8 Things you don't know about Baby flat head syndrome !
( #7 Can be life changing for your baby )
#1 What is baby flat head syndrome ?
Flat head syndrome, or plagiocephaly as the condition is medically known, it’s a deformation of the baby skull.
It happens because the baby’s skull bones don’t fully fuse and harden until several months after birth. Soft, pliable bones allow for easier passage through the birth canal and gives a baby’s brain ample room to grow.
There is a second less common type of flat head syndrome called
Congenital plagiocephaly, also known as craniosynostosis, it's a rare birth defect.
#2 What does baby flat head syndrome look like ?
In the picture below you can see that the back of his head is nearly completly flat.
#3 What causes babies flat head problems ?
- Sleeping position: The most common cause of a flattened head is a baby's sleep position. Because babies sleep for so many hours on their backs, the head sometimes flattens in one spot. Also, placing babies in devices where they lie down often during the day (bouncy seats, swings, strollers, carriers, and infant car seats) also adds to this problem.
- Insufficient time spent on the stomach: Baby flat head syndrome or plagiocephaly is also due to insuffucient tummy time. A Baby need tummy time while you are awake and watching them. It can help reduce their risk of developing flat heat syndrome.
- Being a multiple: With a tight womb, a baby’s skull has a higher probability of being compressed. This can result in plagiocephaly.
- Being preterm: Premature babies are more likely to have a flat head syndrome. Their skulls are softer than full-term babies. They also spend a lot of time on their backs without being moved or picked up because of their medical needs and extreme fragility after birth.
- Congenital plagiocephaly: In this case, the fibrous spaces between the skull bones, known as sutures, prematurely close. This results in an abnormally shaped head. It occurs in approximatly one out of every 2,000 to 2,500 births trusted source.
#4 How do you know if a baby has flat head syndrome ?
A baby is suffering from flat head syndrome when the head looks asymmetrical with some flat spot on the back or the side of the head. Some describe the head as looking like a parallelogram when observed from above.
During medical visits doctors usually diagnose flat head syndrome simply by looking a child's head. To check for torticollis, the doctor may watch how a baby moves the head and neck. Lab tests, X-rays, and computed tomography (CT scans) usually are not needed.
#5 Is the Flat head condition dangerous for the baby ?
Yes Flat head syndrome have some risks.
If the flat head is caused by an underlying issue with the neck muscles, for example, that doesn't let your baby lift his head properly.
Your baby could get muscle damage or even develop bleeding in the muscle.
And everytime your baby is left in one position for too long, it can create a vicious circle, his neck muscles won't develop properly enough to give him the strength to lift his head, so he will remain in that position, and the muscle could actually tighten and shorten permanently.
#6 Can baby flat head syndrome be permanent ?
The flat head syndrome can become permanent if it’s not treated.
#7 What is the life after a non-treated flat head syndrome ?
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Untreated flat head syndrome can restrict the number of activities in which a person can safely participate.
The main outcome of leaving with the flat head syndrome untreated is the issue of beingunable to wear many types of protective headwear. Whether it’s for fun activities (cycling, horse riding or rock climbing) or for work (construction, the armed forces or the emergency services). Helmets are only made to fit heads of a ‘normal’ shape.
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Flat head syndrome may affect psychological wellbeing later in life.
A psychosocial consequence of having an ‘abnormal’ head shape is the emotional difficulties that a person might face throughout childhood and possibly into later life. We know from evolutionary theory and everyday experience that we automatically make assumptions about people based on physical appearance, and it takes a conscious effort to disregard these innate misconceptions.
Research has shown that people with symmetrical features are considered more attractive and more intelligent than those with asymmetrical features. Even if one should ignore these automatic responses, there may still be peers, teachers and caregivers who will react negatively to an abnormality, perhaps viewing affected individuals as less intelligent and even teasing or bullying them.
Many of the older children and teenagers who contact us feel let down by their doctors and report to us that they feel socially alienated as a result of their unusual head shapes. They feel that they are unable to wear certain hairstyles, opting instead to conceal the deformity as best they can. Sadly, in some cases, their lack of confidence is impacting on their ability to socialise and preventing them from doing what they want to do in life.
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Early evidence suggests links between flat head syndrome and a number of developmental and physical health problems.
Research into the developmental issues associated with flat head syndrome is in the early stages and it’s difficult to determine a causal relationship. So, can a flat head cause developmental delays? Preliminary and ongoing studies do indicate a link between flat head syndrome and delay in neural development, particularly in terms of motor function.
Craniofacial abnormalities have also been associated with increased need for special services at school age, jaw asymmetry and TMJ, scoliosis, sleep apnea, visual defects and middle ear abnormalities, which can potentially impact on hearing and other aspects of child development.
#8 How to treat or prevent baby flat head syndrome ?
You can help treat or prevent baby flat head syndrome with our MyFirstPillow by Babyzzz..The special shape of our pillow provide the best position possible for the baby’s head !
Do Orangebaby MyFirstPillow works ?
Yes, it definitely works ! We already helped thousands of parents keep their baby in good health to assure a perfect childhood for the baby and a perfect family life. Stay out of trouble, say yes to peace of mind and enjoy watching your baby grow.
Here is an improvement over 1 month