surface, the Tortle Air gently re-shapes their head, preventing and correcting Flat Head Syndrome.

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HSA / FSA with TrueMed

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Tortle Corrective Beanies FDA-Cleared Class-I Medical Device

The FDA recently advised parents NOT to use head shaping pillows while Tortle Beanies remain safe & effective to use!

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HOW DO FLAT SPOTS DEVELOP?

From ages 0-6 months babies' brains grow very rapidly so their skulls must be soft enough to accommodate their growth. The problem? When newborns and young infants start spending too much time on their backs in one position. This is when flat spots begin developing. However, Flat Head Syndrome may occur even before your baby is born due to birthing issues, pregnancy problems, and congenital abnormalities.

WHY SHOULD I BE CONCERNED ABOUT FLAT HEAD SYNDROME?

Because one in three healthy babies will develop some degree of flat head syndrome after birth. All babies are at risk, and it’s even more common with multiple or premature births. But don’t panic! It’s preventable.

IS THIS NEW? WHY HAVEN’T I HEARD OF IT BEFORE?

Flat Head Syndrome has increased 600% in the last twenty years, and current medical thinking points to two lifestyle changes as the cause. In 1992 The American Academy of Pediatrics began its “ Back to Sleep” program to reduce Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). And it worked: the incidence of SIDS has plummeted by almost 40%. Now, infants are placed in reclining carrying devices more than ever. Families on the go keep their babies in carriers, car seats, and swings for an extended time—frequently up to 15-18 hours per day.

CAN THIS AFFECT DEVELOPMENTAL PROGRESS?

Yes. There are studies showing intellectual differences between children with plagiocephaly and those without. One study demonstrated that 39% of children with persistent deformational plagiocephaly received special educational services versus 7.7% of their siblings. (Pediatrics 200,;105:e26).
View the Study

WILL THIS CAUSE MY BABY PERMANENT PROBLEMS?

The effects of skull deformation can be permanent. Beyond the cosmetic issues, there can be trouble with binocular vision and long-term developmental issues.

HOW DO I PREVENT FLAT HEAD SYNDROME?

The best method of prevention is diligent head repositioning. Newborn infants sleep the majority of the time, so it’s important they spend that time sleeping on their backs. Therefore, you should change your baby’s head positioning after each feeding, alternating sides so your baby doesn’t develop a favorite. Provide distractions to entice your baby to look to alternate sides, perhaps putting a favorite toy on their less favored side. Another helpful tactic is to turn them around in the crib so they naturally turn toward you, the parent, and the activity in the room.

WHAT IF MY BABY ALREADY HAS FLAT HEAD SYNDROME?

Once positional plagiocephaly / brachycephaly (or flat spots) has been diagnosed, most physicians recommend reposition therapy. This involves positioning your baby to avoid putting pressure on the flattened areas. But in practice repositioning can be difficult, as babies often automatically revert to their preferred side.If your baby has been diagnosed and it’s beyond the window to try reposition therapy, there is a high rate of success with treatment that is a combination of helmet and physical therapy. See your doctor and a specialist for more information.

Tortle Product Safety Tips

Do not leave the Tortle beanie on overnight when the baby is unsupervised (or when parents or caretakers are sleeping).

Remove the Tortle beanie every three to four hours, when the baby wakes, and you pick them up to play, feed, and change them.

Put the Tortle beanie back on with the roll in the correct position (see below) when you put the baby down into a carrier or crib.

Make sure the beanie is snug, but not too tight.

Make sure the beanie is the right size for your baby.

Tortle Beanie Instructions & Care

If your baby's flat spot is on the back of their head.

Place the Tortle so that the support roll is right on the back of the head. Close the front opening with the beanie brought down over your baby’s ears. Close the adjustable tabs for a snug fit. Your baby’s head will now need to be positioned to the side. Alternate the side you turn your baby’s head each time to use the beanie.

If your baby has a flat spot more to one side.

Place the Tortle beanie on your baby’s head with the support roll on the flat spot. This will probably be positioned midway between your baby’s ear and the back of your baby’s head. Close the front opening and pull the beanie down over the ears. Then tighten the adjustable straps for a snug fit.

Product Care

Hand or machine wash with cold water on the gentle cycle. Air dry.