Flat head syndrome, also known as plagiocephaly, develops when one side of a baby’s head grows flat. This commonly occurs when the baby sleeps in the same position all the time, putting pressure on a particular part of their head.
Even while it may appear frightening, it is usually harmless and has no effect on the baby’s brain. It’s also rather common, with approximately 15-20% of babies having it. Most of the time, it improves on its own as the baby becomes more mobile. In this post, we will look at how to recognize a flat head, what causes it, and how to treat it.
Causes of Flat Head Syndrome
Positional Plagiocephaly (Most Common)
1. Sleeping on the back: Babies commonly get this syndrome when they sleep on their backs. When babies sleep on their backs, it is thought to be the safest approach to avoid SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), but it can sometimes flatten one side of their head because they aren’t moving much.
2. Torticollis: This is when a baby’s neck muscles are stiff, making it difficult to turn their head. As a result, they may always be in the same position, causing a flat spot to grow over time.
Congenital Plagiocephaly (Rare)
1. Early fusion of skull plates: Sometimes newborns are born with their skull plates fused together prematurely. This disorder, known as craniosynostosis, stops the skull from growing properly, causing the head to appear malformed. It differs from flat head syndrome caused by sleeping patterns and may require surgery to correct.
2. Position in the womb: Occasionally, a baby’s head can get flattened before birth because of how they were positioned in the womb, especially if there wasn’t much space, like in multiple pregnancies.
How Do You Identify A Flat Head?
When identifying flat head syndrome, look at the baby’s head for signs. Look for a flat spot on the back or side of the head, and take a look if it appears uneven or asymmetrical. Also, carefully touch the baby’s head to look for any unusual bumps or ridges. These are signs that can help you figure out if your newborn has this syndrome.
Treatment Options for Flat Head Syndrome
Repositioning Techniques
1. Tummy time: Let the baby lie on their tummy while they’re awake. Supervise them and help them take the pressure off of their backs, when necessary.
2. Alternating crib position: The baby’s head should face a different direction each time they sleep, thus you need to change which end of the crib they are facing. They can avoid lying on the same part of their head all the time by doing this. Reducing the pressure on one area of their skull can help prevent or treat flat head syndrome.
Helmet Therapy (Severe Cases)
Custom-molded helmet: In more serious cases, doctors might suggest a special helmet. This helmet is made to fit the baby’s head snugly and gently helps reshape it by putting slight pressure on certain areas of the head.
When Should You See A Doctor?
In order to notice a flat spot, you have to keep an eye on how your baby’s head looks as they grow. If you notice a flat spot or their head looks uneven, or if they have trouble turning their head, then you should talk to your doctor.
Conclusion
Finally, here’s how you can help prevent flat head syndrome in babies: First, give them plenty of tummy time during the day while they are awake. This means allowing them to lie on their stomachs for a few moments while you watch. It relieves pressure on the back of their head.
Another idea is to set up activities that strengthen the baby’s neck muscles. Sometimes, these exercises can be complicated, so speak with your doctor about safe neck exercises for your baby. Strong neck muscles make it easier for them to turn their head, keeping flat spots from developing.
