Understanding Your Baby’s Head Shape
As a new mother, you’re embarking on an incredible journey of love and care for your precious little one. One aspect that might be on your mind is your baby’s head shape. You may have heard babies are born with soft skulls that can be gently moulded. This means that factors like lying on their back, sitting in bouncers, or their position in the womb can influence the shape of their heads. It’s important to note that the flat head syndrome, which includes conditions like plagiocephaly and brachycephaly, is not a sign of neglect; it’s a common occurrence that many parents encounter.
What are plagiocephaly and brachycephaly?
Plagiocephaly, which means “oblique head”, can result in a flattened appearance on one side, leading to asymmetry. Your baby’s ears might appear misaligned, and the head shape might seem parallelogram-like from above. On the other hand, brachycephaly involves flattening the back of the head, causing it to widen. Sometimes, the forehead will bulge out.
A third term, dolichocephaly, means a head longer than average relative to its width.
These conditions can be worrisome at first glance, but it’s important to remember that they are primarily cosmetic and typically do not affect brain development.
Causes and prevention
Several factors can contribute to your baby developing a flat head, including spending extended periods lying on their back to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), premature birth, complications in the womb, and more. If you are worried about your baby’s head shape, it’s a great idea to take a proactive approach.
To help prevent or address flat head syndrome, consider these steps:
- Supervised Tummy Time: While babies may not always be enthusiastic about tummy time, it’s crucial for their development. Engage in this practice a few times each day under your watchful eye. Special tummy time pillows like the Fisher-Price Tummy Time Llama Plush work like magic.
- Reduce Time in Restrictive Seats: Limit the time your baby spends in car seats, prams, and bouncers. Opt for slings or carriers instead to encourage natural movement. Use a special plagiocephaly baby pillow or a car insert cushion to limit the damage and help with correction at the same time.
- Rotate Toys and Feeding Positions: If you notice a preference for one side, encourage balance by switching toys and alternating feeding positions. A feeding pillow can make your baby feel comfortable while changing positions.
- Vary Sleep Positions: While putting your baby to sleep on their back is crucial to reducing SIDS risk, you can gently turn their head from side to side within the crib.
- Change Crib Orientation: Each week, change the direction your baby’s head faces in the crib to encourage them to turn their head in different directions.
- Mindful Repositioning: Throughout the day, gently reposition your baby’s head to ensure even pressure distribution.
When to Seek Professional Guidance
In most instances, your baby’s head shape will improve naturally over time, especially with your diligent care. However, if you’re concerned and haven’t seen improvement by around 6 months of age, seeking advice from a healthcare professional is a wise step. Remember, your baby’s well-being is always worth ensuring.
Comfort and Care Products: Personal Experience and Recommendations
While there are products like plagiocephaly pillows available on the market, it’s important to approach their use with caution. Some discussions suggest potential risks, including an increased risk of SIDS. If you decide to use such products, always keep an eye on your baby and ensure their safety.
We understand that the journey of caring for your baby can be filled with questions and concerns. Just like you, many parents have walked this path, including us here at Mothernity. If you’re curious about products that may aid your baby’s comfort, two options are worth considering:
Babymoov Cosymorpho newborn insert
Babymoov Cosymorpho Fresh Grey Baby Travel Reducer: This product features soft padded sides to fit your baby’s body shape, ensuring they are fully supported when lying on their back. This universal newborn insert is made from memory foam to avoid any pressure on your baby’s back or head. This ensures your baby’s head stays nice and round, preventing any risk of flat head syndrome on the skull.
The Babymoov newborn insert uses a very soft and micro-breathable fabric which guarantees that your baby’s head, back and neck are fully ventilated. It can be used in the car seat, prams and cribs. Mothers love it, and it has great reviews!
Koala Perfect Head Pillow
Koala Perfect Head Pillow: Crafted with top-quality BASF memory foam, renowned for its German excellence, this pillow aids your baby’s skull in recovering its natural shape. It’s specially designed to promote the perfect posture for their head and back, just as the experts recommend. It holds CE certification and is classified as a Class 1 Medical Device. When you choose our pillow, you’re choosing peace of mind, knowing you’ve invested in the best for your little one.
The Koala Perfect Head Pillow is designed to be practical and versatile. Whether it’s a cot, baby pushchair, cradle, bouncer, bassinet, changing mat, or stroller, our pillow is your baby’s ideal companion, ensuring comfort no matter where they go.
Clevamama ClevaFoam Pram Cushion
Clevamama ClevaFoam Pram Cushion: is a scientifically proven foam to prevent flat head syndrome (plagiocephaly). It reduces pressure on the skull by up to 50 per cent and increases support by up to 80 per cent. It is breathable and hypoallergenic, certified and non-toxic Airflow fabric draws away moisture to increase ventilation, CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly by Allergy Standards Ltd.
The Clevamama ClevaFoam Pram Cushion has a removable and machine washable cover, certificate Oeko-Tex, made with high-quality resistant fabric.
Remember, every baby’s journey is unique, and your intuition as a mother is invaluable. You’re creating a nurturing and loving environment for your little one, and that’s what truly matters. While the flat head syndrome might appear concerning, it’s important to approach it with the right knowledge.
