Baby flat head syndrome — also known as positional plagiocephaly — can be the result of newborns sleeping extensively on their backs. This sleep position may cause one side of an infant’s head to flatten when pressed against a firm mattress or bedding. The condition tends to occur in newborns who are physically unable to reposition themselves when experiencing discomfort. Utilizing a baby pillow can help offset the time a child’s head is pressed against a crib mattress.
Developing baby flat head can also be widely caused by infant torticollis, a condition that involves excessively tight neck muscles. Newborns and children who lack reasonable control over their neck muscles sometimes tilt their heads to one side. This puts their skull in a single position when napping and sleeping. The result causes an asymmetrical head. That’s why parents typically employ a safe baby pillow to offset a child repeatedly lying on their back with pressure against the developing skull.
Parents would be well-served to practice things such as repositioning a baby’s head while sleeping, holding newborns more frequently, and placing their heads differently than when they sleep. Also, consider strategically employing tummy time each day. Introducing a baby pillow can also help offset the amount of time a child’s head is pressed against a firm mattress. However, pediatric organizations suggest that newborns be monitored when napping on a baby pillow.