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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 head (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 and
techniques from the experts to keep in mind
as you care for your baby:
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
PREVENTING BABY’S HEAD FROM FLATTENING
PRÉVENTION DU RISQUE D’APLATISSEMENT
DE LA TÊTE DE BÉBÉ
