Babies with flat head syndrome may be at heightened risk of developmental delays, a new study has found.
The research from The George Institute for Global Health and the University of Sydney highlights the need for early and prompt assessment and intervention.
The study by Associate Professor Alexandra Martiniuk, from The George Institute for Global Health at the University of Sydney, is the first, rigorous systematic review examining the link between developmental delay and flat head, which affects one in every five babies.
Associate Professor Martiniuk said: "Our study shows that positional plagiocephaly (or flat head) is associated with an increased risk of developmental delays, in particular motor skills."
"It is essential doctors, nurses and midwives monitor infants with flat head to ensure they receive appropriate assessment, early intervention and follow-up for developmental delays."
The review of 19 papers published in the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics found:
The number of children with flat head or positional plagiocephaly has risen significantly in recent years in part due to SIDS guidelines which began in 1992, which recommend placing babies on their backs to sleep.
Flat head can occur if the baby consistently holds his or her head a particular way when lying and causes the baby's head to have a flat spot or be misshapen.
Associate Professor Martiniuk said parents firstly should follow SIDS guidelines, which are effective in preventing sudden infant death.
Assoc Prof Martiniuk said: "If you do notice your child has flat head talk to your GP to see if any further treatment is needed. Parents should also make sure they provide tummy time whilst their child is awake and watched. Most delays will likely resolve over time."
"However there will be a smaller number of children who are at risk of longer term delays and these children need to be identified early and provided with access to proven treatments for their specific developmental delay."
As well as providing tummy time while supervised and awake, parents are advised to provide a variety of positions for their child while awake, including carrying, sitting or lying down - as this alternates their baby's head position and can also strengthen the neck muscles - all of which can help to avoid flat head or help it improve if already present.
Severe cases are often treated with an orthotic helmet however recent evidence shows these are not effective as initially thought.
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Any parent worried about their child should contact their GP/physician. For more information about how to prevent flat head go to: h http://www.nichd.nih.gov/sts/about/Pages/tummytime.aspx
The George Institute for Global Health
The George Institute for Global Health is a renowned international medical research organization that has built a large high-impact program of innovative healthcare research and enterprise spanning more than 50 countries worldwide. To support its global and regional programs, the Institute has established four major centres in Australia, China, India and the United Kingdom, in collaboration with the University of Sydney, Peking University, the Public Health Foundation of India and the University of Oxford, respectively. These centres collectively employ more than 300 staff.
Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics