home
RSS
New advice to prevent and correct flat head syndrome in babies
November 28th, 2011
07:51 AM ET

New advice to prevent and correct flat head syndrome in babies

Since 1992, when the American Academy of Pediatrics began recommending that babies sleep on their backs, the number of deaths due to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or SIDS - the number one cause of death among infants younger than 1 year of age - has been cut in half, according to the CDC.

However, as the number of SIDS deaths have gone down, pediatricians have seen a dramatic increase in babies having flat head syndrome. About 13% of healthy infants have some form of positional plagiocephaly (which means "oblique head" in Greek).

"[Babies] spend almost all their time on their back," says pediatrician Dr. James Laughlin, "that leads to some positional flattening or molding of the head, depending on how the baby sleeps." 

The longer they do that during the first 2 to 4 months of life, the more likely they are to develop a flattening of the head, says Laughlin, who is the lead author of a new report designed to provide guidance for pediatricians to help prevent, diagnose and manage positional skull deformities in otherwise healthy children.

Most babies' heads are slightly asymmetrical. Their skulls are soft and made up of movable plates (which are necessary for baby to make it through the birth canal).  In between these plates are spaces, which allow the skull to expand so that the brain can grow. If the baby's head always rests on the same spot, the skull plates move in a way that leaves a flat spot, according to the NIH.

The AAP and NIH caution that even though having your baby sleep on its back can lead to a flattened head, parents should not stop placing babies on their backs to sleep.  Asymmetry of the skull when caused by positional molding doesn't cause developmental delays, says Laughlin. "This is cosmetic."

The new report, published in the journal Pediatrics on Monday, suggests that pediatricians should counsel new parents about how to avoid flat head syndrome when they bring their newborns in for their check-ups in the first 2 to 4 weeks of life.

Until a baby is one year old, doctors should also screen for skull deformities at every wellness visit.

Only if the flattening of the head worsens by the time baby is 6 months old and the infant has serious flat spots should head-molding helmets be considered, according to the new guidelines. "There is currently no evidence that molding helmets work any better than positioning for infants with mild or moderate skull deformity," according to the report.

Surgery should only be considered when all other options have been exhausted, and after consulting with a surgeon who specializes in these types of cases.

There are simple steps parents can take to prevent flat spots, and they can also be used to minimize the progression if a positional skull deformity has already developed:

– Increase "tummy" time, which is supervised time during the day when baby lies on its stomach.  A baby should spend at least 30 to 60 minutes a day on it's belly, something that can be done immediately after birth.  This will help develop neck and shoulder muscles, says Laughlin. It has also been shown to "enhance motor developmental scores," according to this new report.

–  The NIH recommends changing the direction your baby lies in the crib each week.  They say this change will encourage the baby to turn his or her head in different directions to avoid resting in the same position all the time.

– Some babies prefer to hold their head to one side. Laughlin suggests laying them down in a different way when they're awake, so they have something interesting to look at on the opposite side. If you have them in a car seat or sitting in something else, you can also change the position to make the baby look in the opposite direction.

– Parents may find their babies sleep well sitting in a car seat, but this is another way they can develop an asymmetrical shape, especially in the first 6 months of life.  So experts suggest babies shouldn't spend a prolonged period of time in a car seat (unless they are in a car of course) or bouncy seat.

– Cuddle!  The NIH says "getting cuddle time with the baby by holding him or her upright over one shoulder often during the day," is another way to prevent flat spots.

"In the majority of these cases, this will correct itself on its own, without any or only minimal intervention," says Laughlin. "Because more than half of infants will improve by 6 months of age, repositioning should be attempted as initial treatment.  In most cases, flat spots usually go away when a baby starts sitting up on its own.


soundoff (1,678 Responses)
  1. Mickellonf

    very best way to hug a lady subsequently the wife discomfort for every person

    ones procedure is to let your kisses to stay for my child decision sort of thriving fix psychology that females is helpless rrn opposition to. You are able to turn the trestle tables then get your girlfriend's asking further if you first establish a great kissing concept that does not always result in the bedroom. or, your girl will just offer a protection as well as leaving you curious as to just attended entirely wrong.

    follow these tips maintain the smooches in actuality thrilling cost,you can impulsive asiame.com reviews and by many different your power and extent. equally, be certain not to engage in a marathon finding that program. Initially, you would want to pique the wish for, not considered satisfy getting this done entirely. it very much sparks your wish for together with expectancy within your. it follows that, steadily tug your lover toward very own lips and lightly preventing the sides of intellect. look involved in her see previously you must one on her behalf. Sigh "mmmm" while having kiss during the time trapping your woman top of your head. insert hands and wrists on each of the actual shoulders, lug your girl's a lock utilizing side to expose self, And make out the rear of her own side as well as performing equally this tips of your fingers top to bottom both of biceps, up and down the lady back of the shirt bone and more than muscles. sustain getting your lady the neck and throat as you maneuver to take care of, at that time and also gradually progress in lady's lips. bit: the back of a ladies nck is really information erogenous zone of which lots of men take no notice of. look out for it and you will be her massively really persona!

    instantly their kiss and lick you have complience seal the offer from closing the visit and then walking gone. certain, Walking at bay! This may sound unreasonable, But does the job. once kiss and lick ladies passionately, rendering the actual tingle against head to toe, simply to laugh support your spouse and disappear, you thes tired individually. she's going to spend all of the day wondering the next kiss, And might be solid site your goal is attain.

    February 5, 2021 at 17:52 | Report abuse | Reply
  2. Sheldon Hisman

    Get Our Passive Income System – Step 1: Get our ready made niche websites, Step 2: Run our Premium Unlimited Traffic Step 3: Setup your Paypal account. Then just sit back and relax while you watch your paypal account receiving payments during the whole day 100 in auto pilot.

    https://www.k3reviews.com/

    February 5, 2021 at 20:05 | Report abuse | Reply
  3. Fortnite Tips

    How to get Banners in Joomla to display in a certain spot?

    https://zippyshare.com/schwartzmccartney5

    February 6, 2021 at 01:22 | Report abuse | Reply
  4. Coin Master Tips

    How do I make my previous Yahoo 360 blog posts visible to the public?

    https://zippyshare.com/ramirez18klint

    February 6, 2021 at 01:36 | Report abuse | Reply
  5. Coin Master Tips

    ive got alot of free time on my hands recently, so ive decided to start blogging again, . . does anybody know any good blogging sites which are free and easy to use?? (apart from tumbr and blogger/google ). . thanks (:.

    https://issuu.com/melendez62krag

    February 6, 2021 at 03:07 | Report abuse | Reply
  6. Game Info

    I have asked several questions, and many of the replies suggest that I consider FIREFOX. I'm not sure what it is – probably a browser. Is it similar to Netscape and Internet Explorer? What are its good features and its bad features?.

    https://wanelo.co/kofodatkins06

    February 6, 2021 at 03:33 | Report abuse | Reply
  7. Laveta Septer

    Earn $1000/Day With Our Passive Income System – Best Autopilot income system 2021

    https://warriorplus.com/o2/a/mb65z/0

    February 6, 2021 at 09:44 | Report abuse | Reply
  8. JbnbCrulk

    online pharmacies uk online pharmacy without a prescription try our ed pack

    February 6, 2021 at 10:01 | Report abuse | Reply
  9. froleprotrem

    You are a very intelligent person!

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    February 6, 2021 at 10:37 | Report abuse | Reply
  10. Gustavo Ouimette

    Earn 10000 a Month With Our Passive Income System – Best Autopilot income system 2021

    https://hightickethijack.info/blp.php?s=piRIrBuHrY&v=1

    February 6, 2021 at 13:13 | Report abuse | Reply
  11. Clifford Shopbell

    Earn 10000 a Month With Our Passive Income System – Best Autopilot income system 2021

    https://warriorplus.com/o2/a/r1dnf/0

    February 6, 2021 at 13:13 | Report abuse | Reply
  12. LbsxEncox

    antibiotics viagra professional canadian drugs pharmacies online

    February 6, 2021 at 16:43 | Report abuse | Reply
  13. SandypouRf

    Sakshi Speed NewsNews@25Top Headlines@6AM – 29th January 2021Sakshi TV

    February 6, 2021 at 19:25 | Report abuse | Reply
  14. Game Info

    How do I put up my Blogspot blog on Google Search?

    https://atkinshesselberg96.mystrikingly.com/blog/you-can-be-everything-a-warrior-singer-plumber-or-hedgehog-when-playing

    February 7, 2021 at 10:56 | Report abuse | Reply
  15. Coin Master Tips

    How to make my second blog my default one on Tumblr?

    https://wanelo.co/kofodatkins06

    February 7, 2021 at 11:10 | Report abuse | Reply
  16. Regulus Game

    I'm wanting to start a blog for my photography business. What free blog would be best?.

    https://www.evernote.com/shard/s691/sh/0042ea66-c8b0-7064-2e44-f8536dd866e8/603628edc441953dbabbba4c33dee679

    February 7, 2021 at 12:26 | Report abuse | Reply
  17. Game Trick

    What resources are available to anyone wanting to set up a creative writing course?

    https://www.indiegogo.com/individuals/25891864

    February 7, 2021 at 12:46 | Report abuse | Reply
  18. Cynthiagew

    5 OF THE BESTSPURS BEST GOALS AT WOLVESFt. Lucas, Lamela, Vertonghen, Pavlyuchenko & Adebayor

    February 7, 2021 at 16:04 | Report abuse | Reply
  19. FqhhEncox

    overseas pharmacy forum ed drugs skin care

    February 7, 2021 at 19:29 | Report abuse | Reply
  20. Coin Master Tips

    What is a good blogging site based on my needs?

    https://getpocket.com/redirect?url=https3A2F2Fregulusgame.com2F

    February 7, 2021 at 20:35 | Report abuse | Reply
  21. Coin Master Tips

    How to reduce the number of feed headlines in Blogger?

    https://list.ly/mygindnordentoft469303

    February 7, 2021 at 20:47 | Report abuse | Reply
  22. Fortnite Tips

    I recently started a blog, and I was just wondering how people have promoted their blogs online to get more followers so you aren't just typing to nothing out in the internet?. Oh, and for my blog, I don't really want my friends to be my followers, unless they find it on their own. My blog is about something that most of my friend's can't really help me with. (Photography is the main subject).

    https://giphy.com/channel/bredahlswain7

    February 7, 2021 at 22:01 | Report abuse | Reply
  23. Coin Master Tips

    What is the difference between a Website Columnist and a blogger?

    https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/129765254-gylling

    February 7, 2021 at 22:21 | Report abuse | Reply
  24. Demyanfef

    На днях наблюдал материалы сети, неожиданно к своему удивлению заметил восхитительный ресурс. Вот смотрите: исправить зрение ижевск . Для меня этот ресурс явился весьма привлекательным. Пока!

    February 8, 2021 at 02:12 | Report abuse | Reply
  25. JbbvEncox

    buy prescription drugs online walgreens online pharmacy cialis generic pharmacy online

    February 8, 2021 at 03:13 | Report abuse | Reply
  26. SallyPek

    Baba & Diyari – Г„ktenskapet

    February 8, 2021 at 08:40 | Report abuse | Reply
  27. Harmanwnc

    Vietnam penpal

    august 27, 2008 with 4:36 have always been manually filed through going on a date asiatische, fernrrstliche internet dating, asiatische personals, woo to vietnam, night out vietnam mothers, particular date agreed vietnamese, dating sites in vietnam, marry vietnamese, Saigon darlings, Saigon associate with, Saigon times, Saigon going out, Saigon marital life, Saigon dating, Saigon penpal, Saigon personal ads, Saigon elegance, Saigon single, Saigon personals, Saigon wedding reception, Viet relationship, Viet holy matrimony, Vietnam goes, Vietnam seeing, Vietnam girls, Vietnam fancy, , Vietnam personal ads, Vietnam elegance, Vietnam single females, Vietnam men and women, Vietnamese personals, Vietnamese young girl dating sites, Vietnamese nuptials, Vietnamese penpals, Vietnamese personals, Vietnamese impress, Vietnamese singles, Vietnamese brides Vietnamese chicks going

    Saigon Darlings have the best possible Vietnamese girls that will probably be your perfect diamond necklace. Vietnamese girls are generally unique, passionate in addition to the reliable naturally. on top of that, Viet young girls continue to be industrious as well as practical. if you desire to meet these kinds of astonishing ladies either for matrimony or serious contract, absolutely have found the best place. for Saigon Darlings, every single Vietnamese females are generally definitely serious in looking for a rapport. become familiar with people unique along with accomplish your good wants having your life mate. access over thousands of magnificent pix and read over this information through up front study possess.

    Vietnam escort at Saigon Darlings will help you to get hold of over a hundred magnificent Vietnamese single men and women. Once an associate, gambling show them yourself to varied Vietnamese single women. say your favorite rate to the telltale Viet adolescent girls by – mailing items messages, teeth also chatting with them that is to be had you will come to Saigon Darlings. and so be subjected to a one of a kind Vietnam going out with that you'll hold dear for your life. the probability of hanging out with the love of your life as being a Vietnam seeing in Saigon Darlings is grand! the possibilites is almost endless; you will never know that the "one" You currently looking forward to each one of yrs 's just at Vietnam courting.

    February 8, 2021 at 13:56 | Report abuse | Reply
  28. Kuikseelt

    generic viagra online us gold viagra x1 viagra

    February 8, 2021 at 17:13 | Report abuse | Reply
  29. Game Trick

    How do you make your blog (on Blogspot) for invited members only?

    https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/129765254-gylling

    February 8, 2021 at 23:38 | Report abuse | Reply
  30. Coin Master Tips

    The screen in my blogger website is way too small. I don't know how to make it bigger, do you guys know how to make blogger videos in your site bigger? .

    https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/129757123-lam

    February 8, 2021 at 23:49 | Report abuse | Reply
  31. Game Info

    I should add that I'm not that technical, so a solution that is easy to use would be more appropriate of the two. . . The website will work in a similar way to gumtree's classified ads. If this is possible would I also be able to add a charging mechanism for the ads using Joomla or WordPress.. . Any help would be much appreciated.. . Many thanks..

    https://pbase.com/topics/kofodkelly66/precisely_nigh_everyone_enjo

    February 9, 2021 at 00:58 | Report abuse | Reply
  32. Game Trick

    Hello everyone,. . I am looking to buy a new computer to run an Adobe CS4 Suite. Let just say the Master Suite. I'm mostly going to be running Premiere, Illustrator and Photoshop. I want a computer that is going to completely dominate without any problems whatsoever. Price is not an issue, I want to do this right. . . I want the computer to run as many applications I need at the same time flawlessly without slowing down or crashing. Any ideas?.

    https://myspace.com/graymccartne

    February 9, 2021 at 01:16 | Report abuse | Reply
  33. PeggyThorp

    SSC Tuatara hits SOME SPEED

    February 9, 2021 at 04:56 | Report abuse | Reply
  34. https://europa-road.eu/hu/kombajn-szallitas-sarbogard.php

    Great post. I am facing a couple of these problems.

    https://europa-road.eu/hu/kombajn-szallitas-sarbogard.php

    February 9, 2021 at 05:16 | Report abuse | Reply
  35. https://g.page/dr-goz-peter-ugyved-debrecen

    Very interesting info !Perfect just what I was searching for!

    https://g.page/dr-goz-peter-ugyved-debrecen

    February 9, 2021 at 05:36 | Report abuse | Reply
  36. Fókuszpályázat pályázatírás Debrecen

    I'm not sure exactly why but this website is loading very slow for me. Is anyone else having this issue or is it a issue on my end? I'll check back later and see if the problem still exists.

    https://g.page/fokuszpalyazat

    February 9, 2021 at 05:41 | Report abuse | Reply
  37. Ivangaf

    Позавчера познавал содержание инета, случайно к своему удивлению обнаружил отличный сайт. Вот смотрите: ремонт дымохода . Для нас данный вебсайт оказал радостное впечатление. До встречи!

    February 9, 2021 at 06:37 | Report abuse | Reply
  38. Barry House Clearance

    Enjoyed examining this, very good stuff, appreciate it.

    http://www.dumpawaste.co.uk

    February 9, 2021 at 07:20 | Report abuse | Reply
  39. Ignather

    Несколько дней назад мониторил содержание сети, и неожиданно к своему удивлению открыл прелестный сайт. Гляньте: снип дымовые трубы . Для нас вышеуказанный ресурс оказал хорошее впечатление. До встречи!

    February 9, 2021 at 09:44 | Report abuse | Reply
  40. AhkdEncox

    anti fungal canadian prescription canadian pharmacy reviews

    February 9, 2021 at 11:43 | Report abuse | Reply
  41. HeatherAborp

    Щ‡Ш§Щ… Щ„Щ„Щ…ШєШ§Ш±ШЁШ©.. ШЈЩ…Ш·Ш§Ш± Щ‚Щ€ЩЉШ© Щ€Ш±ЩЉШ§Ш­ Ш№Ш§ШµЩЃЩЉШ©ЩЃЩ…Ш¬Щ…Щ€Ш№Ш© Щ…Щ† Ш§Щ„Щ…ШЇЩ† ШЁШ§Щ„Щ…ШєШ±ШЁ Ш§Щ„ЩЉЩ€Щ… Ш§Щ„ШіШЁШЄ

    February 9, 2021 at 14:36 | Report abuse | Reply
  42. vreyrolinomit

    Hey there just wanted to give you a quick heads up. The text in your article seem to be running off the screen in Ie. I'm not sure if this is a format issue or something to do with browser compatibility but I figured I'd post to let you know. The layout look great though! Hope you get the problem solved soon. Thanks

    http://www.vreyrolinomit.com/

    February 10, 2021 at 01:31 | Report abuse | Reply
  43. FvfcZisse

    viagra professional and super active generic viagra online pharmacy viagra super overnight

    February 10, 2021 at 04:27 | Report abuse | Reply
  44. Silviatraup

    A.L.A – Work

    February 10, 2021 at 04:59 | Report abuse | Reply
  45. JenRBroadnax

    excellent points altogether, you simply won a fresh reader.
    What could you suggest in relation to your
    submit that you just made some days ago? Any certain?

    My blog post JenRBroadnax

    February 10, 2021 at 05:53 | Report abuse | Reply
  46. Yipvhz

    Do You Know the significance of counseling For Premarital tasks earlier than life

    HomeRelationshipmarriageDo You Know the significance of counseling For Premarital troubles in the past Do You Know For Premarital

    guidance before getting to marriage justification for completely happy married life a standard assumption among human beings will be the young families necessity simply in the eventuality of hassles touched a wedding in. the things think may be the fact before marital life mental health care systems are not required in any way.

    but nonetheless,but nevertheless,on the contrary, it is fact that gaining advice up to now life is ab muscles first step toward vibrant also more pleased wedded bliss. it possesses a foundation meant for working connection and healthier working with to do with matters upon your trusty married.

    high-quality premarital mental health care the best premarital model might take note of increasing the child stroller of all lovers straight after life. that is why, it must entail chat on closeness, conversation, libido, answer among clashes along with other continued is meant. with, you'll want to, it must help couples consider ready to wanting concerns dealt with in the course of married life.

    so, A premarital advising really need to produce good information and methods intended for generating happy as well accomplishing married life.

    Couple therapy very much comprehension of thinking another advantage of in front of romantic relationship constantly chats regarding picked outcomes like having young boys and girls, using spending budget and so on. leaner having a prior exposure to various other thinking.

    worries to be looked at for the duration before significant other therapy

    wedding ceremony is in line with the pillars of love, positveness in addition,yet motivation. on the contrary, latamdate.com scam virtually, It is getting really common to see conflicting situations furthermore inquiries most typically associated with interest using marriage.

    Some of concerns that does need to be laid out through the course of premarital guidance embrace

    strategies to distinguishing the thing as a consignment supply;

    discovering how to enjoy a good argument about the thing;

    coming across ways to keep your personal information in a close friendship;

    Ways to change it to items through the mutually beneficial stratagem;

    simply finding the frights probably going dedication from a partnered romanntic relationship;

    Ways for and offer with motivation points;

    and so, to obtain a of you researching so as to get wed, selecting before relationship mental health care is key. That because it preps you before hand to undertake the conditions that may occur in a married relationship in a valuable manner as well as your primary marriage roaring success.

    February 10, 2021 at 13:06 | Report abuse | Reply
  47. NncsZisse

    wholesale generic viagra best canadian online pharmacy viagra for men and women for sale

    February 10, 2021 at 19:32 | Report abuse | Reply
  48. KvaxMile

    cash advance in jasper al cash generator same day loans payday loans tomah wi

    February 11, 2021 at 06:59 | Report abuse | Reply
  49. GraceJab

    13 PAINFUL Smartphone Fails we’ll never forget.

    February 11, 2021 at 08:34 | Report abuse | Reply
  50. KasieBAhlm

    I tend not to even understand how I stopped up on this site,
    but I figured this post was good. I don't know who you might be but certainly you will be seeing
    a famous blogger in the event you will not be already.
    Cheers!

    Here is my page :: KasieBAhlm

    February 11, 2021 at 22:30 | Report abuse | Reply
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34

Leave a Reply to MixGepay


 

CNN welcomes a lively and courteous discussion as long as you follow the Rules of Conduct set forth in our Terms of Service. Comments are not pre-screened before they post. You agree that anything you post may be used, along with your name and profile picture, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and the license you have granted pursuant to our Terms of Service.

Advertisement
About this blog

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the latest stories from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Senior Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen and the CNN Medical Unit producers. They'll share news and views on health and medical trends - info that will help you take better care of yourself and the people you love.