UAE: What is Baby Flat Head Syndrome and why is it so common?

What is flat head syndrome?

“Deformational Plagiocephaly (DP), is a medical condition more commonly known as ‘flat head syndrome’ (FHS), which occurs when an infant’s head becomes flattened, or misshapen due to the head continually resting on a surface that does not support the shape of a baby’s head," says Suzanne Browne from Clevamama, which manufactures baby and children products.

“Infant heads are soft to allow for the initial passage through the birth canal and then the incredible brain growth that occurs in the first year of life. During the early months of life, they are more susceptible to being ‘moulded’ into a flat shape, or taking the form of the surface that the skull is in contact with.

“The condition affects many infants – up to 45 percent – especially since the introduction from health officials of the Back to Sleep campaign, in 1994, which recommends that babies are placed to sleep on their back to reduce the number of SID’s (Cot Deaths).”

“Plagiocephaly occurs when an infant’s soft skull becomes flattened in one area, due to repeated pressure on that particular part of the head. Many babies develop plagiocephaly by sleeping regularly in one position, or by spending extensive time sitting in the same position in a car seat or swing.

“It occurs more often in premature infants whose skulls are even more pliable than other babies. These babies may spend a great deal of time lying down as they receive treatment.”

How can I prevent it?

There are a few ways to help prevent Flat Head Syndrome:

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