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Babies: 0 - 3 Months
Wack2
member
PLEASE NO FLAMES... Flat head syndrome
Wack2
member
So I took LO to the Pedi today for his two month check up and shots and he said that his head is looking flat and that he needs more tummy time... I FEEL so stupid... I had no idea that this even exsisted.... I would like to know what your experiences are. The doc said it is not bad but can get bad quick.... any and all advice and info is welcomed...
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Re: PLEASE NO FLAMES... Flat head syndrome
Use a boppy for tummy time, my LO likes tummy time better if she is propped up some.
Also, if you dont have one, use a sling for a while instead of putting him down in the swing or whatever it is you have. So whenever you have things to do around the house, he can be with you, and upright or however you position him in the sling, vs. laying flat in a swing/chair/bed etc
You shouldn't get flamed for this - it is very common.
You can try more tummy time, babywearing, making sure he looks to different sides when he is on his back... put something interesting where he can see it so he'll look towards it. If he is sleeping on his back, turn his head to one side when he's asleep. Change it to the other side the next time he sleeps.
I'm surprised the pedi didn't mention it sooner. They told us about tummy time from the first visit.
Anyway, when LO is awake & in a good mood, I lay him on his tummy on our bed. Then I bend down near his head & talk to him to try to get him to lift his head & look towards me. We do this 5-10 minutes each day.
I also lay him on his sides sometimes (when he's awake) and use the Moby.
This happened to my neice. It was noticed early but she hated tummy time so my sister (the irresponsible parent she is) didn't make her do it. She is now two and still has the flat spot (no real damage just aesthetics). Even if your LO hates being on his tummy do it anyway! Also, reposition his head when he's on his back, ie. turn to left and right so he's not always laying on the flat spot.
Don't feel bad, it is very common. It is a result of the "back to sleep" campaign. Babies spend most of their time on their backs now which then leads to flat spots. As for tummy time, I was told to do it for 15 -20 minutes total each day. It can be done in short spurts, though (5 minutes, 4 times a day). One of the posters mentioned using the Boppy during tummy time because most babies do not like it. That is good for getting LO off his back, but tummy time is also used to strengthen back, shoulder, and arm muscles. When they are propped up on a Boppy, they do not work those muscles so make sure you also have tummy time on the floor.
Also, orient toys and yourself to get LO to turn to the other direction. One of the simplest things to do is gently turn LO's head when he is in a deep sleep.