Prevention Begins at Birth
In 1992 the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended keeping babies on their backs while sleeping. This Back-to-Sleep program has been very successful. Many babies' lives have been saved from SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). However, babies who lie in one position too long may develop a significantly abnormal head shape called plagiocephaly or positional molding.
What is Plagiocephaly?
- Plagiocephaly is an abnormal head shape deformity that can occur in very young infants, usually in the first few weeks of life.
- The weight of the brain against the baby's soft skull causes a flat spot in the skull because the head stays in the same position.
- Plagiocephaly means slanted or flattening of the head.
What causes positional molding?
- It develops in babies who not only sleep on their backs, but for babies who are positioned in an infant carrier and/or stroller for a big part of their day.
- The combination of sleeping on the back and pressure on the back of the baby's head can create a flat spot.
What results from abnormal head shaping?
- Once the head changes begin, if the baby is not put in different positions, the flat spot may get worse.
- If your baby's head is still misshapen at 3 months, a molding helmet may be needed to improve the flat spot.
- The entire head can change shape, even the face.
- Without treatment, changes in face shape can lead to an eye imbalance and a change in jaw shape.
Plagiocephaly Can Be Prevented
- Change the way your baby is positioned while awake.
- It is very important from an early age that your baby be put on their tummy when they are awake and being watched.
- Limit the amount of time your baby rests in baby furniture – car seats, infant carriers and strollers.
- Being on their tummy while supervised will take the pressure off the back of your baby's head and lower the chance that they will develop a flat spot.
- Being on their tummy while supervised will strengthen the neck, arms and tummy and back muscles. With stronger muscles, your baby won't look to one side, putting pressure in the same area to cause flat spots and tight neck muscles.
- When your baby is awake, focus on supervised tummy time with your baby.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends Back-to-Sleep and supervised Tummy-to-Play.
Rev. 12/07
