How to Prevent Flathead Syndrome

Positional plagiocephaly or flat head syndrome occurs when an infant develops a flat spot on his head. Infants are born with soft skulls and if their heads rest in one spot for too long, they can develop these spots. If this happens, the infant may need to undergo physical therapy or be fitted for a helmet to help shape his head. Most flat spots are corrected by the time the baby is a year old.

Instructions

• 1

  Shift your baby's head when he is napping. Check on your baby and if you notice that he has been sleeping on the same spot for more than 30 minutes, gently turn your baby's head to the other side.

• 2

  Alternate your baby's head position when you put him to bed at night. Put him down with his head turned to the left, right, or facing straight up.

• 3

  Place your baby on his stomach to play. Not only will this keep him from laying on his head so much, it will also help him strengthen his neck muscles.

• 4

  Put your baby in a sitting position in an infant swing or on your lap to play at times to keep him off of his head.