Protecting your baby's head shape
Some babies develop different shaped head from too much time spent lying on one part of their head. This leads to "positional head-flattening". Information below is on preventing flat heads in babies and is taken from the leaflet produced by Education for Change Ltd. Ask your LMC for the leaflet or to visit their website: Click Here
How can this happen?
The baby's skull bones are quite thin and soft. By laying the baby on the same side puts pressure on them and this changes the shape of the head.
How does it develop?
The problem occurs when babies prefer a certain head position. Babies may be born with a slight flat spot due to moulding during delivery. This makes the babies rest more easily on that spot. Resting their head in one area due to preference or because it is easier in that position leads to development of flat area on the head.
How can it be prevented?
There is no evidence that head flattening causes harm but most parents like to prevent it. From birth vary the baby's head position when the babies are put down to rest for sleep. Babies may need your help at first until they can change the head position on their own. As babies get older the problem goes as they are able to move about, sit up and change position. Ways you can help babies initially while they are small are:
- Gently turn your baby's head to vary where it rests when your baby is sleeping. The rhyme suggested in the leaflet by Education for Change Ltd may help to maintain a regular habit of this. "In the night, towards the right, in the day, the other way".
- Change where you put the things your baby likes to look at. The baby may change head position to face towards interesting things.
- Give your baby "tummy time" when your baby is awake. However make sure your baby does not fall asleep while having "tummy time".
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What can I do if the flat spot develops?
The baby's head needs to be checked at birth for any flat spot. If flat spot is present then treatment can start immediately. The treatment is the same as for prevention. Gently turn your baby's head to avoid pressure on the flat spot.
If there has been no prevention or no treatment in the early stages, the head may change shape. Parents usually notice this when their baby is 2-3 months of age. Your doctor may refer the baby to a paediatrician.
Summary
Education is the best way to prevent flat heads, Parents who know about the problem and take steps to prevent it, can avoid it for the baby.
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