Flat head syndrome (plagiocephaly) can be caused by a baby sleeping on their backs, and over time, their heads may flatten on one side.
However, flat heads in babies are more often caused by infant torticollis, or tight neck muscles. When a baby does not have good control of the neck muscles, it may cause them to tilt their head to one side or look in one direction when they lie down. This can cause some asymmetry in your baby’s head. Most babies who have this condition are born with it, as it can be a result of how they were positioned in the uterus.
You can help relieve this condition at home by tilting your baby’s head to the opposite side while they’re sleeping and encourage them to look in both directions during the day. More severe cases of torticollis may require treatment with a physical therapist, where they will examine your baby’s range of motion and practice exercises to get them to expand their movement.
Here are some other safer ways to treat flat head syndrome in your baby:
- Change your baby's head position while they sleep. When your baby is sleeping on their back, you can change it from left to right, then back to left. If your baby is moving around at night, place them on the head's rounded side touching the mattress. Don't use wedge pillows to maintain their body in one position.
- Hold your baby as often as possible. Minimize the time your baby spends on their back. When you pick up your baby often, this will minimize pressure on their head.
- Vary your baby's crib position. Take note of how you lay your baby down in the crib. Always position your baby in the right way to encourage turning the head to the side that has not flattened.
- Have some tummy time. Allow your baby to spend some time lying on their stomach while awake. Sing or talk to your baby, or hold up fun toys to catch their attention and encourage head movement.
- Many parents consider using baby pillows to prevent flat heads in their infants. However, it is usual for some babies to develop slightly flat areas on their heads when they sleep on their backs. This usually resolves itself after a few months, as they begin to sit up and crawl on their own.
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