Step

Preventing plagiocephaly

Alternate positions and set aside time for tummy time to prevent a flat head.

Educational area

Parent 0-12

Trimester 1

Weeks

Option 1

Useful Information

The 'flat head' may appear in the first few months, when the newborn is supine for a long time. To prevent it, small daily precautions are enough: - Alternate the side on which the child places his head when he sleeps (one night to the right, one to the left) .- During the wake, propose short moments of tummy time or time on his stomach, always under your supervision. It is used to strengthen the muscles of the neck and shoulders.- Limit time in beach chairs or seats, instead preferring moments of play on the floor, on a soft and safe mat.- Involve the child in movements, changing the direction of visual and sound stimuli during daily activities (for example when you breastfeed or pick him up).

If you notice that you always tend to turn your head on the same side or you feel a bit stiff in your neck movements, talk to your pediatrician: he can evaluate if a specialist consultation is useful. It is not advisable to buy pillows for plagiocephaly, as the pillow constitutes a SIDS risk factor and is therefore not safe for a child's bedtime (no pillow up to 2 years old!)

Who can I interface with

Territorial health services

Parent/child space

Paediatricians and specialists

Useful links