This is a question I get asked almost daily as a Chiropractor working with infants and children.
So, I thought why not write a blog outlining the “Why” behind head shape changes in children. I’m sure we have all seen that baby or young child that has had a flattening or head-turning preference to one side before? This flattening or changes to the shape of an infant’s skull is called Plagiocephaly.
Since the ‘Back to Sleep’ campaign in the early nineties, encouraging parents to sleep their children on their back, there has been a rapid increase in the incidence of Plagiocephaly.
In the past it has been suggested that Plagiocephaly is just cosmetic, concerned parents being told that once their child grows hair it will no longer be noticeable was and unfortunately still is common speak… With a lot more research out there, we now know that there is a link between Plagiocephaly and developmental delays.
The research suggests that children with Plagiocephaly may experience delays with their motor development, cognition and learning.
So what causes Plagiocephaly? Is it really just how your child is laid to sleep or is there more to it than that?
Even the most straightforward or ‘perfect’ birth places a great deal of stress on both mother and child. The passage through the vaginal canal, or via caesarian is not an easy one. After birth, it is not uncommon that your baby may have an imbalance through their spine, especially the upper neck, or their cranial system. Research suggests that 95% of infants have upper cervical misalignment at birth. These imbalances can lead to your child having a preference to turning their head one side over the other. A newborn babies skull is soft, this is an important factor for the birthing process and growth but prolonged pressure on one side or the back can lead to a flattening of their head.
But how can a Chiropractor help?
While it is important for your baby to sleep on their back, your chiropractor can work with you to help prevent and correct these spinal imbalances and changes to your babies head shape. As Chiropractors we are trained to gently assess your babies spine and cranial dural system, looking for any imbalances that may be present.
Chiropractic care for babies is extremely gentle, involving little adjustments using light finger pressure, no more than would be used to check the ripeness of a fruit. As well as Chiropractic care, tummy time and other exercises can also be extremely effective for reducing Plagiocephaly and aiding the ongoing development of your baby.
As a babies brain does the most growing in their first 24 months it is extremely important that there are no spinal issues which could interfere with this developmental process. If you have noticed this flattening on your child or someone you know then we recommend you reach out, ask more questions and intimately have it checked by a trained professional.
As a Chiropractor with a special interest in pediatric and pregnancy care, I would highly recommend that you let a trained Chiropractor assess your child’s spine and make recommendations for improved health and wellbeing of your child.
Smiles,
Dr. Anna :)
Dr. Anna Heath
Chiropractor