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Flat Head Syndrome information
According to the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne Flat Head Syndrome (or plagiocephaly) is the most common craniofacial problem today, and literally means a misshapen or asymmetrical head shape. This condition most commonly occurs when baby adopts a favoured head position, and as a result the sides or back of the skull become mis-shapen from constant pressure in that one spot.
While sleeping infants on their back has dramatically reduced the occurrence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), the development of Flat Head Syndrome has become more common . Due to an increase in SIDS awareness, many infants now spent nearly 100 percent of their time on their backs.
Flat Head Syndrome can be potentially prevented through:
It is important to seek medical advice about any change in your baby’s head shape.
In the first six weeks after birth, it is not uncommon for baby’s head to appear slightly out of shape from the pressures of birth. This usually resolves by 6 weeks of age. However, because an infant’s skull is soft and malleable, deformities in shape can occur if baby begins to favour certain head positions.
Wearing a specially-made helmet for 22 hours a day can mould the head back into a rounded shape and reverse the effects of Flat Head Syndrome. This can be a very uncomfortable experience for the baby and expensive. Alternatively, parents can take preventative action by using the Baby-Head-Rest during infant’s sleep in the first four months.
The following suggestions are recommended to help reduce Flat Head Syndrome in infants, in conjunction with the Baby-Head-Rest.
Flat Head Syndrome is largely preventable with greater education on the issue and by frequent monitoring of head shape with weight, length and other measurements in the first few months after birth.
It is important to seek medical advice about any change in your baby’s head shape.
The gentle hollowed out and cradling design of the Baby-Head-Rest helps to eliminate the pressure on baby’s head that causes a flat spot condition in young infants. Unlike a pillow, the Baby-Head-Rest does not lift baby’s head, but provides comfort and balance as it lies naturally in the centre of the apple, allowing movement of the head to occur without restriction or discomfort. The contouring at the base of apple ensures that baby’s neck is also supported.
Recent research shows that Flat Head Syndrome may be an indicator for developmental delays in young children. Once the asymmetric flattening of the skull occurs, in extreme cases the only way to correct the mis-shaping is with helmet therapy, which can be expensive and often traumatic for young children. Using the Baby-Head-Rest from day one can reduce the risk of baby developing Flat Head Syndrome and the need for corrective treatment. Furthermore, if it a flat spot is noticed within the first few weeks of birth, using the Baby-Head-Rest may stop it from worsening and could result in correction.
The Baby-Head-Rest does not restrict the movement of baby’s head in any way.
The Baby-Head-Rest is recommended for use from newborn until baby is 4 months of age or has begun to roll. It should only be used while baby is on his / her back.
The Baby-Head-Rest can be used at any time baby is positioned on their back in cots, playing on the floor, in prams or even in car seats. Just place baby on back, and gently slip the Baby-Head-Rest under head so that the back of the skull is cradled gently by the hollow, with the smallest part of the apple resting under baby’s neck.
It is important to continue to sleep baby on back even if a flat spot occurs, and ensure that the position of baby’s head and skull shape is monitored frequently in conjunction with Baby-Head-Rest use.
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