Plagiocephaly (Flat Head) Prevention Guide
What is Plagiocephaly?
Plagiocephaly is most commonly called “flat head.” Plagiocephaly is a deformity of the skull in which one side is more developed in the front, and one side is more developed in the back. 46% of babies are affected- which is over a 300% increase since the Back To Sleep campaign was implemented in 1992. Plagiocephaly is very common, so do not fret or feel guilty if you’re noticing any flattening!
Flat heads occur all over the world! And we have all the education and tricks to help keep your baby’s head round- without a helmet!
Month by Month Prevention Guide
Get ready to feel your best through these guided practices aimed at boosting your energy, calming your nervous system and helping you incorporate self-care into the every day.
0-2 months: THIS IS THE MOST CRITICAL TIME
It is important to vary your baby’s head position to keep the pressure off of a specific side. This is when you will monitor very closely and make adjustments as soon as you see an issue! Tummy time, minimal container use and rotating head while sleeping are most effective now. Be diligent!
This is the perfect time to sign up for Unique Footprints Early Motherhood course for an entire flat head course (ways to prevent and heal naturally) from our pediatric occupational therapist.
2-4 months:
If there is flattening, you will probably see it now. If you do – it is time to take action, not “wait and see”. You can correct the flattening without a helmet (because they are still sleeping on their back) so seek out an experienced PT or OT to help you. Bump up your tummy time.
5 months & up:
Your baby is probably close to rolling now and may be sleeping on their tummy. If the head is flat, talk to your pediatrician about a helmet referral. The head shape will not worsen at this point and may improve slightly. If it looks okay – you are in the clear. Congratulations!
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Unique Footprints Authors:
Jennifer Todd-Barnard, OT
Jennifer is on the Unique Footprints Pediatric Occupational Therapy team, she’s an occupational therapist and founder of Baby Begin (treated over 6,000 babies worldwide since 2008). She has become an expert on treating torticollis and correcting flat heads without a helmet. Read more about Jennifer here.
From the Unique Footprints editorial team and Jenny Morrow, founder of Unique Footprints. Unique Footprints follows strict reporting guidelines and uses only credible sources from ACOG, the American Academy of Pediatrics, CDC, the U.S. Surgeon Guidelines and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The UF TEAM also thoroughly researches peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations. Unique Footprints is endorsed by the American Pregnancy Association.