Suppine Orthopaedic Pillows for Babies to Prevent Flat Head Plagiocephaly

Orthopaedic Pillows for Babies to Prevent Flat Head
Plagiocephaly or deformation of the skull has increased in the last three decades. This might be
because of the recommendation by American paediatricians that babies sleep in the supine
position (face up) to prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). However, this has introduced
the occurrence of flat head syndrome among children [1]. To overcome this problem, we provide
orthopaedic pillows that protect newborns from flat heads by offering them support through its
hollow centre. This article educates you about the flat head syndrome, orthopaedic pillow, its
importance, size, and material used in it.
What is Flat Head Syndrome?
It is a condition in which deformities occur in the head of the newborns due to constant external
pressure on the skull when they are lying [2]. These deformities occur mostly during the first
four months of life. Constant pressure on one side or back of the head creates a flat spot result in
flat head syndrome. This condition can occur from birth or develop over time. In addition, it may
appear up to 18 months, when the baby's skull bones harden and stick together. Parents should be
aware that flat head syndrome can lead to developmental delay [3]. So, it is necessary to be very
careful.
There are two main types of the flat head syndrome:
 Plagiocephaly – typically results in one side of the head developing a flat spot, which
makes the skull asymmetrical.
 Brachycephaly – usually results when the back of the head flattens out evenly, resulting
in the formation of a broad and short infant head. the child will have a head that is wider
than normal and a face disproportionate to the head [4].

1.
Figure 1: Plagiocephaly and Brachycephaly
How Is the Deformation of the Skull or Plagiocephaly Produced?
Babies spend most of the day lying on their back, and this constantly puts pressure on the same
point on the head. This simple posture can cause displacements in the skull that leave the head
flat in the occipital part or the parietal and temporal bones (lateral areas). It usually tends to
correct itself only as soon as the child is able to turn his head on his own while resting. But there
are cases in which extra help is needed, such as a correction pillow that distributes the pressure
and repositions those bones to round the head again [5]. As it is an issue that worries new
parents, we are providing detailed information about the flat head syndrome to educate them. A
baby who has flat head syndrome will not necessarily have developmental problems throughout
his life. But it is necessary to seek solutions as quickly as possible and, above all, to prevent this
condition.
Prevention through Flat Head Pillow
The newborn baby pillow is ergonomically designed to distribute pressure evenly over the skull,
providing adequate support for the baby's head and neck. It protects the newborn's delicate head
growth and prevents flat head or oblique head deformity syndrome during sleep. Experts suggest
that continuous use for at least 4 months will be effective [6].
It has been identified that babies should be lied down on their backs to reduce the risk of
suffocation and SIDS. This change in the way children rest has reduced the cases of sudden
death but has caused a considerable increase in the cases of babies with plagiocephaly. For this
reason, the head of newborn babies must be closely monitored, because it is not only a cosmetic