Flat Head Syndrome is an extremely common problem in infants today, affecting nearly 50% of all babies who sleep on their backs. However, it is still not something that is widely known about and understood. Every new parent should be aware of the possibility of flat head syndrome so they can look out for it and take steps to prevent it. It’s important to look at your newborn baby’s head from different angles including from above on a regular basis, so you can be aware if their head shape is changing.
What is Flat Head Syndrome?
This is actually an umbrella term for a group of conditions that cause some kind of flattening or misshaping of an infant’s head. The most common medical names for these conditions are plagiocephaly and brachycephaly. The head flattening is usually caused by pressure to the baby’s skull, either before or after birth. Particularly for the first few months of life, the baby’s skull is very soft and malleable, and can be deformed by repeated pressure placed on the same area.
Why is this such a big problem now?
It has only been since the mid 1990s that pediatricians have recommended placing babies on their backs to sleep rather than on their stomachs or sides. This is still the recommended sleeping position, because it decreases the infant’s risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) dramatically. However, sleeping on the back has caused the incidence of flat head syndrome to rise dramatically because babies spend so much time with pressure on the back of their head.
What can you do to prevent Flat Head Syndrome?
One of the most important things that parents and caregivers can do to prevent this condition is to make sure you are varying the baby’s position so that there is not constant pressure on one part of the head. You can rotate the baby’s position in the crib as babies want to face out into the room and towards the door. If you alternate the side of the crib where the baby’s head is, this can help to vary the pressure on a single part of the skull.
Avoid using containers such as car seats, bouncy seats, swings, and rockers as much as possible. If you are using them, you can get special types of pillows that will keep the pressure off the back of the head. Pillows should always be used when the baby is supervised.
Tummy time is also very important to do regularly. You should start tummy time as early as possible, ideally even when the baby is still in the hospital. Do tummy time for frequent but very short sessions in the beginning until the baby gets used to it. The later you wait to start, the more babies are apt to dislike it. You can do tummy time with the baby laying on your chest or lap if it makes it more comfortable for the baby. Tummy time is critical not just to keep pressure off the back of the head, but also to ensure proper infant development.
What should you do if you notice a flat spot on your baby’s head?
It’s important to notify your pediatrician as soon as you notice your baby’s head developing a flat spot. Your pediatrician can help you assess the severity and refer you to a specialist if possible. In most cases if the baby is very young, the first course of action is more tummy time, repositioning, and possibly even physical therapy. If the baby is a little older, around 4-6 months, helmet therapy might be advised.
Parents and caregivers can learn more about preventing, dealing with, and treating Flat Head Syndrome on the website http://www.babyflathead.org/.
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