Flat Head Syndrome causes infants unnecessary pain and discomfort

Positional Plagiocephaly, more commonly known as Flat Head Syndrome, is predicted to affect as many as 46% of infants between 7 and 12 weeks of age. The syndrome is characterised by the infant’s head being flattened on one side, sometimes causing the ears to be misaligned or the face and forehead to bulge on the flattened side.

There are several causes for Flat Head Syndrome. Problems in the womb where pressure is placed on the baby’s head, premature birth due to the new-born’s softer skull and baby neck muscle tightness are three common causes. Another common cause is due to the infant sleeping on their back, which is important to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) but can also put pressure on an isolated spot of the head.

Current treatments for Flat Head Syndrome are not available from the NHS and can be costly. Common treatments include specifically designed helmets or headbands, designed to apply pressure to bulging areas of a baby’s head, reshaping the skull whilst it is still soft. These devises can, however, be uncomfortable for the infant who will wear the device for up to 23 hours a day, and usually takes around 3 – 6 months for treatment to be completed.

Aston spoke to Dr Hock Soon, baby care specialist and founder of Halo Baby Care to find out how we can keep our infants safe and healthy.