Having a newborn is an exciting time of life. It can also be scary and create anxiety because often as mum’s we worry something terrible will happen to our angels. And we have had the SIDS campaign beaten down our throats that some of us watch the baby monitor like hawks! Over the last 10+ years in chiropractic practice working with kids, the number of new mum’s attending with their child for a flat spot has increased. Sometimes the mother doesn’t even notice until their maternal nurse brings it up. Other times, the mother is on it straight away. Irrespective, knowing that there may be something wrong with their child can be daunting.

We all know we need to try and avoid our babies from getting a flat spot on our baby’s head because it just doesn’t look aesthetically correct but recent work from the University of Melbourne has shown that babies who have a flat spot actually have less head control than those who don’t & some research suggests there may be a link in developmental delay. The Red Nose Foundation has long recommended that we sleep our babies on their backs as a precautionary preventative of sudden death syndrome and that is of course the most ideal position however prolonged periods of back sleeping can lead to the condition technically known as Plagiocephaly. This condition can be avoided by ensuring your baby has plenty of time spent in positions other than on their backs

Alternate your baby’s head position with each sleep

Always remember that back is best but when putting your baby down for a sleep, take notice of which way they turn their head as they will often favour one side and try to alternate sides by gently turning their heads for them. Alternate their head to feet position as well, as newborns tend to search for light.

Reduce how much time your baby spends on their back when awake

Prolonged periods on baby’s backs during wake time is avoided as much as possible. When lying on the floor try and distract your baby by placing yourself and their toys in the opposite direction to their preferred side. Get down on the floor with them making lots of eye contact.

Tummy time, tummy time, tummy time…when your baby is awake!

Tummy time can’t be emphasised enough. It is not only an important gross motor activity but also reduces the time your baby spends on their back when they’re awake. Time on their front helps to develop your baby’s neck and back muscles which helps with their ability to turn their head from side to side and hold their head up when supported in carrying positions. Your baby lying on you is also tummy time and is a great way to bond. Early on, a baby won’t tolerate great lengths of time on their tummy as they are still developing the neck muscle strength. So multiple short bursts through the day, eg after every nappy change, after a feed, after bath time for 1 -2 minutes would be the better recommendation.

Ask for advice

If you think your baby is at risk of developing a flat spot seek out the advice of your chiropractor or other health care provider. Don’t wait until it’s too late to be proactive.

Think about your baby’s bedroom

If your baby spends time in their cots before falling asleep and you have noticed that they are showing a preference for one particular side give them a reason to face the other way by creating a distraction. Place colourful mobiles and pictures in positions that your baby is unable to reach but is happy to look at.

Chiropractic Care for Flat Spot

Chiropractic care first involves a full assessment particularly questioning history of noticing difficulty with your baby turning their head to one side or favouring one side with sleeping and/or feeding. The mother’s account of the pregnancy and birth is also important particularly where forceps, vacuum or other forceful intervention was used possible causing damage to the neck muscles of baby. The chiropractor will visually assess and also measure the head shape to determine the extent of the flat spot and then provide gentle appropriate management and offer advice on how to help at home.

The Mimos Pillow & Helmets

If the flattening is persisting, the Mimos pillow in Australia may be used in the prevention and correction of flat spot. The Mimos pillow may help in reducing pressure and minimising the misshaping. They are ordered based on your infant’s head size. If the flat spot is severe or persisting, a remodelling helmet may also be required to assist proper growth and create better symmetry.

If you need help or further assistance or advice, feel free to contact me via email or leave a comment below.

In health and wellbeing,

Dr. Andrea Parisio-Ferraro Chiropractor, Wellness Practitioner, Mumma x 2

Presented by Dr. Andrea Parisio-Ferraro Chiropractor & Wellness Practitioner, Special Interest in Care of Infants, Pregnancy & Fertility

Essendon, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA

For more information, email at contact@halowellness.com.au

The Information presented in this article is a guide only and does not substitute for health professional consultation. Any concern that is of a persistent nature should be thoroughly assessed by your qualified health care practitioner.

Help! My baby has a Flat Spot on their Head!