WHAT IS Flat Head (Positional Plagiocephaly)?

All babies are born with soft mouldable heads to allow for childbirth.   Baby may be born with a misshapen head due to his position in the uterus during pregnancy or due to the moulding of his head during delivery.  Their head should return to a normal shape by 6 weeks after childbirth.  The babies skull bones are very thin and flexible AND newborn babies are unable to control their head position so they tend to roll to the side.  If baby spends prolonged periods of time in the same position that side of the head can develop a flat spot and the head shape can become asymmetrical.  Baby should be able to turns his head in both directions at 6 weeks, if they are unable to it may be due to a tight neck muscle (congenital torticollis - in which case you should see your Paediatric Physiotherapist.) or positional plagiocephaly.   If you look at babies head from above the ears should be even, if one ear or side of the face is further forward then your baby has flat head syndrome.  There is no evidence to suggest that plagiocephaly leads to  brain damage at all.

WHAT CAN YOU DO FOR FLAT HEAD (POSITIONAL PLAGIOCEPHALY)? 

Vary babies head position:

·         You must ensure that baby sleeps on their back to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) but aim to alternate which side baby is looking with each sleep. This should be commenced from birth.

·         As the baby develops he will tend to look toward light, colourful objects, toys, the door etc so place your baby at alternate ends of the cot as they will tend to look out towards these objects.

·         Tummy time is important when baby is awake and supervised – this takes the pressure off baby’s soft head.  This position is also important for baby’s development as it strengthens the back and neck muscles, especially if you play with baby to encourage him to lift his head and tickle his back.  Start tummy time for just a few minutes several times a day and slowly build up as baby tolerates it better.  To start with you may need to place a roll under baby’s chest.

·         Place baby in side lying (alternate) sides when awake and supervised.  You may need to place a rolled towel behind and in front of baby so he does not roll.

·         Alternate each side when feeding baby.

·         Vary your holding and carrying positions e.g. - hold baby upright, on their tummy over your arm or in a sling.

·         Place a roll around their head in the car seat to keep head in ‘neutral’

The most rapid head growth is in the first 12 months so it is important to commence the above tips immediately.  If you are concerned about the shape of your baby’s head please see your local paediatric Physiotherapist who will show you more positioning, massage and stretches to easily treat the problem.

 I recommend the use of the 'Baby Head Rest' pillow in the first 4 months to prevent or correct mild flat head syndrome, please see the pillows and comforts section of the website to purchase.

Disclaimer  

Tummies, Mummies and Bubbies have provided these articles for general information only and they should in no way be considered as a substitute for the advice and information your physiotherapist and or doctor will supply about your particular condition. It is recommended that you always seek professional advice.

While every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate, Tummies, Mummies and Bubbies accept no responsibility and cannot guarantee the consequences if you choose to rely upon these contents as your sole source of information.