More babies than ever are presenting with flat spots on their heads. A recent study in Canada revealed that 50 percent of all 2-month-old infants examined had one.
More babies than ever are presenting with flat spots on their heads. A recent study in Calgary, Canada revealed that almost 50 percent of the 440 babies examined between 2 and 3 months of age had one.
According to US based BabyCenter, the occurence of flat heads has increased fivefold since the early 90s. That was when parents were advised that babies should sleep on their backs to avoid succumbing to SIDS.
Flat spots are certainly the lesser of the two risks, and experts point out while it remains important for babies to sleep in that position, steps should also be taken to prevent misshapen skulls.
Because infants’ skulls are so malleable, repeated pressure to one area can cause flatness.
Assuring that head positions are alternated while sleeping and varied while feeding can help alleviate unwanted leveling.
Another problem with emerging flat areas is that they can be hard to detect. It’s natural to have some residual squishing from the birth process for up to six weeks.
After that time, it’s recommended that parents still detecting problem areas take pictures of the top of their baby’s head every month or so to monitor changes.
