The infant with a flat head

As a parent, being concerned about your baby’s health and normal development is an important parameter. An infant with a flat head may develop a condition known as plagiocephaly, where the head appears flat from the side. A flat head from the back is called brachycephaly. This flattening of the head, whether on the back or side, typically occurs due to consistent pressure on that area. Understanding the causes and addressing “the infant with a flat head” early can help ensure healthy head development and prevent long-term complications.

Understanding Flat Head Syndrome in Infants

Positional plagiocephaly, also named deformational plagiocephaly, is the most general type
of flat-head. Congenital plagiocephaly, also named craniosynostosis, is a rare condition in which the
fibrous spaces between the bony structure of the skull, called sutures, close prematurely.
The outcome is an abnormal head shape.

When it Appears:

When a 6–8-week-old baby the parents start observing it. In the Asia population, it’s the
most common practice to make the newborn head flat from the back to make the head
beautiful but it’s a wrong practice as it minimizes the fine skills of the newborn.

Causes:

Sleeping Posture: Babies who sleep more on their backs or sides are likelier to
develop flat head syndrome.

• Premature Birth: Premature babies are more prone to flat-head syndrome because their skulls are delicate and still developing, they are more prone to requiring hospitalization in the neonatal ICU due to their prematurity.

• Twin pregnancy: In twin pregnancy the uterus space is tight, and the baby’s skull is compressed which increases the risk of developing the flat head syndrome.

• Congenital Torticollis: The condition is shorter neck muscles that are stiff and imbalanced so difficulty in movement of the head causes a flat head.

• Genetics: A family history may contribute to the development of flathead syndrome.
  
• No tummy time.

• Instrumental delivery during instrumental delivery puts pressure on the skull.

 Symptoms:

• Flattening of the Head: A flattened area on the back or side of the head.
• Misalignment of Head Shape: The head with one side being more pronounced than the other.
• Ear and Eye Misalignment: The ears and eyes might seem misaligned because of the flat shape of the head.
• Bare Area: Flathead has less or no hair in that area.
• Hard rides on the head.

Diagnosis:

A paediatrician usually makes a diagnosis on a physical examination of a flat head.

Treatment:

• Repositioning: Regularly changing the position of your baby’s head while they sleep can help prevent flat head syndrome. I am more likely to use a bouncer chair or sitting chair to avoid this.
• Exercises: In certain situations, such as torticollis doctors advise stretching exercises that aid in movement and enhance head shape and neck mobility.
• Mounding Therapy: In severe cases, doctors may recommend a helmet or bands to help reshape the head.

Prevention Tips:

• Alternate Sleeping Positions: To prevent this, change the sleeping posture. If the baby sleeps on the right side, then flat or up the right side of the baby court so the baby sleeps on the left side.
• . Use a Firm Mattress: Use a firm mattress to help reduce the risk of flat head syndrome.
• Avoid Prolonged Use of Car Seats: Limit the extended use of car seats, as this can lead to a flat head. Instead of this use a bouncer chair or sitting seat.
• Encourage Tummy Time: Try to give tummy time to the baby under supervision and try to exceed this time. Change posture during feeding time try to hold the baby in an upright position more than the lying position.
  

When to Consult a Doctor If you notice any of the following, consult with your paediatrician:

Misalignment of the ears and eyes.

Experiencing difficulty in turning your baby’s head or neck.

Weakness or stiffness in your baby’s neck or shoulder muscles.