![]() We often see significant changes in head shape when babies start to spend more time on their tummies for play. This means that without any input, most babies’ head shape will get better as they grow and develop. Only 3% of children have residual plagiocephaly at 2 years of life. However, the natural history is for improvement over time. It affects up to 10-30% of babies at 6 weeks of life. Plagiocephaly is very common in new born babies. A safe sleeping position should always be paramount. Please see link below about safe sleeping positions: Natural History of Plagiocephaly: It is important to note that plagiocephaly affects the shape of the skull only and not the development of your baby’s brain. This is because there is an increased risk of Sudden Unexplained Infant Death to babies if they sleep on their tummies or sides. It is ALWAYS important to place babies on their backs to sleep. It is important to note that you should always put your baby on their back to sleep. Parents sometimes ask if it is ok to position their baby on their side or tummy for sleep to take the take the pressure off the flat spot. in the pram) and when sleeping (with baby on his/her back and their head turned to the non preferred side). As well as during playtime, you can implement counter positioning with carrying positions (i.e. ![]() How do you treat Plagiocephaly?Ĭounter positioning has been shown to help improve a babies head shape. Counter positioning involves positioning your baby so that the pressure is taken off the flat spot on the back of their heads. In addition to plagiocephaly being more common in first born babies, twins and male babies are more likely to be affected. However, it also means that they are prone to developing flat spots (plagiocephaly) if they rest in the same position for prolonged periods.īabies who are premature are more at risk for developing plagiocephaly because they have relatively soft skulls. ![]() Newborn babies heads are relatively flexible and this allows them to to pass through the birth canal. Image credit: Why do babies get Plagiocephaly? It is important to note that plagiocephaly does not affect the growing brain or your baby’s development. These involve the ear and forehead being slightly forward on the same side. Symmetrical flattening at the back of the head is called brachycephaly. In addition, there may be associated secondary changes. A baby with plagiocephaly will usually present with flattening at the back of their head, to one side. It is sometimes referred to as “Deformational Plagiocepahly” or “Positional Plagiocephaly”. Plagiocephaly refers to a misshapen or asymmetrical head shape. However, it is also a highly preventable and treatable condition with the right information at the right time. Plagiocephaly (or misshapen head) is a very common problem that often causes significant parental concern. ![]()
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