Head Shape and Chiropractic Care in Babies

Deformational plagiocephaly and what it is

As a chiropractor, parents often ask me about changes to the shape of their child's skull, as they grow and develop. I'm sure we can all think of a baby or young child that has had a flattening of slightly 'wonky' shaped head.This flattening or changes to the shape of an infants skull is called deformational 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 deformational plagiocephaly.It has previously been theorised that plagiocephaly is merely cosmetic; many parents are told that once their child grows hair it will no longer be noticeable. However, more recent research suggests that there is a link between plagiocephaly and developmental delays. This research suggests that children with plagiocephaly may have delays with their motor development, cognition and learning.

So what causes plagiocephaly?

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. 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, so prolonged pressure on one side can lead to a flattening of their head.

But how can your chiropractor help?

While it is important for your baby to sleep on their back, you can work with your chiropractor to help prevent and correct these changes to your babies head shape. Your Chiropractor will 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.

Do we recommend helmets to help?

You may have noticed some babies wearing helmets to help the process of balancing the shape of a babies head. The use of a helmet is designed to fit tightly on the "high" points, or bumps of the skull and as the baby's head grows the skull evens out in shape. To use or not to use a helmet is a very emotive topic and it is really down to your personal preference as to whether it is a good idea. No matter what you decide to do, you should let a Chiropractor work with the spine and cranial system in those very important months 3-24.By Dr. Emma Horner DC.Emma is one of our Chiropractor's specialised in baby care. Come and see what she can do for you and your baby.