April 5, 2017.
On the occasion of World Day against Cranial Deformities, the patient advocacy association Le Lien has decided to approach the Haute Autorité de Santé to raise awareness of the “flat head” syndrome. But what are we talking about exactly?
20% of babies suffer from plagiocephaly
According to our colleagues from Parisian, the Haute Autorité de Santé was approached by the patient advocacy association Le Lien to take an interest in the problem with plagiocephaly, a flattening of the back of the skull. This is a deformity of the skull that occurs when babies are lying in the same position, i.e. on their back. This position is recommended to reduce the number of sudden infant deaths, but it could be problematic.
According to the patient advocacy association, 20% of babies could be affected by this syndrome. But this does not mean that we should go back on this recommendation to put babies on their backs, because this position drastically reduces the risk of suffocation. On the other hand, we should not hesitate to put babies on their side or even on their stomach when they are not sleeping.
Don’t give up on sleeping babies on their backs
” During the day, children should be avoided as much as possible in the relax chair, as they often keep their heads on the same side. », Explains Dr François-Marie Caron, pediatrician at the Amiens maternity hospital and president of the Picardie Perinatal Network, on the website Why doctor. ” It should also be played on the stomach twice a day on an awakening mat. And then wear them as often as possible the first month because in their arms they have less of the head resting on something. “
This deformation should not be taken lightly because if it is easily recoverable it can also have serious consequences if it is not taken care of. Plagiocephaly can indeed cause spinal problems or deformities of the jaw.. It is therefore imperative to go to a physiotherapist or an osteopath in case of deformation of your baby’s head. He will tell you what to do.
Marine Rondot
Read also: Sudden infant death syndrome: the right reflexes to adopt
