Infant Flat Head Syndrome, also known as positional plagiocephaly, is a common condition that affects many infants. It involves a flattening or asymmetry of the baby’s head, often caused by prolonged pressure on one area. Here, we take a closer look at this condition and its various aspects:
Causes: The primary cause of Flat Head Syndrome is external pressure on the baby’s soft and pliable skull. This pressure can result from a baby consistently resting their head in one position, either during sleep or while in a car seat, stroller, or bouncer. Some infants may also have predisposing factors, such as torticollis (tightening of neck muscles) or prematurity.
Types: There are two main types of Infant Flat Head Syndrome:
- Plagiocephaly: This type involves a flattening on one side of the baby’s head, creating a parallelogram-like shape.
- Brachycephaly: Brachycephaly results in a flattening at the back of the head, leading to a wider and shorter appearance.
Prevention: Preventing Flat Head Syndrome involves various strategies, including repositioning the baby’s head during sleep and awake times, providing supervised tummy time, and limiting the amount of time the baby spends in car seats and other baby gear.
Treatment: If Flat Head Syndrome persists or worsens, your pediatrician may recommend treatment options. These can include physical therapy to address torticollis and repositioning techniques, or in more severe cases, the use of a specialized helmet to gently reshape the baby’s head over time.
Reassurance: While the appearance of newborn flat head. can be concerning for parents, it’s essential to understand that, in most cases, it is a cosmetic issue and does not affect the baby’s brain development or intellectual abilities.
Infant Flat Head Syndrome is a condition that can often be managed and treated effectively. Early awareness, prevention, and consultation with healthcare professionals are key to addressing this common issue in infants.
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