POOJA KOTHARIMom of a 8 yr 10 m old boy1 Year agoA. A flat spot on the back of your baby's head, known as positional plagiocephaly, is relatively common in infants, especially if they spend a lot of time lying on their backs. It usually happens when babies are placed on their backs to sleep, which is recommended to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). However, too much time spent lying in the same position can sometimes cause flattening in one area of the skull.
Here are a few steps you can take to help reduce the flatness:
1. Tummy Time: Make sure to give your baby plenty of supervised tummy time while they are awake. This helps strengthen the muscles in their neck and shoulders, and it encourages them to move their head more often, reducing pressure on the back of their skull.
2. Head Positioning: Try to vary your baby's head position during sleep and while lying down. You can alternate the direction your baby’s head faces when they are in their crib (this can help prevent them from always lying with their head on the same side).
3. Limit Time in Car Seats or Swings: While car seats and swings are useful, they should not be used for extended periods as they can put pressure on your baby's head. If your baby is awake, it's best to give them a break from these positions.
4. Repositioning: During the day, gently reposition your baby’s head when they're lying down, ensuring they are not always resting on the flat spot. You can also encourage your baby to turn their head toward the other side by placing interesting toys or sounds on the opposite side.
In most cases, positional plagiocephaly improves with these strategies as your baby becomes more mobile and spends more time sitting, crawling, and moving around. However, if you’re concerned or if the flattening persists, it's a good idea to consult with your pediatrician. In some cases, they may recommend a helmet or other interventions if necessary.
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