Fighting flat head

It is relatively common for babies to be born with misshapen, or uneven, heads. Flat head syndrome, known as plagiocephaly, can develop while the baby is still in the uterus, during birth or, more typically, after birth when a baby spends time in the one position in their cot placing pressure on the skull.

The problem develops because the bones of a newborn bub’s head are soft and pliable. Fortunately, in many instances, it can be corrected by ensuring your baby’s head position is varied whether they are asleep or awake.

Simple things to do to help prevent your baby developing plagiocephaly include:

• Change sleep positions. Alternate the position of your baby’s head between the left and right sides when you place them on their back in their cot to sleep. If you notice your baby automatically turns their head to the right, ensure their head is turned to the left the next time they have a sleep;

• Change their view. Be aware of visual stimulation – babies like to gaze at fixed objects such as windows, toys or wall murals, so change what they look at by placing your baby at alternate ends of the cot to sleep. Also try moving the cot to a new position in the room;

• Take some tummy time. Give your baby plenty of time to play on their tummy or side when they’re awake. Again, alternate locations so they don’t fixate on one object; and

• Break holding patterns. When cradling your baby, try to alternate the arm in which you hold them. The same goes for when you’re breast feeding.

In many instances, using these counter positioning techniques can help, but if you have any concerns about the development of your baby’s head, check with your maternal health nurse, paediatrician or other health professional because more severe cases may need to be treated using a correctional helmet.