How to reduce the risk of 'flat head syndrome' (Plagiocephaly)

Less than one per cent of new mums-to-be are aware of the condition ‘plagiocephaly’, more commonly known as ‘Flat Head Syndrome’, despite the fact it is estimated to affect around half of all babies under the age of one year.

Recent research from Wilkinet baby carrier shows that awareness of the condition is incredibly low and the company is now supporting a campaign to help prevent plagiocephaly.

Dawn Telfer from Plagiocephalycare, a support group set up to help those affected by the condition, said: “One of the best ways of preventing and treating plagiocephaly is by using an upright baby carrier like Wilkinet because it avoids pressure on the skull. Using the helmets, one of the iconic images of plagiocephaly is always a last resort.”

The vast majority of cases can be prevented with a little bit of information and advice. Plagiocephaly Care is campaigning for the NHS to raise awareness of the condition and, in severe cases, to fund treatment, such as a Cranio Remolding Helmet, when repositioning, the initial treatment, has not been successful.

Dawn says, “As soon as your baby comes home from hospital, you should allow your baby some time each day to play on their tummy. Tummy Time is important for normal development as well as preventing Plagiocephaly. Babies should always be placed on their backs to sleep but their heads should be moved to the side, alternating each night.”

Babies can be born with Plagiocephaly or can develop it in their first few months but repositioning techniques can often resolve it in a matter of weeks. Plagiocephaly Care has been campaigning for checks to be made both at birth and six weeks with information on repositioning given routinely to parents.