Guest Post: Flat Head Syndrome

Pediatricians and other health professionals advocate back sleeping for prevention of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). Back sleeping has significantly decreased the incidence of SIDS. However, back sleeping may have increased the number of infants with flat head syndrome. Researchers are still researching the correlation. Regardless, because this condition is so common today, it’s important for parents and caregivers to know about it.

What is Flat Head Syndrome?
Flat head syndrome affects up to 50% of infants who sleep on their backs. Flat head syndrome is a common name for several conditions including brachycephaly (skull is flat and taller in the back), plagiocephaly (head is flat on one side) or scaphocephaly (long, narrow head). Infants with flat head syndrome will have a flattened area on their head. All flat spots should be evaluated by your child’s pediatrician. There is a condition called craniosynostosis (premature closing of the “soft spot”) that is more serious than the previously mentioned conditions. It is important that you rule out the possibility of craniosynostosis if you notice your baby’s head beginning to get flat areas.

What are some treatment options?
There are several treatment options that you and your pediatrician can discuss. Treatment will depend on the severity, exact condition and the age of the infant. Typically treatment will start with repositioning therapy and tummy time. If these options don’t work, then physical therapy may be needed. In more severe cases, your infant may need a helmet to help your child’s skull reshape properly. There are also several products on the market that are for helping infants with this condition and to help prevent it as well. The most important thing is to take action when your baby is as young as possible, or it can be too late to correct it.

Tummy time is important for newborns and infants to help develop their neck muscles. There are many play mats available for your child to play on and make tummy time more interesting and enjoyable for them.

Where Can I Learn More about Flat Head Syndrome?
To learn more about flat head syndrome, you can visit www.babyflathead.org. On this website you will find a lot of resources including reviews of products, information about safe sleep for infants, the latest news and research on this condition, and stories from other parents who have been through this with their babies.

About the Author:

Sarah and sonSarah is a 40-something mom to a 21 month-old boy who had flat head syndrome. Her blog advocates natural methods as a first option to treat flat head syndrome. Her blog has become a true passion of hers; she aims to make as much information available on this topic as possible.

Note- My Life: A Work in Progress was not compensated for this post.

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CLOSED Giveaway: A Newborn Collective ($422+) 9/23-10/7

 

Welcome to “A Newborn Collective,” a giveaway event hosted by A Mama Collective and Viva Veltoro.
 
In honor of Jenna’s newest addition, a sweet baby girl, we’ve put together an amazing prize package for new moms and babies!  

One winner will take home a wonderful $422 bundle which includes:

Tiny Prints: 50 Birth Announcements, valued up to $150. Tiny Prints is thrilled to help you celebrate your new arrival with hundreds of unique, stylish birth announcements. You can personalize your announcements with your very own photos, which will surely become lasting mementos of those precious newborn moments. Tiny Prints ensures that your cards are printed with the best photo quality possible on the highest quality paper, all at a wallet-friendly price. To see Jenna’s adorable newborn and her review of Tiny Prints, just click HERE

aden + anais: A 4-pack of swaddles in the winner’s choice of print. For countless generations, mothers have swaddled their children with natural muslin to keep them warm in the winter and cool in the summer. You’ll get to continue this tradition with the softest swaddles and fashion-forward prints from aden + anais! Check out Jenna’s review of these cozy swaddles HERE.  

mum + bub skin care: The winner will receive the entire line of mum + bub skin care, including Soothing Ointment, Hair + Body Wash, and Ultra-Gentle Lotion.  mum + bub is a naturally-derived, pawpaw fruit infused skin care collection for baby and you. It’s gentle and perfect for that delicate baby skin. You can see what Jenna thought about mum + bub HERE.  

Jellystone Necklace courtesy of Kissed by the Moon: The winner will get to choose between two beautiful necklaces, either this fabulous necklace or the Troika. Not only do these necklaces look great, they are also non-toxic and safe. Kissed by the Moon has all of your natural parenting needs – be sure to check out their awesome selection of cloth diapers, carriers, and more!  You can see a full review HERE

Boba Wrap: Winner will take home a classic Boba Wrap, perfect for keeping your baby close. The Boba Wrap is ideal for carrying babies from birth until around 18 months. No buckles, straps, or snaps to deal with, simply tie the soft material snug against your body for a perfect fit every time.  

Comotomo: Winner will receive (1) 5oz bottle, (1) 8oz bottle, replacement nipples, and (1) teether; a package valued at over $40. These are baby bottles, evolved!   Comotomo bottles are a bit soft and skin-like, made of 100% medical grade hygienic silicone. They are designed to be as close to breast-like as possible with a super-wide mound and naturally shaped nipple. They also feature an anit-colic vent. Their teethers are also constructed out of 100% medical grade silicone which means it can be boiled for sterilization, and they are perfectly sized for little hands to hold.  

Piyo Piyo Baby Food Processor: The winner will receive this innovative food processor that comes with seven pieces, including a pestle, mortar, grinding lid, grinding board, filter, juicer, and feeding spoon. The pieces are perfectly designed so they can all be stacked together for easy storage too!

GroVia: The lucky winner will receive (1) newborn all-in-one cloth diaper and (1) one-size all-in-one cloth diaper. GroVia is an industry leader in modern cloth diapers. They combine better designs with better materials for better functionality. With a newborn in tow, you’ll be looking for easy diapering options, and GroVia has just the diapers for you! Their newborn diapers offer a trim fit, soft materials, and are super easy to use. Once your little one has outgrown their newborn diapers, you’ll have a one-size all-in-one to use! Featuring a super absorbent, organic cotton inner with a soft layer of water resistant TPU outer, this AIO is simple and easy. No stuffing, no doublers – just snap on baby and go! Check out Jenna’s review of the GroVia all-in-one HERE.

One lucky person is going to win ALL of these fabulous prizes!
 
Open to the US only.  Ends 10/7/13 at 11:59 PM EST.
Enter using the Giveaway Tools form below.  Good Luck!
Disclosure: I did not receive any compensation for hosting this giveaway.  The participating bloggers are not responsible for prize fulfillment.
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