Babies with big heads at birth...

rxbeth

I'm just curious as to just how big some of our April babies heads were at birth.  I had an emergency c-section because Madison was breech and I went into labour so I didn't have to try to push her giant noggin out (thankfully).

She was born at 39weeks at 7 pounds 9 ounces but a 14.5 inch head!  I checked the WHO charts and that is well above the 97th percentile line.  I know at her 1 month appt they told me she was 97th percentile but didn't tell me at 2 months.

She has good head control when sitting up upright but is having a heck of a time with tummy time because I think her head is just too much for her.  I actually feel bad for her during tummy time.

How big were your LO's heads at birth and anyone else struggling at tummy time with their big headed baby?

shouldbworkin

His head wasn't really that big at birth, but now it's in the 90th %.  All of my kids have been like this and none were great at tummy time.  But, they all sat up on their own around 6-7 mos.  DD was crawling at 6 mos too.  So, I don't think it held them back much at all.  It's just really hard to get shirts over their heads, even now. 

snoangel79

I had a c-section and my kids were small and 34 weekers... but my son has a big head. I couldn't tell you the dimensions right now but I know even as a "preemie" for his age his head is in the 75% right now according to our pedi. He is ok with head control but does have some issues keeping his head up for a long time on tummy, my daughter has no issues...

rxbeth

softskate31:

15.25 inches.  vaginal, minimal tears

no problem with head control

ETA:  DD also had a big head (14+ inches) and she was sitting on her own by 5.5 months.  We still have troubles with some shirts getting over her head.

Actually, it was your pic that prompted my question.  Like I said, she has good head control if she is sitting on my lap but tummy time sucks.  On the boppy she will lift it up but flat on the floor she doesn't do much.  I hope she catches up!

kkfeb04

DS had a 15" head at 39 weeks. He had tummy time but Pedi stated that was more than likely his length. His head dropped to the 50% by 4 months old, he was above the 97% for length and making his way down to the 25% for weight. He was sitting unassisted by 6 months old, he was sitting assisted by 3 months, excellent head control by 6 weeks. DD had a 14" at 37 weeks. She loves tummy time, has been rolling completely over for the past 3 weeks and is no longer contained to where we put her. She's been sitting assisted for three weeks now. Her head is currently in the 50%, weight dropped down to below the 25% and height is above the 97%.

rxbeth

softskate31:

rxbeth:

softskate31:

15.25 inches.  vaginal, minimal tears

no problem with head control

 

ETA:  DD also had a big head (14+ inches) and she was sitting on her own by 5.5 months.  We still have troubles with some shirts getting over her head.

Actually, it was your pic that prompted my question.  Like I said, she has good head control if she is sitting on my lap but tummy time sucks.  On the boppy she will lift it up but flat on the floor she doesn't do much.  I hope she catches up!

When she is on her tummy, help her out by putting her arms in a "push-up" position for her.  Also, giving her something to look at that is at her head-up eye level can help too (a bright colored stuffed animal with big eyes is DSs favorite).  She will get there. 

Thank you!  I do put her hands in a push up position and she either does nothing or throws them back.  I also always have a stuffed cat that rattles and shake it and sometimes she looks.  She HATES tummy time.  We just keep keeping at it.

FusionLMT

DDs was 15" even at birth (scheduled c-section at 39 weeks). I was sooo glad I didn't attempt a VBAC w/ her since a large part of the reason I had a CS w/ DS was his head got stuck (his was about the same size and I have a medical condition that doesn't allow me to stretch down there like most women can). He was very ahead on all his physical milestones (sitting assisted 4 mo, unassisted 5 mo, crawling 6 mo, walking 10 mo), and also always hated tummy time. DD loathes it as well, but you just have to keep at it. As PPs said, the worst thing about big headed babies is getting the shirt over their heads. DS would get super pissed about it too, but DD is much more chill.

Harper'smom

softskate31:

15.25 inches.  vaginal, minimal tears

no problem with head control

ETA:  DD also had a big head (14+ inches) and she was sitting on her own by 5.5 months.  We still have troubles with some shirts getting over her head.

Yay! A pic...so cute!!