Plagiocephaly or flat head syndrome is rather frequent in newborns. Health authorities still recommend continuing to sleep on baby on the back, which can accentuate a temporary deformation of the baby’s head. What to do?
From birth, it is recommended to bed on the back To avoid the risks of sudden infants. But this position can sometimes cause a Deformation of the baby’s skull, which is called plagiocephaly, or flat head syndrome. Moreover, plagiocephaly is rather common since it concerns almost 20% of children. Here are some tips as well as the HAS recommendations on the Flat Head Syndrome at the baby.
What is plagiocephaly?
Plagiocephaly, or flat head syndrome in the baby, is the deformation of the shape of the infant’s skull, due to its position when it sleeps. The head of a baby being very malleable, sleeping on the back can sometimes cause deformations of his skullin particular the occipital bone from the first weeks of life, even from birth.
Baby’s skull should not be on the same support area for too longand this from birth. When the child is lying on his back, his head will fall spontaneously on one side. The baby cannot turn his head himself, it is up to the parents to turn it regularly so to alternate the left and right sides. If the infant is placed on the side, you also have to think about alternating the right and left sides. This is also valid when baby heads, that he is in his baby carrier, his stroller … Finally, also remember to choose a firm mattress for the baby bed.
The recommendations of the High Authority for Health to prevent plagiocephaly
In January 2021, the High Authority for Health published some advice for parents for avoid plagiocephaly, While insisting on keeping baby on your back to sleep.
When baby sleeps
- Baby sleeping on the back. The has recalls that the best position for bedtime is on the back, because it is the only safe position to avoid the unexpected death syndrome of the infant (SMIN).
- Nothing should be placed in his bed: We therefore forget the cushions, stuffed animals, comforters and other toys which represent a risk of suffocation.
- No bed reductors, head liner or baby linento allow your child to move freely in his bed.
- HAS finally recommends Do not use a bumperso that the child can look in all directions.
When baby is awake
- When he is awake, vary his positions on the ground. When the child is awake, it is advisable to leave him free to move, “to prevent him from pressing his head always on the same side. “ His neck must be mobile, “including on the belly when awake and provided that it is monitored“. It’s necessary Vary infant postures and encourage him to make spontaneous heads “Thanks to sensory solicitations (tactile, visual, auditory)”.
- Arrange his toys around him. When awake, it is recommended to Install it on a firm carpet, on the floor, with toys Around him, and D‘to avoid “game arches and mobiles who will fix his attention in a unique place. “
- No headrest or flat-headed cushions. The high authority of health indicates that the headsets, nicknames and anti-head-beast cushions are to be avoided, since they prevent the baby from moving freely.
- Position baby on the belly during the changeprogressively, to help him build his neck and back. By taking it regularly in your arms, baby also gets used to finding the right posture.
- During breastfeeding or feeding : change your arms regularly, this will allow your child to naturally turn his head towards you.
- Childcare equipment: It is advisable to limit as much as possible the time spent in a deckchair, a cozy, a baby relax and use the nicknames only for car trips.
“When baby is awake, arrange his toys around him to encourage him to look on the sides”.
What are the causes of plagiocephaly?
When the pressure is exercised asymmetrically on the right or left on the back of the skull, The infant’s skull is flattened on one side. It also happens that the whole of the rear of the skull is uniformly distorted. In this case, we are talking about Brachycephaly. In any case, the head loses its natural rounding. But rest assured, if the skull deformation is unsightly, it is generally temporary provided, however, of taking care of it as soon as possible. During consultations with the pediatrician, the latter regularly controls the Baby’s skull shape. In case of deformation, there are simple advice to be able to react quickly.
What are the consequences of plagiocephaly in baby?
“Plagiocephaly can lead to mechanical complications, in terms of maxillo-facial or cervico-brachial, even cognitive”, specifies the has. In addition, it is around the age of 5/6 months that The malleability of the child’s skull decreases and that the cranial deformation is well fixed. If a light deformation will remain little visible, greater deformation may remain visible. In addition to aesthetics, there may be mechanical consequences If the cranial deformation is not taken care of (ENT disorders, back problems or torticollis …).
Should we consult a physiotherapist in case of plagiocephaly in the baby?
Does your child have a torticollis? Have you noticed that his head is leaning on one side? Talk to his pediatrician so that he prescribes some sessions with a physiotherapist or an osteopath.
