What is flat head syndrome?

Flat head syndrome, or positional plagiocephaly, is a disorder that affects a baby's skull, making the back or side of their head look flat.

This happens because young babies spend a lot of their time lying on their backs, putting pressure on their skulls at a time when they are still soft and malleable.

In recent years, the number of babies suffering from flat head syndrome has substantially increased. Since the Back to Sleep campaign aimed at reducing cot death, young babies now spend much of their early lives lying on their backs while sleeping. Keeping your baby in a car seat for long periods also means he's putting pressure on the back of his head.

Balance bed and car seat time by giving him lots of tummy time when he's awake. A rolled up towel, put under the head end of the mattress may also help him sleep with less pressure on the flattest part of his head.

Physiotherapy can also be useful for babies who struggle to turn their heads one way and always lie on the same side of their head.

Another tip is that if you notice your baby's head is flatter on one side than the other, try moving his toys to the other side of the cot to encourage him to turn his head.

Helmets, which aim to correct flat head syndrome, are also available, but whether they are beneficial is controversial.

Check here at netdoctor.co.uk for more information about positional plagiocephaly. 

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