Repositioning for Flat Head Syndrome

Before the age of 3-4 months repositioning is the first option. Try to reposition the baby’s head as much as possible with the objective of encouraging your baby to rest its head on the non-flattened area.

What is Repositioning and How Do I Do It?

By alternating the head position you can reduce the risk of your baby developing Deformational Plagiocephaly.

Until 4-5 months of age repositioning and tummy time techniques can be enough to encourage natural correction of your baby’s head shape. At night consider alternating the end of the cot where your baby lays its head. Turn your baby’s head so that it does not lie on the flattened side.

Tummy Time

During the daytime encourage your baby to spend as much time as possible on its stomach (tummy time). Most babies dislike this initially as they do not have the strength to hold their head up. However it is important to persevere and gradually build up the length of time spent on their tummy. This helps them build strength in their neck and trunk muscles to progress towards pushing up and crawling

Tummy time can be made easier by using a support under the chest enabling them to lift their head more easily. As their strength develops you can make it more challenging by removing the support. Make tummy time fun by spending time lying down with your baby on top of or in front of you. Use interactive toys to entertain them.

You and Your Baby

You should also consider your baby’s head position whilst carrying, feeding or changing them. Alternate the side on which you do the activities, as this will encourage them to look and turn in both directions. It is important that you feel confident and safe in lifting and carrying your baby, therefore gradually build your ability to use both sides comfortably and securely, and together you can build your own muscle strength and control. As your baby’s strength develops you should spend some time carrying them tummy down, as this will encourage them to look up, further developing neck and trunk strength.

Travel

Baby travel systems are conveniently designed to click together so that there is no need to wake your baby when transporting them from the car to the house. Unfortunately this can also mean long periods of time lying on their back with their head against a hard surface. Minimise the time your baby spends in the travel system when not travelling.

Back to Top of Page Click here