What is flat head syndrome?

‘It is estimated that positional plagiocephaly affects around half of all babies under a year old but to varying degrees.’ *

*Great Ormond Street Hospital Report 'Plagiocephaly Information for Families'

Positional Plagiocephaly or Brachycephaly (flat head syndrome) is a disorder that affects a baby’s skull making the back or side appear flattened. The most critical time is during the baby’s first three months when it’s skull is at its softest and a flat spot can quickly develop.

‘Back to Sleep’ campaign has been very successful in reducing cot deaths, but flattened head has become an unexpected consequence now that babies are spending much of their early lives on their backs on hard flat surfaces, such as conventional mattresses, car seats, carry cots and baby bouncers.

What causes flat head syndrome?

When sleeping on a flat mattress or lying on any flat surface for long periods, many babies develop a preference for sleeping with the head turned to one particular side. This places repeated pressure for long periods on one side of the skull. As babies' skull bones are quite soft and flexible, this can lead to misshaped development and hence a noticeable flattening of one side of the head. Additionally, on a flat surface, the chin is pushed to the chest, restricting the airways. 

A newborn baby’s head is like this heavy, water filled balloon.  It’s very soft and doesn’t roll around easily on a flat surface.

On a SleepCurve® mattress the same balloon stays round because its unique and patented shape gently cradles the head and accommodates weight and pressure.

This reduction of pressure on the head allows freedom of movement which greatly reduces the likelihood of flat spots developing, and has been proven to correct Flat Head Syndrome if the condition has been seen to develop. Early intervention has been demonstrated to be particularly beneficial. 

Read more about the study at Alder Hey Children's Hospital.