Baby flat head: why does it happen and how do you prevent it?
Flat head in babies: what causes it and is there a way to prevent it? Does your baby have a flat head and are you wondering why? In many cases, this has to do with your baby's preferred sleeping position. Because your baby lies in the same position more often, they develop a flat head. In practice, this can mean that your baby has a flatter spot on a certain side, making your baby's skull look 'lopsided'. It is also possible that your baby develops a flat head at the back. There are medical terms involved here, which we will of course explain to you. Snoozzz.com gives you more information about this phenomenon and tells you more about how you can prevent it.
What exactly is plagiocephaly?
There are actually two types of terms that are often used interchangeably. Firstly, we are referring to plagiocephaly, and secondly, brachycephaly. Both terms describe a baby's head, but they are certainly not the same. What exactly is plagiocephaly? In this case, we are talking about 'malformation'. It involves an asymmetrical flattening of the back of the head. When there is a so-called 'flattening' located centrally on the back of the baby's head, we speak of brachycephaly.
Baby positional preference plays a role
What does a baby's positional preference have to do with the formation of your baby's head? It *can* have a lot to do with it, but it doesn't have to. Approximately 1 in 5 babies develops some form of flattening on the head. Often, the baby develops a flat head when they are a few weeks old. In many cases, this is related to the baby's positional preference. Does your baby develop a positional preference where he or she lies primarily on the right side? Then it is possible that flattening of the head develops on this side.
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Baby's head flattening: other causes
If your baby has a preferred posture, this could be the cause. However, this is not necessarily the case. It is also possible that this is due to the way the baby is cared for and/or held. Many people are right-handed, causing them to hold the baby facing the same side. As a result, the same side of the baby's head constantly touches the body of the person holding the baby. This can also be a significant cause of a flat head in your baby. There are also a number of known more serious causes. For instance, a baby can develop a flat head due to a visual impairment or a fractured collarbone. One in 2,300 babies develops a flat head because the cranial sutures close too early. This is also known as craniosynostosis.
When is a baby's head stable, and is this relevant?
It cannot be said exactly when a baby's head is stable. Every baby develops differently. Additionally, the stability of the head depends partly on the position the baby is in. When your baby is lying down, the head makes different movements than when the baby is sitting on your lap. So, when is a baby's head stable? If we look at good head balance, we see that most babies are well able to keep their heads stable after an average of 20 weeks. Fundamentally, whether a baby's head is stable has little to do with flattening of the head, as is often mistakenly believed.The mobility of the neck has no influence on the development of a flat head.
Flattening of babies' heads is becoming increasingly common
Do you notice that your baby is developing a flat head? Then it is more likely that this occurs centrally at the back of the head than on a single side. This flattening of the baby's head is becoming increasingly common, and this has everything to do with the fact that we now know babies should sleep on their backs. Naturally, we want to minimize the risk of SIDS as much as possible, and to achieve this, it is important to place the baby on their back in the crib to ensure a good night's sleep. Consequently, the baby almost always sleeps on their back, unless they can roll over in the crib. This sleeping position can cause your baby to develop a flat head.
Baby's head shape: lying on the back is often the cause
The shape of your baby's head is partly determined by the baby's sleeping position. A baby lies on their back for most of the time, which makes it easy for flattening of the back of the head to develop. This certainly does not mean that you should let the baby sleep on their stomach! It is always important to let your baby sleep on their back. Does your baby roll over and are you worried? Then you can sleep wrap use for your baby. It is always important to have your baby sleep on their back to minimize the risk of SIDS.
Baby's head asymmetrical or flat: boys suffer from it more
If the baby's head grows crooked, then it is a case of plagiocephaly.Is the baby's head growing flat at the back rather than crooked? A flattening centrally on the back of the head is brachycephaly. Both types of flattening occur in both boys and girls. However, the risk of developing a flat head is greater in boys. Additionally, the risk of a flat head in the baby is higher in the case of a premature birth, a congenital anomaly, or if the baby is the firstborn.
Baby flattened head: is it a problem?
Does your baby have a flat head, and are you worried if this is a problem? Unfortunately, there is no straightforward answer to this. If your baby has a flattened head, this is most often viewed primarily as a cosmetic issue that has no direct impact on the baby's health or development. However, it is true that babies with a flattened head are more prone to 'one-sided focus,' which creates a risk that their motor skills will not develop optimally. Consequently, a flattened head can have a negative impact on motor skills. This does not apply to every baby with a flat head, but it *can* be a factor. It is therefore always a good idea to try to prevent it.
Flat head in babies: how can you prevent it?
A flattened head in your baby, at the back of the head, is often caused by the baby lying on their back a lot. You can prevent this by consciously having your baby lie with their head in a different position. Place the head to the left one time and to the right the next. Does your baby constantly turn their head to one side in the crib on their own? Then your baby has developed a positional preference. You can quickly remedy this by having your child sleep on their side for a few nights. Sleep wrap. The Sleep Wrap prevents your baby from rolling onto their tummy. We recommend the side-lying sleep wrap exclusively for very young babies. When your baby is already very mobile, use the sleep wrap and always in consultation with the pediatric physiotherapist.
Preventing a baby's flat head: what else can you do?
The biggest influence on the development of a flattened head is sleeping position. However, there are other things you can take into account if you want to prevent your baby from developing a flat head. When feeding your baby, you can turn the baby to a different side each time. You make this more comfortable for yourself by using a nursing pillow to use. Is your baby awake? Then it is good to let your baby lie on their tummy occasionally as well. This can be done, for example, on a play mat or with the upper body on the edge of the baby nest or with the upper body on a nursing pillow. Of course, it is important that you stay close by for safety, but above all, let your baby move freely.
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