Flat Head Syndrome

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It is well known that if you always lay a baby on one spot of the head, it will cause it to flatten. This is purely because the weight of the head on that spot will prevent the area from billowing out fully like a balloon as it grows. However, since the widespread concerns over cot death the advice to mothers has changed to lay babies always on their backs. Before then the advice had always been to rotate babies between lying on their back, their front and on each side.

Now, flat head syndrome has become an epidemic. One in four infants will develop a distorted head shape. Parents are often told that it is purely cosmetic, that no harm will be done and that it will correct itself in time. This advice is not supported by the evidence and unfortunately it can encourage parents to delay obtaining advice during those vital early months when something can be done about it. In fact, flat head syndrome will not correct unless the baby is kept off the flat spot. In addition, evidence is mounting that infants with flat head syndrome do not develop as well as those with normally shaped heads.

Some factors which increase the risk are prematurity, because the head is particularly soft, and also wry neck, because the baby always holds its head towards the pain-free side.

In Sweden, the Department of Health recommends that all newborns and young babies use a soft baby pillow while sleeping on their back. This has resulted in a significant reduction in babies suffering with flat heads, but no increase in cot death. There are no similar guidelines in this country, even though the benefits of a specially designed soft pillow are well known.

If your baby develops a distorted head, is unsettled, unhappy or not as content as you would like him or her to be, get expert advice as soon as you can. Do not wait. It is not purely cosmetic and will not necessarily resolve on its own. The best time is the sooner the better while the head is at its softest. Telephone advice is free and if it means a new life can begin happily, well-balanced and comfortable, it is worth it. Call us in Hereford or Ross-on-Wye if you would like more details.

Then of course, there’s the mother, who has often been through considerable physical trauma during the birth. There is no reason why she should have to endure discomfort for months after giving birth. Early treatment gives the best chance of a full recovery. Phone us for advice.

Nicholas Handoll, DO, MSCC
www.rossosteopaths.co.uk
01989 563813