Source: bing.comFlat head syndrome, also known as plagiocephaly, is a common condition that affects many newborns. It occurs when a baby’s head becomes flattened in one area, usually at the back or on one side. The condition is usually caused by spending long periods of time lying in the same position or by being positioned in the same way during sleep. The good news is that flat head syndrome is usually temporary and can be prevented, treated, and even reversed with proper care and treatment.
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When Do Babies Develop Flat Head?
Babies’ skulls are soft and pliable at birth, which allows them to pass through the birth canal safely. However, their skulls also make them vulnerable to developing flat head syndrome in the first few months of life. Babies are most at risk of developing flat head syndrome between the ages of 2 and 6 months, when they spend more time sleeping on their backs and less time sitting up or being carried. However, flat head syndrome can occur at any age before the skull bones fuse together, which is usually between the ages of 12 and 18 months.
What Causes Flat Head Syndrome?
There are several factors that can cause flat head syndrome in babies, including:
- Pressure on one part of the head from sleeping in the same position for too long.
- Being born prematurely, which can cause a baby’s skull to be even softer and more pliable.
- Developmental problems that affect the shape of a baby’s skull, such as craniosynostosis.
- Being positioned in the same way during sleep, such as always sleeping on the same side or with the head turned in the same direction.
It’s important to note that flat head syndrome is not caused by a lack of holding or carrying a baby or by using a car seat or other infant carrier. In fact, carrying a baby in a sling or carrier can actually help prevent flat head syndrome by allowing them to change positions more easily.
How Can Flat Head Syndrome Be Prevented?
Preventing flat head syndrome is all about avoiding putting too much pressure on one area of a baby’s head. Here are some tips to help prevent flat head syndrome:
- Change your baby’s position frequently during the day and while they sleep.
- Encourage your baby to spend time on their tummy during the day while they are awake and supervised.
- Avoid leaving your baby in a car seat or infant carrier for extended periods of time.
- Use a firm, flat sleep surface, such as a crib mattress, and avoid using soft bedding or pillows.
If your baby does develop flat head syndrome, don’t worry – there are treatments available. The most common treatment is repositioning, which involves changing your baby’s position frequently and encouraging them to spend more time on the unaffected side of their head. In more severe cases, a helmet or band may be recommended to help reshape the skull. However, these treatments are usually only recommended for babies with severe or persistent flat head syndrome.
The Bottom Line
Flat head syndrome is a common condition that affects many babies, but it’s usually temporary and can be prevented or treated with proper care and treatment. Remember to change your baby’s position frequently and encourage them to spend time on their tummy during the day while they are awake and supervised. If you’re concerned about your baby’s head shape, talk to your pediatrician. They can help you determine if your baby has flat head syndrome and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can flat head syndrome be reversed?
A: Yes, flat head syndrome can be reversed with proper care and treatment. Repositioning and encouraging your baby to spend more time on the unaffected side of their head are usually the first line of treatment. In more severe cases, a helmet or band may be recommended to help reshape the skull.
Q: Is flat head syndrome caused by a lack of holding or carrying a baby?
A: No, flat head syndrome is not caused by a lack of holding or carrying a baby. In fact, carrying a baby in a sling or carrier can actually help prevent flat head syndrome by allowing them to change positions more easily. Flat head syndrome is usually caused by spending long periods of time lying in the same position or by being positioned in the same way during sleep.
Q: When is a helmet or band recommended for flat head syndrome?
A: A helmet or band may be recommended for babies with severe or persistent flat head syndrome. However, these treatments are usually only recommended in more severe cases and after other treatments, such as repositioning, have been tried.
Q: Can flat head syndrome cause developmental delays?
A: There is no evidence to suggest that flat head syndrome causes developmental delays. However, it’s important to treat flat head syndrome to prevent it from becoming more severe and to ensure that your baby’s head shape returns to normal over time.
Q: How common is flat head syndrome?
A: Flat head syndrome is a common condition that affects many babies. It’s estimated that up to 50% of babies develop some form of flat head syndrome, although most cases are mild and do not require treatment.