Babies with Flattened Heads (Positional Plagiocephaly)

1/06/2010

Positional Plagiocephaly is a disorder in which the back or one side of a baby's head is flattened, often with little hair growing in the area. Constant pressure on one area of a baby's skull can flatten or deform it, due to the thinness and softness of the bones of babies' skulls.

Options for preventing flattened heads:

It is important to vary baby's position so that baby is not always resting on the same part of the occiput (back of the head).

Turn baby's head to alternate sides when putting baby to bed (on the back), in order to prevent prolonged pressure on the same spot.

Week about, put baby to bed at alternate ends of the cot (feet to the bottom of the cot). This varies their head position as they turn towards sounds, activity, or a favourite image (mobile, picture etc.).

"Tummy time" while baby is awake and being supervised is very important. This not only allows an infant to strengthen many muscles which are not used when lying on the back, but also gives the back of the head time without external pressure pushing against it. Strong neck muscles and good head control may also reduce the risk of SIDS. Even if baby does not enjoy "tummy time", it is important to persist and gradually increase the time spent on the tummy during "awake" times.