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
    • BabyBjorn Bouncer ($200)
    • Graco Glider LX ($140)
    • Fisher-Price Snugapuppy ($160)
    • MamaRoo ($220)
  • In-Bed Sleepers
    • DockATot ($175)
    • Snuggle Me Organic ($156)
    • SwaddleMe By Your Side Sleeper ($55)

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.