My baby has developed a flat head?.

A Please be reassured that it is very common for babies to have a flat spot on the back or side of the head. The medical name for this is: positional plagiocephaly, or flat head syndrome. It is caused when babies spend a lot of time with their head resting in the same position. This has become more common as in an attempt to reduce the risk of cot death, babies are now encouraged to sleep flat on their backs.

Flat head syndrome occurs because babies are born with soft, pliable skulls, so if resting in the same position for long periods of time, the skull will flatten. In most cases, a baby's head will return to a more natural, rounded shape once your child begins crawling and standing.

Please be reassured that flat head syndrome is a purely cosmetic issue; it in no way impacts on your baby’s brain or intellectual development. However if you are concerned you should speak to your GP.

It is important that you still continue to place your baby on their back to sleep at night. However, to help to encourage your Childs skull to re-shape and if your child is developmentally ready, you can rest your baby on their tummy or side during the day whilst awake to play, or to sleep but they should be constantly supervised.

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