How to Prevent Baby from Getting a Flat Head

Putting baby to sleep on her back plays a pivotal role in reducing the risk of SIDS. Placing a baby on its back in the crib has led to a dramatic increase in the number of babies developing flat heads, also called "plagiocephaly." In most cases, the issue will be self-corrected over time. However, there are a few things you can do to help avoid permanent flattening of the head.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Foam wedge or towel
• Mobile
• Tummy time mat
• Baby sling or front carrier

1. Change your baby's position in his crib each night before you put him to bed. Most babies tend to look to the outside of the crib; they want to see what's going on in the rest of the room. If your crib is against a wall, alternating which end of the crib your baby's head is placed will "trick" him into laying on different spots on his head.
2. Alternate the side of the crib in which you place the mobile. This is another way to get your baby to switch the side of her head on which she falls asleep.
3. Use a foam wedge, a rolled up blanket or towel or a sleep positioner to help prop your baby on one side, if she has flattening on the side of her head. You will want the part of the head that is not flat to rest on the mattress.
4. Try "wearing" your baby during the day. This is a practice of carrying your baby close to you in a sling or front carrier. These types of carriers help to keep pressure off the back of baby's head.
5. Give your baby as much "tummy-time" during the day as he can tolerate. Many babies object to playing on their tummies. To help your baby enjoy time on his belly, lay down across from him on your tummy and play games. Or place some of his favorite toys in front of him to keep him distracted.
6. Limit the time you keep your baby in car seats and swings as these cause added pressure to the back of the head.

Tips & Warnings

• Typically, babies start to develop noticeable flatness between two and four months of age and it could take as long as three years to correct itself.
• Thirty percent of babies show some form of head abnormalities. Usually, slightly misshapen heads are no cause for alarm and are self-correcting over time.
• If you are concerned about the shape of your baby's head, talk to your pediatrician.
• Most baby retail stores also carry special mats made especially for "tummy time." These mats typically have toys, fun and colorful graphics or noisemakers built into them to help keep baby's attention.
• There are some extreme cases of skull abnormalities that can cause baby's head to stop growing. This is called craniosynostosis and should be examined by a pediatric neurosurgeon.