Flat Head Syndrome

Flat Head Syndrome

Some babies develop flattening of the head (usually on the back left or back right).
If uncorrected, this may require a helmet to mold the head back to normal.

What Causes Flat Head Syndrome?

Many people imagine that a child lying on a firm, flat surface causes head flattening.
In reality, however, the main cause of head flattening is spending too much time in equipment.
For this reason, we recommend against spending excessive time in any of the following baby products:
- Swings, Rockers, Bouncers, Floor Chairs
- In-Bed Sleepers

Preventing Flat Head Syndrome

There are several important ways you can prevent this problem from developing:
- Avoid the baby containers listed above.
- Tummy time all the time, starting at two weeks of life.
  - Tummy time is the foundation for gross and fine motor development in the first year of life.
    - When
      - Whenever she is awake and quiet.
      - These periods happen more often starting at 2 weeks of life.
    - How long
      - Leave your baby in tummy time until she begins to cry.
      - We want your baby to "feel the burn" from the exercise!
    - Technique
      - Place your baby in the push up position on a hard, flat surface.
        
        Many parents make the mistake of choosing a surface that is too soft, which prevents baby from generating the force needed to hold their head and chest off the mat.
      - Keep your baby's head facing forward.
      - When she moves her face to one side of the other, move it back to center position.
- Alternate the arm you hold your baby in, generally speaking and in regards to bottle feeding.
  - This way they won't always be looking in the same direction (up at you!).
- Rotate your baby 180º in the sleep environment every night.
  - Babies look toward familiar smells, sounds, and sights.
  - Rotating your baby ensures these cues are on both sides from night to night.

Last updated on November 28, 2023