Parenting: Help with the kids from Claire Halsey

HAVE you noticed that your baby has a slightly flattened part of their skull, usually at the back of their head?

If so you are not alone, as this is an increasingly common problem called Flathead Syndrome, also known as Positional Plagiocephaly.

Some experts say this affects up to half of children these days to some degree. It is often the result of your baby spending a lot of time in one position, usually lying on his back. Simply by lying down, their head is being pressed against the surface of the mattress, car seat or baby bouncer in one place and, as a baby's skull is quite soft and can be moulded, you'll see flattening on that side. You'll be relieved to know that this difficulty does not affect the development of your child's brain.

If you are worried by the appearance of your baby's head there are things you can do to help.

Give your baby plenty of play time on his or her tummy with toys nearby to turn towards and grab hold of. If tummy time is new to your baby then encouragement may be needed. Lie down in front of your infant and chat away as he or she learns to hold their head up and look around. This can be tiring so start off with short periods of tummy time then a break. Don't let your baby fall asleep on their tummy. Babies should be put down to sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.

The use of car seats when your child is not travelling can also promote flattening as the head is held in one position. When you're not travelling take your baby out of the car seat or push chair. At home, try carrying your baby in a sling or holding your them on your knee.

Alternate the side you feed from. If you bottle feed you might have a favourite side on which you hold your child. Swap sides regularly so they get the chance to turn both left and right.

You could use a special helmet or band which allows your baby's skull to grow without pressure. It is not yet clear whether these help or not.

For most children the flattening eases without any treatment. For a very few infants this flattening is a result of a more serious condition, so do consult a health professional.

Parent's tip

Clair, mother of Ashleigh aged 11, and Megan, aged seven, of Lightwood says: "Prop them up with pillows to encourage them to lie on the other side and provide stimulating toys too so they turn the other way."