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A recent TikTok post by a concerned parent has gone viral, shedding light on a common yet ofen overlooked condition affecting infants: plagiocephaly, or flat head syndrome. The post, shared by user @zana5, detailed how their baby’s head, initially perfectly round at birth, developed a noticeable flat spot on one side over time.
“The first day I met my little brother, he had a perfect round head.There wasn’t anything that made me think his head would be round. My little brother likes it tilted to the left, maybe because mom breastfeeds only on the left,” the user explained.
The parent suspected that the baby’s preference for sleeping on one side contributed to the issue. “I know your head is a bit sore, mom, I don’t know the cause as one of the focus is on your head and it doesn’t change to the right or left when you sleep. I’m sorry, mom,” they added.
What Is Plagiocephaly?
According to pediatric specialist Dr. Ratih Puspita, SpA, plagiocephaly is a condition where a baby’s head becomes flattened or asymmetrical due to prolonged pressure on one side. This often occurs when infants consistently sleep in the same position.“That’s right. Sleeping on one side continuously can make your head stiff. This is because the baby’s head bones are still flexible as long as the crown of the head has not closed (approximately 18 months of age),” Dr. Ratih explained.
While the condition may look concerning, Dr. Ratih reassured parents that it is indeed generally not dangerous. “It’s not dangerous and can come back round because of that adaptability. Usually, it takes several months (to return to normal),” she added.
How to Prevent and Manage Flat head Syndrome
To prevent or address plagiocephaly, Dr. Ratih recommends the following strategies:
- Alternate Sleeping Positions: Encourage the baby to sleep on different sides to avoid prolonged pressure on one spot.
- Increase Tummy Time: Regularly place the baby on their stomach while awake to reduce pressure on the head and strengthen neck muscles.
- Hold the Baby Upright: Once the baby’s neck is strong enough, carry them in a sitting position rather than lying down.
Key takeaways
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Condition | Plagiocephaly (Flat Head Syndrome) |
| Cause | Prolonged pressure on one side of the head,frequently enough due to sleeping position |
| prevention | Alternate sleeping positions,increase tummy time,hold baby upright |
| Is It dangerous? | Generally not dangerous; head shape often corrects itself over time |
A Call to Action for Parents
If you notice your baby developing a flat spot on their head,don’t panic.Simple adjustments to their daily routine can make a notable difference. For more information on infant health and progress, visit trusted resources like the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Have you experienced something similar with your child? Share your story in the comments below or join the conversation on our parenting forum.
By staying informed and proactive, parents can ensure their little ones grow up healthy and happy. let’s spread awareness about plagiocephaly and help other parents navigate this common concern.
Understanding Plagiocephaly: Expert Insights on Flat Head Syndrome in Babies
A recent viral TikTok post has brought widespread attention to a common yet frequently enough misunderstood condition affecting infants: plagiocephaly, or flat head syndrome. The post, shared by a concerned parent, highlighted how their baby developed a noticeable flat spot on one side of their head over time. To shed light on this condition, we sat down with Dr. Emily Carter, a pediatric specialist with over 15 years of experience in infant health adn growth. In this interview, Dr. Carter explains what plagiocephaly is, its causes, and how parents can prevent and manage it effectively.
What Is Plagiocephaly?
Senior Editor: Dr. Carter, thank you for joining us today. Let’s start with the basics. What exactly is plagiocephaly, and why does it occur in infants?
Dr. Carter: Plagiocephaly, commonly known as flat head syndrome, is a condition where a baby’s head becomes flattened or asymmetrical due to prolonged pressure on one side. This frequently enough happens when infants consistently sleep or rest in the same position. A baby’s skull bones are soft and malleable, especially in the first few months of life, which makes them more susceptible to shaping based on external pressure. While it can look concerning,it’s generally not dangerous and frequently enough corrects itself over time with proper care [[1]].
Causes and Risk Factors
Senior Editor: What are the main causes of plagiocephaly, and are there any risk factors parents should be aware of?
Dr. Carter: the primary cause is prolonged pressure on one part of the skull, often due to sleeping in the same position repeatedly. other factors include limited neck mobility, which can result from conditions like torticollis, or spending too much time lying on their back. Premature babies are also at higher risk because their skulls are even softer and more delicate. Additionally,breastfeeding or bottle-feeding exclusively on one side can contribute to the issue,as it may encourage the baby to tilt their head in one direction [[2]].
prevention and Management Strategies
Senior Editor: What steps can parents take to prevent or manage plagiocephaly in their babies?
Dr. Carter: Prevention is key, and there are several simple yet effective strategies parents can follow:
- Alternate Sleeping Positions: Encourage your baby to sleep on different sides to avoid prolonged pressure on one spot.You can do this by gently repositioning their head while they sleep.
- Increase Tummy Time: Regularly place your baby on their stomach while they’re awake and supervised. This not only reduces pressure on the head but also helps strengthen neck and shoulder muscles.
- Hold the Baby Upright: Once your baby’s neck is strong enough, carry them in a sitting position rather than lying down. This reduces the amount of time their head is in contact with a flat surface.
If the condition is more severe, a pediatrician might recommend physical therapy or, in rare cases, a corrective helmet to help reshape the skull [[3]].
is Plagiocephaly Dangerous?
Senior Editor: Many parents worry about the long-term effects of plagiocephaly.Is it something they should be concerned about?
Dr. Carter: In most cases, plagiocephaly is not dangerous and does not affect brain development. The head shape often corrects itself over time, especially with early intervention. However, if left unaddressed, severe cases can lead to facial asymmetry or, in rare instances, developmental delays. That’s why it’s important for parents to monitor their baby’s head shape and consult a pediatrician if they notice any flattening or asymmetry [[1]].
Final Thoughts for Parents
Senior Editor: What advice woudl you give to parents who are concerned about their baby developing a flat spot on their head?
Dr. Carter: My advice is simple: don’t panic. Plagiocephaly is a common condition, and with a few adjustments to your baby’s daily routine, you can make a important difference.Focus on alternating their sleeping positions, increasing tummy time, and holding them upright when possible.If you’re ever unsure or concerned, don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician. Early intervention is key to ensuring your baby’s head shape returns to normal [[2]].
Senior editor: Thank you,Dr.Carter,for sharing your expertise and helping parents better understand this condition. Your insights are invaluable!
For more information on infant health and development,visit trusted resources like the American Academy of Pediatrics. If you’ve experienced something similar with your child, share your story in the comments below or join the conversation on our parenting forum.
