How A Leland Chiropractor Can Help With Your Baby's Head Shape

Just like every baby has a different personality and different features, the shape of your baby’s head may vary as well. Depending on how a baby is born and how they are positioned during their early months of life, your baby’s head may look slightly different. For example, a baby born via C-section is more likely to have a perfectly round head than a baby born vaginally whose head was compressed by the birth canal. In fact, babies’ skulls are soft at birth to accommodate for the birth process and may change more than you’d expect. Most baby’s heads return to a round shape within a few months of birth and a different shape is nothing to worry about in this period.

However, some babies will develop a flat spot on the back of their skull as they grow. This is known as Plagiocephaly or Flat Head Syndrome, and it often occurs when a baby is on their back frequently before they can move or sit up. While this is often harmless, it can also be a sign of other issues like ear infections, visual and hearing disabilities, or developmental delays, and should always be assessed by a professional. A Leland chiropractor can determine if your baby’s head shape needs to be addressed and then help to correct these flat spots before they lead to chronic issues.

If you are worried about the shape of your baby’s head, here are some tips to help them avoid future problems.

Schedule Tummy Time

As newborns, most babies do not like to be placed on their stomachs. However, this can be very beneficial for them. In this practice of “tummy time,” the baby should simply be placed on his or her stomach for a few minutes throughout the day. This allows the baby to strengthen neck muscles, improve motor skills, and avoid pressure on the back of the skull. By varying baby’s positions throughout the day, flat spots on the skull are less likely to develop.

Notice Head Positioning

Babies will spend a lot of time on their backs no matter what, and this isn’t a bad thing. But you can make sure that the way your baby is positioned helps avoid any issues. For example, if your baby likes to look at the ceiling fan, they may always turn to the left, and it can be beneficial to turn or move them so they will sometimes look to the right. Making sure your baby is not laying the same way throughout the day can help avoid severe flattening.

Visit a Leland Pediatric Chiropractor

Chiropractors don’t only work with adults. In fact, they can begin working with your baby while you are still pregnant and in the newborn phase. Dr. Marcus Woodburn, a Leland chiropractor, can actually help with head shape by releasing spinal pressure and improving cranial brain formation. Case studies show that chiropractic care can improve developmental delays associated with plagiocephaly.

If you are worried about your baby’s head shape, contact Greatest Potential Chiropractic today to talk with a doctor about how chiropractic care can help.