Plagiocephaly Prevention
After the birth of your child, you might notice that the head of the newborn has a slightly elongated shape. External pressure exerted on the baby’s head when the child passes through the birth canal during delivery is responsible for the lopsided shape.
Usually the inappropriate shape of the head corrects naturally within a few weeks after birth. If the shape of the head remains asymmetrical six weeks after birth, it would indicate plagiocephaly. Plagiocephaly is a preventable condition.
Causes of plagiocephaly
The skull of a newborn comprises of several small bones that have not yet fused together. There are two soft spots or fontanels on top of the infant’s head. The soft skull of the infant helps the newborn’s head to move through the birth canal.
It also helps to hold the growing brain of the infant. After birth if the child spends prolonged time lying in a single position, the shape of the head might become asymmetrical. This condition is also known as positional molding. To prevent sudden infant death, parents often put their babies to sleep on their backs. It has been observed that although this sleeping position could prevent sudden infant death but it increases plagiocephaly.
Plagiocephaly symptoms
Parents could easily recognize signs of plagiocephaly. A flat spot develops on the back or on one side of the infant’s head. The ear on the flat side of the head might be pushed forward. The cheekbone on the flattened side might be protruded.
Plagiocephaly prevention
While sleeping on the back is always safe for the infant, to prevent flat spot, you should frequently change the position of the head. You should change the position of the baby’s head on the crib every night. If you place the child’s head at the head of the crib one night, on the following night, reverse his position by placing his head near the foot of the crib.
Do not place your baby’s head on a pillow. Change the position of the crib frequently, so that your child could move his head in new directions. Don’t keep your baby on the crib for a long time when he is awake. Hold the infant in your arms when he is awake. When you are with the baby, place the child on his tummy.
