Positional Plagiocephaly Chronicles
When my sweet baby boy made his grand entrance into the world, we were immediately greeted by a surprise: a little flat spot on the back of his head. This wasn’t in the “How to Have a Baby” manual we read in childbirth class!
We’d been prepped for the usual newborn head malleability—expect a bit of an odd shape after delivery and a rounded head later on. But my little guy had his own plans. After spending the last two months of pregnancy in a prime delivery position (upside down, facing backward), his sweet little head got quite cozy against my pelvis. Result? A uniquely lopsided head shape.
Enter positional plagiocephaly, aka "flat head syndrome." It sounds fancy, but it’s just a bit of a flat spot from too much pressure on one side of the skull.
Positional Plagiocephaly 101:
What Is It? Positional plagiocephaly is when your baby’s head develops a flat spot due to prolonged pressure on one part of the skull. Some babies may even have a misshapen head due to being pressed against the pelvis bone during pregnancy. It’s like your baby’s head is auditioning for the role of “Flathead: The Musical,” complete with a unique and endearing twist.
How Common Is It? Around 20-30% of babies experience positional plagiocephaly. It’s particularly common in those who spend a lot of time on their backs, as recommended by the "Back to Sleep" campaign. Babies who were in a snug position against the pelvis during pregnancy might also be more prone to this condition.
Can It Be Fixed? Absolutely! Most cases improve as babies grow, start sitting up, and change positions more frequently. For more severe cases, physical therapy or helmet therapy can help.
Prevention & Management: Regularly change your baby’s head position during sleep, encourage tummy time, and vary how you hold them. It’s like trying to keep a cat from napping in the sun—challenging but worthwhile!
Head Growth Statistics:
Growth Rate: A newborn’s head grows rapidly in the first year. By age 6 months, head circumference typically increases by about 10 cm (4 inches) from birth. By age 12 months, it grows an additional 5-6 cm (2-2.5 inches) from the initial measurement.
Head Circumference Measurement: At birth, the average head circumference is around 35 cm (13.8 inches). By 12 months, it generally reaches about 46 cm (18 inches). Growth may vary based on the baby’s genetics and overall health.
Growth Patterns: The most rapid head growth occurs in the first 3 months, slowing down significantly after that period. Growth continues at a slower pace until about 2 years of age when the head size approaches its adult proportions.
When we reached the 6-month mark, and my son’s head still hadn’t fully rounded out, we saw an infant neurologist. Pediatric neurologists specialize in diagnosing and treating neurological conditions in children. They assess developmental milestones, look for signs of brain or nerve issues, and evaluate whether any treatments, such as helmet therapy, are needed.
Our neurologist gave us the thumbs up—my son didn’t need a helmet. Just a bit more time and patience, and his head shape would improve naturally.
Now, at 13.5 months, my son’s head is looking much better. It’s wild to see how much their skulls can change. I’ve even started analyzing adult head shapes—bald or shaved heads are now a fascinating subject! Once you start noticing, you realize every head is uniquely shaped.
So, if your baby’s head shape seems a bit off, don’t stress. With patience and expert advice, it’ll smooth out. And in the meantime, enjoy the quirky journey of parenting and the endless fascination with head shapes!
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