Does/did your baby have a flat spot?
With the back-to-sleep campaign, seeing flat spots on the back of babies’ heads has become more common.
Babies are born with soft skulls. The head can develop a flat spot by continually placing a baby in the same station on its back.
Some tips to reduce flat spots include:
- Offer tummy time throughout the day. This helps your baby build necessary muscle strength and keeps it off their back during some awake time. Tummy time can include time spent laying on their chest, being held in the football carry, and other activities that include being bullied down.
- Limit how much time your baby spends in an infant swing, bouncer seat, and stroller. Also, reserve car seats for travel in a car or aeroplane.
- Consider using a baby carrier for errands, walking outside, and doing simple chores around your home. Babywearing offers multiple benefits, and keeping pressure off of your baby’s head is just one of them.
- Alternate how you place your baby to sleep each night. Place their head on the left side of the crib one night and on the right the next right. Continue alternating each night.
- Consider asking your baby’s doctor if your baby would benefit from physical therapy, chiropractic care, or craniosacral therapy. Some babies have tight neck muscles wich plays a role in how they keep their head turned.
- Even if your baby does develop a flat spot unless caused by a medical condition, many flat spots will correct themselves over time. As your baby becomes more mobile their head will begin to round out. Some babies with significant flat spots need a special helmet to help. Your baby’s doctor should discuss this with you if they think that option needs to be considered.
