Dealing with Your Baby's Flat Spot
what you can do
To minimize flattening of the head, Dr. Ross recommends:
- Put your baby on his stomach several times a day, whether it’s on an activity mat during supervised tummy time, or just lying on your chest. Limit the amount of time your child spends on his back while he’s awake, including sitting in a car seat or infant seat.
- If your baby prefers to look in one direction while lying on his back in his crib, place a toy or mobile on the less-preferred side.
- If you notice a flat spot, ask your doctor for advice on counter-positioning using a wedge to keep your baby slightly off her back.
In any case, most experts will tell you head flattening is no reason to let your child tummy-sleep. Winnipeg pediatrician Dr. James Carson says since the Back to Sleep program came into effect, SIDS has been reduced by about 50 percent. “Flat heads are unpleasant, but the program’s been a success.” Or, as Turner puts it: “You can cure a flat head, but you can’t cure a SIDS death.”
Ben finished his helmet therapy this past August and it made a remarkable difference in his flat spot, says Turner. “He still has a bit of one, but by the time he’s two years old, it should be so small, it will be unnoticeable.”
Lisa Saunders is a Winnipeg writer with two young daughters and a Labrador retriever. Her husband is on parental leave and loving it!
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