As a parent, you may have heard of babies developing a “flat head,” also known as positional plagiocephaly or brachycephaly. If you’re worried about this happening to your baby, you’re not alone. The good news is that understanding why it happens, the differences between plagiocephaly and brachycephaly, and how to prevent it can give you peace of mind and keep your baby’s head nice and round.
Why Do Some Babies Develop a Flat Head?
Babies’ skulls are soft and flexible, allowing them to pass through the birth canal and grow rapidly in the first year of life. However, this softness also makes their heads more vulnerable to becoming flat in certain areas, especially when they spend a lot of time in the same position.
Here are a few reasons why this might happen:
- Sleeping Position: The most common cause of a flat head is consistently sleeping in the same position. Since the “Back to Sleep” campaign in the 1990s, which recommended placing babies on their backs to sleep to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), more infants have been developing flat spots on the backs or sides of their heads.
- Limited Tummy Time: Tummy time is when your baby lies on their stomach while awake, helping to strengthen their neck and shoulder muscles. If a baby doesn’t get enough tummy time, they might spend more time lying on their back, increasing the risk of developing a flat spot.
- Preference for One Side: Some babies prefer to turn their heads to one side, either due to tight neck muscles (a condition called torticollis) or simply out of habit. This preference can lead to uneven pressure on one part of the head, causing it to flatten.
- Extended Time in Car Seats or Bouncers: While convenient, spending too much time in car seats, swings, or bouncers can contribute to flattening as these devices keep the baby in a reclined position for long periods.
Plagiocephaly vs. Brachycephaly: What’s the Difference?
When discussing flat head syndrome, it’s important to understand that there are two main types: plagiocephaly and brachycephaly. While they may sound similar, they have distinct differences.
- Plagiocephaly: This condition involves the flattening of one side of the baby’s head, often resulting in an asymmetrical appearance. If you look at your baby’s head from above, you might notice that one side is flatter than the other, and sometimes, the ears may be misaligned, with one ear appearing more forward than the other.
- Brachycephaly: Brachycephaly, on the other hand, involves a flattening across the entire back of the head, leading to a broader and shorter appearance from above. The head may look wider than usual, and the back of the head may appear almost straight instead of gently rounded.
Both conditions are caused by the same factors—mainly, prolonged pressure on one area of the head. However, the difference in the pattern of flattening leads to the distinct appearances of plagiocephaly and brachycephaly.
How Can Parents Help Prevent a Flat Head?
Preventing flat spots is often as simple as varying your baby’s position throughout the day. Here are some practical tips to help keep your little one’s head shape nice and round:
- Encourage Tummy Time: Start tummy time early and aim for several short sessions each day. Tummy time not only helps prevent flat spots but also promotes motor development and strengthens the muscles your baby will need to crawl and sit up.
- Vary Sleep Positions: While your baby should always sleep on their back, try to vary the direction in which they lie in the crib. For example, place your baby’s head at the opposite end of the crib each night. This can encourage them to turn their head to a different side to look at their surroundings.
- Switch Up Holding Positions: When holding or feeding your baby, alternate the side on which you hold them. This can help prevent them from developing a preference for one side and balance out the pressure on their head.
- Limit Time in Car Seats and Bouncers: While it’s okay to use car seats, swings, and bouncers when necessary, try to minimize the time your baby spends in these devices. Instead, carry your baby in your arms or a baby carrier, which distributes pressure more evenly across their body.
- Consider Repositioning Aids: If your baby shows a preference for one side, you can use rolled-up towels or a specially designed infant pillow to gently encourage them to turn their head in the opposite direction while they’re awake and supervised. However, it’s important to avoid using these aids during sleep, as they can pose a suffocation risk.
- Consult a Healthcare Provider: If you notice your baby consistently favors one side or if a flat spot is developing despite your efforts, it’s a good idea to consult your pediatrician. They can assess whether your baby might need physical therapy or, in rare cases, a custom-fitted helmet to help reshape the head.
Positional plagiocephaly and brachycephaly are common conditions, but with a little proactive effort, you can help keep your baby’s head shape round and healthy. By incorporating tummy time, varying positions, and staying mindful of how much time your baby spends lying on their back, you can give your little one the best start possible—one that’s both safe and well-rounded!
Remember, every baby is different, and some may naturally develop flat spots despite your best efforts. If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance and support. After all, your baby’s health and happiness are what matter most!