Baby Flat Head Syndrome 

As parents we obviously want to give our best in caring for our baby, and to see that everything is in perfect order. Therefore, it is more than normal to worry if we notice that something is not quite right with our baby. Flat head syndrome, is in fact a quite common phenomenon, and in general it is relatively easy to treat and to fix. 

What causes flat head syndrome in babies? 

When they are born, babies skull are very soft, and therefore it is very easy for it to change shape and flatten thus causing baby’s flat head syndrome. Flat head syndrome  is also known as positional plagiocephaly. 

In general the main cause for the flat head is keeping the baby laying on their back for long periods of time. Putting a baby to sleep on their back is a MUST, because it is the safest way for  baby to sleep. You should NEVER put a baby to sleep on their stomach, as this increases the risk of SIDS and suffocation; regardless if there is risk to develop baby flat head syndrome. 

Another potential cause for baby flat head syndrome is torticollis.

What is torticollis and it’s connection to baby flat head syndrome 

Torticollis in babies is the tightening of a part of the neck muscles. When this happens a group of this muscles (usually on one side) are shorter and less developed than those of the other side. Thus causing the baby to keep their head tilted to one side and prefer to keep their head on that side, thus leading to flat spot in their head – be it in the back or on the sides. 

How are baby flat head syndrome and torticollis diagnosed?  

Baby flat head syndrome and torticollis are easily diagnosed from the pediatrician by simply looking at the baby, seing how both show visible signs, and it doesn’t need long examinations. In the case of the flat head syndrome, you can easily see the back or one of the sides of the head that is flatter than the rest, sometimes you can see that in that specific area there is less hair or is shorter. 

Torticollis on the other hand, can be easily seen because the baby has the tendency to keep their head tilted to one side and prefer it much more than the other. When the baby is to follow a toy or a person, it can be seen that they have difficulty in turning their head and neck on the less preferred side.  

Treating torticollis

Torticollis can be easily treated with specific neck and muscle exercises, which losen and lengthen the necessary muscle groups. So with some physiotherapy, a good follow up of the exercises and lots of patience from you mama, torticollis can be fixed.

How can I treat baby flat head syndrome?

More often than not baby’s flat head happens to get fixed naturally and by itself. If it is more than mild, the doctor might recommend the use of a helmet specifically for this, for a limited amount of time.  koka e sheshte e bebit ndodh te rregullohet e te shkoje ne forme me natyrle vete. Nese eshte shume e theksuar, apo nuk rregullohet vete, mjeku pediater mund te keshilloje mbajten e nje helmete te posacme per nje periudhe kohe te caktuar.

Do baby head shape pillows help prevent or treat flat head syndrome? 

Pillows are best advised to not be used until babies are 24 months old, and strongly recommended to absolutely not use under 12 months of age. Included here are pillows that are advertised as “head shaping pillows”. NHS and APP sources advise against the use of such pillows and say that they do not work as advertised. 

Is there anything we can do to treat the baby flat head syndrome or prevent it?

Of course there is! First and most important thing is to avoid babies laying on their backs for a long period when they are not sleeping. Secondly, baby tummy time not only helps with preventing baby flat head syndrome, but it also helps the head to get back to its round shape. Baby tummy time also helps with neck muscles by making them strong and helps them develop simultaneously.