My baby has a preferred position, what should I do?
When babies frequently turn their heads to the same side, we refer to this as a positional preference. Sometimes this resolves within a few weeks, but usually it does not. One in five babies has a positional preference, with a preference for the right side occurring more often than a preference for the left side. For your baby's development, it is important to prevent a positional preference. Does your baby have a positional preference? Then there is a high chance that the head will become flattened on one side (a flattened head) and may start to grow asymmetrically.
Flattened head
A flattened head is common in babies. The advice is to have babies sleep on their backs to prevent SIDS. This ensures the back is positioned the head sinks into the mattress more often, so it is not at all strange when your baby has a flattened head.
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In the Snoozzz sleep wrap, your baby sleeps safely on their back or side. It provides your little one with the same sense of security as in the womb and ensures your baby sleeps better. The sleep wrap is easy to use and fits any mattress.
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Can all babies get a flattened head?
The risk of a crooked or flattened head is greatest in the first 4 months. At that time, the baby's skull is still soft and therefore easily moldable. Research has shown that the babies listed below have an increased risk of a positional preference:
- Premature babies
- Babies born in a breech position
- Babies with a curvature of the spine (scoliosis)
- Bottle-fed babies.
- A A flattened head is more common in boys than in girls.
What are the consequences of a preferred posture?
When your baby has a preferred head position, there is a high chance of a flattened head. This has no consequences for brain development. However, a preferred head position can have adverse effects on your baby's symmetrical development; ears that are not aligned or a head that is not nicely round. In some cases, a preferred head position can cause a crooked neck. The neck muscles can become accustomed to this, making it difficult to turn the head to the other side. This is called torticollis.
How can you prevent a flattened head?
Because a flattened head is almost always the result of a positional preference, it is important to identify this as early as possible. Therefore, pay close attention to your baby's posture during sleeping, feeding, changing, and playing. Does he look to one particular side more often in his crib, during changing, or in the playpen? Does he reach for toys in one specific corner of the playpen more often? Does he have a preference during feeding?
Tips for sleeping
Lay your baby on their back in bed, alternating with their head from left to right. Never let your child sleep on their stomach. This increases the risk of SIDS. Does your child already have a preferred position? Then try turning their head to the other side while they sleep. If this doesn't work, you can let your baby sleep on their side in the sleep wrap, provided they are not yet too restless. The sleep wrap prevents your baby from rolling around in their bed and helps them stay on their side better. The sleep wrap fits any crib or cot mattress and is safe to use.You can also safely let your baby sleep on their back in the sleep wrap without the risk of rolling over, slipping under the bedding, or wandering around in bed.
Tips for feeding and changing
Make sure you stand on the opposite side of the preferred position while changing the diaper and turn changing into a fun experience. Hold your baby alternately in your left and right arm while feeding. With breastfeeding, this happens automatically; with bottle feeding, it requires some practice. Snoozzz nursing pillow can help with this. The flexible shape and soft filling provide sufficient support. Accidents are no problem; the soft cover is removable and machine washable.
Tips for wearing
Carry your baby alternately on your left and right arm or shoulder. Use a burp cloth to protect your clothing. The Snoozzz burp cloths are nice and large and easy to wash. Also try carrying your baby on their tummy on your forearm. They often find that comfortable, and it also helps with colic.
Tips for the daytime
Babies often turn their heads towards the light. Position the playpen so that the window is on the opposite side of the preferred position. A cheerful musical mobile can also help. Place it on the opposite side of the preferred position. Regularly lay your baby on their tummy; this is also good for the development of the neck muscles. If your baby is still very young, you can Snoozzz nursing pillow to use.Place your baby chest-first on the nursing pillow; they love that, a whole new world opens up for them! Only do the tummy time exercise when you are present and keep a close eye on your baby.
If the above tips don't help and your baby still has a preferred position?
Then please contact the pediatric physiotherapist. The pediatric physiotherapist has a special method to measure a flattened head using a band. This measurement method is called plagiocephalometry, better known as the PCM measurement. The pediatric physiotherapist can give you more tips and advice. Previously, helmet therapy was sometimes used, but this has been shown to cause skin irritation in the majority of children and offers no added value. You can contact the pediatric physiotherapist directly or through the child health clinic.
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