Flat head syndrome as it is known, happens when babies spend too much time in one position. This happens a lot more often now because we are taught to lay our children on their backs when they

                         Ryan developed a flat head, thankfully the early childhood nurse picked it up early enough. She organized Ryan and me, to attend some physio therapy to try and reshape his head........

                           Babies develop a flat head because their skulls are very soft and of course their bones can be affected by pressure. If babies always turn their heads to the same side, the skull will flatten. A little bit of flattening goes away. More serious flattening may be permanent, but will not affect a baby’s brain or development.

                          We attended physiotherapy where I was taught how to help Ryan do same exercises, because he favoured one side the muscles in his neck were shorter on that side, which meant we had to loosen that muscle to help him turn the other way without discomfort.

           The neck muscles can be stretched by;

n      Gently turning the baby’s head, chin to shoulder, stabilize chest with one hand, hold for ten seconds, then repeat on the other side.

n      Tilt head, ear to shoulder, again stabilize by holding chest with one hand. hold for ten seconds, repeat on the other side.

          Exercises should be done four or five times a day, when baby is awake and happy. Ryan wasn’t to happy doing the exercises because they hurt a little.....remember; perseverance, being gentle and encouraging......

             The physiotherapist also encouraged us to roll up a pillow that would go around his head to support and stop him turning to the side he favoured, she advised us to always change the position of the cot, this would begin the reshaping of his head, she also said tummy time was very important because it would strengthen his neck muscles......

            Key points; to avoid flat head syndrome;

n      place baby on their side when awake

n      tummy time

n      turn cot around every few days- babies will turn their head away from the wall

             Being aware of this condition can prevent it, there should definitely be more written up on it.....Ryan’s head is round now but I suppose if the nurse hadn’t picked it up he may have ended up with a misshapen head. The exercises and the encouragement to turn to both sides equally, helped......By being aware of this I did not have the some problem with Ashlei, I always made sure to turn her cot regularly so she was always facing a different way........

                    If you are concerned about your baby’s head and think they may be developing a flat head, take them to your doctor and they will refer you to a specialist or a physiotherapist............

                    I hope this helps.................