flat head?

Question

my baby has a slight flat head at the back. is this normal and has any1 elses baby got this?

Answer 1

I wouldn't say Plagiocephaly was "normal" but the number of babies with it has gone up significantly now that they sleep on their backs. I noticed a flat spot developing on my son at 3 months and kept him off his back as much as possible but ended up having to put him in a helmet for 3 months anyway....his was more severe. What you need to do is a lot of tummy time. Also those swings and bouncy seats also prevent the head from naturally rounding out, so try to minimize that. There is a really great yahoogroups.com group called babies with plagiocephaly(flat head)and if you join, they have a ton of information and you can get tips from other moms on how to get your baby off his/her back. Good luck!

Answer 2

Yeah, it's normal. They spend so much time down that the head sometimes stays a little flat, and the hair may be thinner in that area.
Depending on the age of your baby, try putting him or her on her belly for some time during the day, or in a swing or seater the keep him/her off it's back.
As your child gets older you wont want the baby to have the flat head. Some people get the wrong idea..like you are neglecting your baby leaving it in the crib too much.

It's normal, just try holding your baby or propping him on his side and belly more.
Also, alternate ends of the crib he sleeps in, you will also notice this with the sides of it's head if you don't switch it up. Babies tend to roll to face the 'front' of the crib, so put him to bed in the normal position for one week, then every time you change out the sheets(whether it be every couple of days or every week) make the bed up on the opposite end.
Good luck and congrats on the bebe!

Answer 3

It's perfectly normal being as babies sleep so much. Just make sure that when your little one is awake that he/she is not lying down too much on his/her back or too long in the carseat where the head will lay flat. Try some tummy time and activities where your little one's head is not laying on a surface. Is he/she old enough for the exersaucer yet? Also when laying down for bed place baby a little more on one side and then the next nap on the other. This should help a bit as well.

Answer 4

absolutely normal both my boys had flat heads at the back its just from laying on them all the time. both my sons lost their hear at the back too but don't worry it grows back.
The flat head will even out usually 4 to 6 months when they start rolling over and spend less time on their back.
In the mean time why not try putting your baby to play on their tummy more while awake.
If your really worried take your baby and see the health visitor or GP for reassurance

Answer 5

It is completely normal...you can help to prevent it from flattening further(it will generally return to normal by itself unless it becomes too severe) Make sure when you lay baby down to switch from side to side and back. This will keep baby from laying on the back of their head all of the time causing the flat spot.

Answer 6

That's called the flat head syndrome - it is caused by the baby spending too much time with his/her head resting on a surface.

It's the reason behind the government's "Tummy to play, back to sleep" campaign where they recommend babies spend as much play time on their tummies and only lie on their backs (as far as possible) to sleep.

It should resolve itself over time, but in extreme cases a head gear is required to take the strain off the skull to allow it to go back to its normal shape. However, that's only if the child grows older and the flat head remains. If it worries you go and see your GP/health visitor.

Answer 7

It is norma-thats why docs reccommend you lay the baby on his side sometimes too. I think they actually call it flat head. Just try lying her on her side sometimes. A sleep positioner works great for that as does a rolled up receiving blanket tucked under his/her back. I dont think its a permanent condition so u shouldnt worry. Good luck.

Answer 8

I would say it's normal.... I think it has to do with the baby laying on his back alot, since this is the way they suggest the baby lay... maybe let the baby spend sometime on his/her belly while awake this builds up the muscles in the chest and arms anyway and is good for the baby, or if the baby is in sight and you can pay attention (your not sleeping) let him/her sleep on his/her side all my kids slept on their sides and was fine but I know that the Dr.s say it's better for them to sleep on their backs???

Answer 9

A slight flat head is quite common in infants...but if you don't catch it early and work to correct it it can get worse and may require a little helmet to fix. (my son had one, it was kinda cute and not too bad)

Not to worry though, just put your little one on pleanty of tummy time, limit the amount of time in carseats, swings ect and it should self correct.

Answer 10

yes,and it's normal.do not worry too much.and what u should do is let ur baby sleep freely.do not use any pillow.from my experience,when my baby using the pillow when sleep,my baby's head will become flat,and the doctor recommended me not to use the pillow.and now my baby's head back to normal.
don't worry too much.it takes some time for ur baby's head to back too normal.
u r such a good,mother.........i'm sure ur baby will love u when he/she knew about this when ur baby's grew up......
good luck mom!