Positional Plagiocephaly: Understanding and Correcting Flat Head Syndrome in Babies

In the early months of infancy, it is common for a child to develop a flat spot on the back of her head. This flat area, known as positional plagiocephaly, is caused by the large amount of time that the baby lies flat on his back. Over time, you will be able to fix your baby's flat head.

Instructions

• 1

  Allow the baby to sleep on his side. If you change his position during the night often, his flat spot will begin to go back to a normal shape.

• 2

  Use a blanket or wedge at night to keep the baby from laying on the flat part of her skull. The non-flat part should be resting on the bed.

• 3

  Encourage the baby to play on his tummy. A sufficient amount of tummy time can help him development as well as take the weight off of the flat spot on his head.

• 4

  Hold your baby often. If you keep the baby out of swings, cribs and car seats for a few hours a day, it will take the pressure off of the skull.

• 5

  Ask your doctor about a pressure helmet. In severe cases, a doctor may use a helmet to help reshape the baby's head back to normal.