Flathead in Babies

Some babies will develop a flat spot on their head.

The medical term for flathead in babies is positional plagiocephaly. Your baby has this if he develops a flat spot on his head or if his head becomes asymmetrical from external pressure, according to the Baby Center website. Some babies are born with an abnormally shaped head that usually corrects itself in about six weeks. If your baby has a flat head longer than that, or if his head starts to become flat after six weeks, you will need to take your baby to his doctor.

Causes

A common cause for plagiocephaly is laying your baby down on her back too often. Ever since parents started laying their babies down in the crib on their backs, the incidences of flathead increased fivefold, says Dr. Michael Edwards, a pediatric neurosurgeon in California, on the Baby Center website. Babies have a soft skull, so when they are constantly on their backs, they can develop a flat spot on their head. Premature babies are more prone to develop a flathead. Other reasons for flathead are not enough room in the uterus due to multiple fetuses or if the baby was breech.

What to Do

You should take your baby to the doctor and ask for a referral to a pediatric neurosurgeon or a craniofacial specialist as soon as you notice the flat spot, advises the Baby Center website. Even though most cases clear up as soon as your baby starts crawling, sitting and spending less time on his back, you want to be on the safe side. The specialist will be able to tell you right away if your baby will need special treatment or not.

If the Case is Mild

For mild cases of plagiocephaly, your doctor will probably instruct you on how to reposition your baby during sleep time. You will probably want to put your baby on her side, rather than her back. Place a rolled up towel or blanket behind her to try to keep her from rolling back onto her back. You will also want to keep your baby on her stomach when you are there to supervise whenever possible. Your baby will strengthen her neck muscles by being on her tummy. With a stronger neck, your baby will be able to move her head around more during sleep. A change in positions is good for this condition, reports the Kids Health website. Be aware of how much time she spends in her car seat, stroller or swing, where her head could be leaning back.

For Severe Cases

More severe cases of flathead may require your baby to wear a custom-fitted headband for 23 or 24 hours a day, usually for two to six months, to correct the skull, according to the Baby Center website.

Considerations

The earlier you catch plagiocephaly, the easier it will be to treat it. When started early, the success rate is high. If you start the treatment late, after 18 months, your baby’s head may never be symmetrical. When your baby gets older, his hair will probably cover any flatness.

References

• Baby Center: Plagiocephaly
• Kids Health: Positional Plagiocephaly

Resources

• CAPPS: Have You Ever Heard of Craniosynostosis
• Positional Plagiocephaly Parent's Support