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Pediatricians and child health organizations agree that healthy babies should be placed on their backs
to sleep for naps and at nighttime, to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). But
babies who are always on their backs can sometimes develop flat spots on their heads (plagiocephaly).
Most cases of positional plagiocephaly can be prevented (and sometimes corrected) by repositioning
your baby to relieve pressure on the back of the head. Here are some tips:
• Change the location of your baby’s sleeper or crib in the room, so she has to look in different
directions to see the door, or the window, or interesting things going on around her.
• When your baby is awake, provide opportunities for adult-supervised “tummy time” play. Playing on
his tummy helps take the pressure off the back of his head, which will help prevent flat spots from
developing. Tummy time play also helps your baby’s head, neck and shoulder muscles get stronger
as part of normal development.
• Try tummy time two or three times a day, for short periods of time, until your baby gets used to being
on her tummy. Once your baby begins to enjoy this position, try longer periods of time or increase
the frequency of tummy time play.
• Help your baby avoid resting his head in the same position all the time by frequently changing the
direction he lies in the crib. For example, have your baby’s feet point toward one end of the crib for
a few days, and then change the position so his feet point toward the other end of the crib. This will
encourage your baby to turn and look in different directions.
• Try to minimize the amount of time your baby spends in car seats, carriers and bouncy seats while awake.
• Lastly, make sure you enjoy lots of “cuddle time” with your baby by holding her upright over your shoulder.
For additional information on positional plagiocephaly and the benefits of tummy time play for your
baby, speak with your pediatrician or family physician.
National Institute of Health (NIH) Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
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