What Is Flat Head Syndrome And Why Does It Develop?
Flat head syndrome is also known as “plagiocephaly or brachycephaly”. This condition develops in babies due to external pressure on the skull of what is still malleable.
Many children are affected by the flat head syndrome.
Parents, in turn, hear different things about the impact this may (or may not) have on their babies’ lives.
There is not enough research for doctors to dispel the rumors. But the truth is, this condition must be treated with special care.
There are studies that show that if parents realize that their children have flat head syndrome and do not take the necessary care, the child may have developmental problems. Even the risks of suffering developmental delays may increase.
That’s why parents must be very careful with their babies’ heads. They should always change the position of the babies while they sleep so their heads don’t flatten out anywhere.
What is flat head syndrome and why does it develop?
Flat head syndrome is when a baby has a flattened area on the back or side of the head.
In more severe cases, it can affect the formation of the ears, eyes and jaw. Parents should be especially careful between 0 and 4 months of age.
This condition can occur from birth or develop over time.
In addition, it can appear up to 18 months, when the baby’s skull bones harden and stick together.
Parents should be aware that flat head syndrome can lead to developmental delay. So it is necessary to be very careful!
It is also worth noting that children who have suffered from this syndrome can have normal development.
Thus, although they present a certain developmental delay, with an adequate direction they can develop normally in the future.
Studies show that children who have suffered from flat-head syndrome are 10 times more likely to have developmental delays compared to children without flat-heads.
Parents therefore need to know all this information in order to take the necessary action.
How to prevent flat head syndrome?
Some precautions need to be taken to prevent babies from developing flat head syndrome.
If parents do not follow the proper recommendations for babies to sleep safe, newborns can even suffer a sudden death.
Babies should sleep on their back, in a flat place, with no toys nearby, no pillows, or any other objects.
Working on the prevention of flat head syndrome is possible through adequate information.
Prevention
It is good that the baby spends time on his stomach while he is awake. But this must always be done under adult supervision.
So, place him in that position for a short period of time every day from the birth of the child.
This practice can help your child strengthen the muscles in the neck and will prevent flat head syndrome.
While your baby is awake, you should try to change your position from time to time.
There are some babies who are at greater risk of developing flat head syndrome, such as premature babies, babies who are born in a difficult birth or have a stiff neck when they are born.
No parent should feel guilty if their child develops this syndrome.
If you believe your child has a flat head, see a doctor as soon as possible so they can advise you on what to do.
A baby who has flat head syndrome will not necessarily have developmental problems throughout his life.
But it is necessary to seek solutions as quickly as possible and, above all, to prevent this condition.
So if you have any questions about how to put your baby to sleep safely, consult your pediatrician and ask him to advise you on this.
The important thing is to change your baby’s position, especially when he’s awake.
