New parents tend to observe differences in their infant's head shape and might be concerned about whether they should be worried about it. Flat spots on a baby's head, also referred to as positional plagiocephaly or brachycephaly, might arise for different reasons. Although the condition is prevalent, most parents will be concerned about whether something should be done and how to correct it.
An infant's skull is soft and pliable, facilitating birth and making space for brain development. Some factors, though, lead to the formation of flat spots, such as:
● Prolonged Time on One Side: Infants who lie on their backs or in one position for extended periods tend to develop one-sided flattening of the head.
● Limited Tummy Time: When a baby is not provided with adequate supervised tummy time throughout the day, there is less time to relieve pressure on the back of the head.
● In-Utero Positioning: Babies, in some cases, can develop a flat spot due to how they are positioned in the womb, especially when there are multiple babies or a lack of space.
● Torticollis: When the neck muscles become tight or shortened, the baby might prefer turning the head to one side, resulting in uneven skull pressure.
● Use of Car Seats and Carriers: Prolonged sitting in car seats, swings, or bouncers can cause pressure on the skull.
Most parents are concerned about whether the intervention will work if they observe flattening after a few months. The best news is that flat head syndrome can be improved with repositioning methods and physical therapy in most instances.
● Encouraging additional tummy time when the baby is awake can help alleviate pressure on the back of the head.
● Alternating the position of the head at night and the baby's position in the crib will help to minimise extended pressure on one spot.
● In case there are worries regarding neck stiffness, a paediatrician can advise exercises that will enhance mobility and balance head positioning.
Early intervention can be helpful, but parents will be curious if there is a time when it is too late to fix a flat head. Although the skull is soft during infancy, considerable improvement is noted until around 12 months. After that, changes are slower, and remedies could be limited.
● Repositioning is optimal when a baby's skull is still very flexible in the first few months.
● If flattening is severe after six months, a paediatrician can determine if additional treatment, like helmet therapy, will be required.
● As the skull becomes harder with time, small asymmetries do not produce medical problems and lessen as hair grows longer.
At six months old, the skull is still maturing, although strategies for intervention may have to be modified. Repositioning may have diminishing effects, and in some situations, extra intervention will be required.
● Paediatric Assessment: Where the flattening is substantial, a paediatrician will advise on additional assessment.
● Helmet Treatment: On occasion, specially constructed helmet moulds can be prescribed to gradually influence head shape adjustment by putting pressure on it.
● Physical Therapy: If a baby has tight neck muscles contributing to the condition, specific exercises can improve the range of movement and diminish unequal pressure on the skull.
For parents worried about the shape of their baby's head, Cloudnine offers specialist paediatric consultations to evaluate growth and advise on appropriate interventions. The paediatric experts provide tips on repositioning, physical therapy and general baby care. Where necessary, Cloudnine facilitates families with professional assessments to avoid compromising the best interests of their babies.
Parents can adopt easy precautions to prevent or minimise the chances of flat spots forming:
● Increase Tummy Time: Encouraging supervised tummy time multiple times a day strengthens neck muscles and eases pressure on the skull.
● Alternate Sleeping Positions: Positioning the baby's head in varying directions when laying it down to sleep can ease pressure distribution.
● Hold the Baby More Often: Holding the baby in upright positions rather than extended periods in car seats or swings can ease constant pressure on the skull.
● Facilitate Head Movement: Encouraging the baby to move their head in either direction with toys and interactions stimulates balanced development.
If parents identify ongoing flattening or asymmetry despite home-based interventions, seeking professional help is advisable to understand the next course of action. Cloudnine provides paediatric consultation to assist parents in addressing the issue and bringing about optimal growth for the baby.
Flathead syndrome is a prevalent issue for parents, but if treated early, most cases improve with time. Cloudnine offers specialist paediatric care to assist families in treating concerns and maximising developmental outcomes for their babies. If you have concerns regarding the shape of your baby's head, arranging a consultation with Cloudnine specialists can offer reassurance and advice.
By being proactive and not hesitating to seek professional advice when necessary, parents can facilitate their baby's healthy growth.
Flat spots on a baby's head may arise as a result of constant pressure on one part, in-utero position, tightness of the neck muscles (torticollis) or frequent lying in one position.
Mild cases of flat head syndrome usually improve as the babies grow, become more active in moving their heads by themselves, and spend time in various positions. Sometimes, intervention is necessary to promote improvement.
Promoting tummy time, changing the sleeping position, limiting time in car seats and interacting with the baby to promote head movement can prevent flat spots.
If the baby shows a lot of flattening, noticeable asymmetry, or has trouble turning their head, you should discuss it with a paediatrician to decide if anything needs to be done.
Yes, but repositioning might be less successful. In some instances, doctors may recommend a helmet or physical therapy for more organised correction.
No, helmet therapy is not always necessary for every baby with a flat head. It is often advised in severe cases if repositioning has not produced improvement.
