Did you know that the one thing that can increase your baby’s risk of getting flat head syndrome is his or her inability to move around? If your baby is spending a lot of time in infant seats, swings, bouncers, and other stationary devices, it can trigger the condition, also known as positional plagiocephaly. Fortunately, this is easy to avoid with a little bit of foresight and planning.
What is Flat Head Syndrome?
Flat head syndrome, or positional plagiocephaly, is an abnormal head shape that’s caused by an infant spending too much time lying on their back, usually while sleeping. The condition affects the shape of an infant’s skull. It is not a serious condition, but it can cause your baby some discomfort, such as pressure and irritation on the back of the head if left untreated. There are two types of plagiocephaly that are caused by head position: unilateral (one side of the head is flat) and bilateral (both sides of the head are flat). If the baby has a unilateral flat head, the head is misshapen on one side due to pressure from the baby’s position in the uterus. If a baby in the uterus has its head pressed against one side of its mother’s abdomen for a long period, the pressure will cause one side of the baby’s head to flatten. After birth, when the baby lies on his or her back, the flattened side will show itself.
How Do You Know if Your Baby Has Flat Head Syndrome?
While the flat head syndrome is not a serious condition and is usually resolved with a few simple changes to your baby’s daily routine, it is important to be aware if your baby is at risk of developing the condition. Some of the signs of the flat head syndrome in babies include: – An obvious difference in the shape of your baby’s head: One side may be noticeably flatter or more rounded than the other side. – Irritability: Babies with flat heads may become irritable when lying on their backs while they sleep. – Headaches: Babies with flat heads may develop headaches from the pressure on their scalps. – Poor sleeping habits: Babies with flat heads may have more trouble sleeping than other babies.
What Can You Do to Prevent Flat Head Syndrome?
As with most health problems, prevention is the best option. Though most babies are not diagnosed with flat head syndrome, there are a few things you can do to lower the risk of your baby developing the condition. – Make sure your baby sleeps on his or her back: Babies should always be placed on their backs to sleep. It’s best not to put your baby in an infant seat or bouncer, as they don’t allow for much movement. – Place your baby in an infant seat with their head facing towards the direction they will eventually face when they’re walking. If you’re not sure what this means, put your baby on his or her back and face the direction they will be when they start walking. – Turn your baby on their tummies while they are awake: This will prevent muscle atrophy, which can occur when a baby only lies on their back. – Don’t let your baby spend too much time in car seats. This is because car seats are generally placed in one position.
Using a Baby Bouncer to Help Prevent Flat Head Syndrome
Bouncers are a popular baby gear item and a great way to keep your baby calm and happy while you get things done around the house. No matter what position you put your baby in, they may still be at risk for developing the flat head syndrome. Fortunately, there are bouncers that can help prevent the flat head syndrome. These bouncers come with a headrest that can be adjusted to allow your baby to move their head freely while sitting. The best bouncers for preventing flat head syndrome will have a removable headrest that allows you to adjust the position. You can also switch up the toys and other items on the tray to keep your baby engaged and interested.
These are very good baby bouncers.
Using An Infant Seat to Help Prevent Flat Head Syndrome
If you have to put your baby in an infant seat, try to position him or her with their head turned towards the direction they will be facing when they start walking. This will help ensure their head remains in the proper position. The best infant seats for preventing flat head syndrome have a wide, fully-reclining seat and a headrest that can be properly adjusted. Also, keep in mind that an infant seat should only be used for short periods of time. You don’t want to overuse the seat, as this will put your baby at risk of many health problems.
Using An Anti-Flat Pillow
There are pillows to prevent this syndrome. You should supervise your baby while they use them. Since baby’s heads are bigger than their body’s volume, they don’t need pillows for sleeping so be sure it’s only used temporarily while you have to do any other activity and you can’t give 100% attention to your baby.
Conclusion
The flat head syndrome is a condition that can usually be easily prevented by putting your baby on their back to sleep and not letting them spend too much time in infant seats and car seats. While there is no certain way to know if your baby will develop the flat head syndrome, there are telltale signs that can help you determine if it is something to be concerned about. If your baby shows signs of the flat head syndrome, there are a few things you can do to help prevent it from getting worse. First, make sure that when your baby sleeps, he or she is on their back. Next, try switching up your baby’s daily routine. This will help keep your baby engaged and interested, and it will also help keep their muscles from getting too stiff.
