I've just read this thread, as a pediatrician and mother myself, I commend all of you for being proactive and persistent about this issue, even when your pediatricians brush it off. Because Plagiocephaly or "flat head syndrome" has mainly been on the rise over the last decade (a 600% increase in infants), many health professionals and parents are still uneducated on the topic. Research on the topic is still relatively new too, However, recent clinical studies have been done to investigate what long term effects might be associated with a diagnosis of head flattening and/or torticollis. Current literature gives evidence that infants with plagiocephaly and or torticollis may have other associate problems such as learning/developmental delays, TMJ issues, Scoliosis, visual and auditory problems and psychological/social issues.
What I want to stress is that, if caught early, flat head syndrome is easily and inexpensively treated. The best way to prevent flat head syndrome/torticollis is to keep infants off the backs of their heads as much as possible. Newborn heads are extremely soft, and when they spend too much of their time in carseats, bouncers, cribs, etc, a flat spot can develop. So, whenever possible we want to at least change the position of the head so as to prevent babies from favoring a certain are of the head.
That being said, there are many helpful techniques parents can implement to prevent Flat Head Syndrome: When feeding your baby, try alternating the arm you hold them in, and encourage them to turn their head to a different side each time they are fed. Alternate the side of the changing table you stand on when changing your baby’s diaper to encourage them to turn their head in alternate directions in order to look at you. Make sure to implement plenty of supervised “tummy time” during the day, and try massaging your baby’s neck when they’re relaxed and calm to encourage stretching on both sides of the neck. Place interesting and stimulating toys in new locations around baby’s room so they will have to turn their head different directions in order to see the toys.
Education and awareness are key, and it's great that you all are having these conversations. Please feel free to stop by my website www.babytortle.com or FB page www.facebook.com/DrJaneScott to join in on the conversations there too. I love to hear feedback from moms.
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