Becoming a new parent is one of the most amazing experiences. It can also be incredibly overwhelming for first-time parents to know what to do and what not to do. A concern for new parents could be flat head syndrome in their new baby.
How do babies get flat heads?
Flat head syndrome is a medical condition known as plagiocephaly that occurs when a flat spot develops on the side of your baby’s head. As a result, your baby’s head could look asymmetrical. Your baby’s skull bones will only fully fuse and harden when they are around 10 – 18 months old. This means the bones remain soft and pliable which is why they are able to change shape due to the baby sleeping or lying in the same position daily.
There are two different types of plagiocephaly, namely positional and congenital plagiocephaly. Positional flat head syndrome occurs in roughly 50% of all newborns while congenital plagiocephaly is more rare, occurring on only one out of every 2500 births.
What causes flat head syndrome?
- Placing your baby in the same position every day places pressure on the same part of the skull and could cause this syndrome.
- Limiting tummy time. Babies don’t always enjoy lying on their stomach but placing them on their stomach while they are awake helps to prevent positional plagiocephaly.
- Multiples and pre-term babies are generally at high risk for this condition.
How can you avoid this condition
Changing your baby’s sleep position, holding them often, letting them spend time on their tummy and changing feeding positions can all help to avoid plagiocephaly.
You can also talk to your medical practitioner about how to massage your baby’s head to make it round. They may also have other suggestions on how to keep a baby’s head round.
Another possibility is to invest in a baby flat head pillow. We have found 5 of these pillows for you to consider buying for your baby.
WelLifes Baby Pillow
This is a flat head pillow that offers head and neck support for your newborn. The concave center of this sweet little pillow helps to prevent flat head syndrome in your newborn. This pillow has a cover made from organic cotton fabric and it has the Global Textile Standard certification as well as the Organic Exchange Standard organic farming certification, making it safe for your new baby.
Hidetex Memory Foam Pillow
Pediatricians recommend new babies sleep on a curved pillow to improve flat head in your baby. The Hidetex pillow is a newborn pillow that has been scientifically designed to support your baby’s head and neck. The memory foam in these pillows helps to shape your baby’s head while supporting the head and reducing any pressure on your baby’s neck and spine. You can use this pillow on your stroller, bouncer, rocker, car seat and cot.
Sweeterbaby Head Shaping Infant Pillow
This is a baby head shape pillow that will protect your baby and prevent flat head syndrome developing. Your baby’s head will be kept in alignment with their spine when they sleep on this pillow. The design of this pillow positions your baby’s head perfectly so that it will not mishappen in any way. This is a soft pillow made from bamboo memory foam making it incredibly comfortable for your new baby. Your baby will develop normally when you place them on this newborn baby head shaping pillow. You can also use this pillow anywhere, making it a good choice when looking for a baby sleeping pillow.
Organic Baby Protective Pillow
This is a gorgeous little pillow that has a functional design for your baby. The slight concave in the middle supports your baby’s head while also preventing flat head. Made from eco-friendly 100% natural organic cotton, this pillow is safe for your baby to sleep on. It can also be used as a changing mat or play mat, making it more than just an infant pillow. It is easy to care for this pillow, you can machine wash it in a laundry bag on the gentle cycle.
Boppy Noggin Nest Head Pillow
This pillow has a unique design that has a patented cut out to provide your baby with the support for their head. If you are still wondering how to prevent flat head syndrome, this pillow will help. Not only does this baby pillow relieve pressure but it also safely cradles your baby’s head and is endorsed by pediatricians. You are able to attach this pillow to your stroller, bouncer or swing. This pillow is recommended for new babies up to 4 months of age.
As a new parent, you want to give your baby the best start in life by making sure they have everything they need, including a support pillow that will prevent plagiocephaly. Flat head syndrome is fairly common in new babies but by adding a supporting pillow to your baby’s cot, stroller or bouncer can reduce their chances of this happening.