Pediatric Care

Flat head syndrome, or positional plagiocephaly, occurs when a baby’s head develops a flattened area, usually due to prolonged time spent in the same position. This condition is common in infants because their skull bones are still soft and flexible to accommodate rapid brain growth. While flat head syndrome is generally harmless and does not affect brain development, it can lead to noticeable head asymmetry if left unaddressed. Here’s a guide on how to avoid flat head syndrome in newborns and encourage healthy head shape development . 1. Understand the Causes of Flat Head Syndrome Flat head syndrome typically develops due to external pressure on the skull. Babies have soft skulls, which can flatten if they consistently lie on their back or in the same position. Here are some common causes: Prolonged Back Lying: Although the “Back to Sleep” campaign, which recommends placing babies on their backs to sleep, has significantly reduced the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), prol...