Evaluating the effectiveness of gel pillows for reducing bilateral head flattening in preterm infants: a randomized controlled pilot study.

This study evaluated the effectiveness of gel pillows for reducing bilateral head molding (plagiocephaly) in preterm infants, as determined by the cephalic index (CI). Eighty-one infants weighing <1,500 g were randomly assigned at birth to usual care on a standard mattress (n = 40) or to placement on a gel pillow (n = 41). The CI was measured with a digimatic caliper upon entry and weekly thereafter, until infants had been transferred or discharged.