If you have heard of flat head syndrome, you might be confused by it. Perhaps your baby was diagnosed and you are worried. Is there anything you can do to prevent it or stop it in its tracks? Learn more about flat head syndrome, and possible treatments that might be used to help your child.

Understanding What It Is

Properly known as plagiocephaly, this condition can be either positional or congenital. Positional is the most common, with over half of all babies having it at some point. It can easily be corrected with a little intervention. Congenital plagiocephaly is a birth defect and much more rare. Only a doctor can diagnose, so it is important to speak with your child's pediatrician if you have any concerns. Positional plagiocephaly does have different causes and ways to treat it, which can help your child.

Possible Causes

There are many different causes that could be a reason why your child has flat head syndrome. Perhaps they do not get enough tummy time, and are flat on their back more than they should be. Children who are multiples are more prone to having this condition, as are those that were delivered with the help of forceps or a vacuum. Finally, if your baby did not go to term, this can increase their chance of being diagnosed. Many parents worry that they have done something wrong. Often flat head syndrome happens by chance, but knowing what to do and how to help your baby can make a big difference in how quickly you can treat it. 

Options To Treat Flat Head Syndrome 

There are several different ways you can treat flat head syndrome. Before you do anything, it is important to speak with your doctor to ensure you are following their guidelines and providing your child with the right support. Begin by increasing tummy time, and see if you can encourage your child to be on their stomach more often, even if they don't seem to like it at first. Always supervise your baby when they are on their tummy. Start out by having them do it for three to five minutes, a few times each day, and gradually increase it. You can also hold your baby more often and carry them around. As they get bigger, they will become more interested in the world, and start to hold their head up more. Finally, a baby head shaping pillow might provide the extra support your little one needs. 

If your baby has flat head syndrome, it is important to understand which one. Positional plagiocephaly is the most common, and there are many causes behind it, such as laying on the back too much or being preterm. There are different ways it can be treated, from offering more tummy time and carrying your child around more to using a pillow that was meant just for this condition. It is totally possible to help your child outgrow flat head syndrome. Make sure you follow your doctor's advice and keep them updated on your progress.