Plagiocephaly is a condition in which a baby’s head develops a flat spot due to continued pressure on one part of the skull. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including sleeping in the same position, spending too much time in car seats or bouncers, or being born prematurely. While plagiocephaly is not usually a serious condition, it is important for parents to take steps to prevent and treat it in order to avoid potential long-term effects.
One of the most effective ways to prevent plagiocephaly is to alternate your baby’s sleeping position. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies be placed on their backs to sleep in order to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). However, this can also lead to the development of a flat spot on the baby’s head if they consistently sleep in the same position. To prevent this, try alternating the direction in which your baby’s head is turned each night and during naps.
Another tip for preventing plagiocephaly is to provide plenty of supervised tummy time for your baby while they are awake. Tummy time helps to strengthen the muscles in your baby’s neck and shoulders, which can help to prevent flat spots from forming on their head. Additionally, tummy time can help your baby develop their motor skills and coordination, which are important for their overall development. The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) recommends that babies sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of SIDS, but they should have supervised “tummy time” whilst awake.
If your baby does develop plagiocephaly, there are several treatment options available. In mild cases, simply changing your baby’s sleeping position and providing more tummy time may be enough to correct the issue. However, children with more significant flattening, reduced neck range of movement or a head tilt, may require assessment and advice from a Paediatric Physiotherapist.
Overall, the key to preventing and treating plagiocephaly is to be proactive and take steps to reduce the amount of time your baby spends with pressure on one part of their head. By following these tips and working closely with your Physiotherapist, you can help ensure that your baby’s head develops properly and avoid any potential long-term effects of plagiocephaly. Remember, early intervention is key when it comes to treating plagiocephaly, so don’t hesitate to seek help if you have concerns about your baby’s head shape.
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Physio 4 Kids Australia provides paediatric physiotherapy and hydrotherapy for children across the Gold Coast and Northern NSW, with clinics in Robina and Pimpama. We support NDIS self-managed and plan-managed participants with fun, goal-focused therapy that helps kids move, play and thrive.
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