Positional or postural plagiocephaly is the deformity of the baby’s head, quite common, caused by resting with the head always supported in the same posture, which acts by modifying the shape of the baby’s head.
The skull of newborns is very malleable, which means that any external pressure or a certain continued posture can cause a deformity. This recurrent posture produces cranial deformation, facial asymmetry, and misaligned ears.
Causes of plagiocephaly or “flat head”
The causes of plagiocephaly are genetic and environmental, although the latter are increasingly prevalent over the former, and boys are known to suffer from it more than girls. The children most prone to deformities are very large babies and those who lie down for a long time.
In general terms it is known as plagiocephaly , but strictly there are variants. A deformity caused by a flattening at the back of the head is called brachycephaly, while that caused by sleeping on the side is called scaphocephaly (it occurs frequently in premature infants).
Before birth, the position in which the baby is inside the uterus is one of the causes of cranial deformity, a prolonged insertion or the position of the breech favors a certain pressure on its head.
A disproportion between the size of the baby and the mother’s pelvis also influences, if it is a multiple gestation, a post-term gestation or a fetus that is too large (macrosomic).
Once born, the main cause of deformational plagiocephaly is always supporting the baby’s head in the same position . The way to prevent it is very simple: alternate positions throughout the day. If the baby lies on his back for many hours, he is more likely to develop a head deformity.
How to prevent plagiocephaly
To prevent it, it is recommended to change the baby’s position to prevent him from remaining in the same position for a long time .
Spending time upside down
In English it is known as “ Tummy Time” (time on the belly). Let the baby spend a few moments on his stomach during the day, as long as he is not sleeping and under the supervision of an adult.
In addition, it will help you strengthen your neck, back and arm muscles, as well as stimulate your senses, promote the development of gross motor skills such as crawling, sitting and rolling, and later fine motor skills.
Alternate the position of the baby in the crib
Some nights make him sleep with his head towards the foot of the crib so that visual stimuli force him to turn his head to the other side.
Alternate head posture when lying down
When the baby sleeps on his back, vary the position of the head to one side and the other, since the deformity occurs because the head is always placed on the same side.
Switch arms to carry it
Do not always hold the baby with the same arm, but alternate them to minimize the risk that the baby always rests his head on the same point. You can also hold him upside down, with his tummy on your forearm. There are many ways to hold your baby and make him feel safe, not startled.
Other forms of transportation
Do not always use the carrycot or stroller to transport the baby, it is advisable to use other methods to move it: in arms, in baby carriers, scarves or handkerchiefs.
Treatment of plagiocephaly
In mild or moderate cases, these postural changes are usually recommended to reverse the head deformity. In more severe cases, always under medical prescription, orthopedic bands or a corrective helmet are used to treat plagiocephaly.
Most children get better in two to three months. If despite postural treatment, the deformity does not improve or even worsens, consultation with a neurosurgeon at five or six months may be considered.
Postural deformity does not affect the brain or its functions while the child is a baby or in the future.
In Babies and more | When it comes to avoiding Sudden Infant Death, is it better for the baby to sleep on its side or on its back?
