16 Feb 🥴Have you noticed that your newborn baby is beginning to develop a flat spot on the back or side of their head 😬Did you buy a “Donut Pillow” because it’s supposed to help prevent or improve your baby’s headshape
👶🏻A newborn baby’s skull is soft and pliable to allow for the brain’s rapid growth during the early stages of life. This malleability can sometimes lead to the development of a flattened head shape, a condition known as positional plagiocephaly or flat head syndrome.
There are two common causes of this condition:
1. Baby spending prolonged periods lying on their back and not enough time spent on their tummy to play during their waking hours.
2. Baby has a tight neck muscle which causes them to have a head preference to one side. this results in consistent pressure on one side of the head, leading to flattening on that side.
Donut pillows, also known as head shaping pillows, are marketed to parents as a solution for preventing or treating plagiocephaly in infants. These pillows have a hole or indent in the center, designed to cradle the baby’s head and reduce pressure on the back of the skull. However, there are serious concerns regarding the use of donut pillows.😱
Firstly, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises against using any pillows, soft bedding, or loose items in infants’ sleeping environments due to the risk of suffocation and the increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). 🙅♀️The safest sleep environment for a baby is on a firm, flat surface in a crib or bassinet that meets safety standards, without any pillows, blankets, or toys.
Secondly, there’s limited scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of donut pillows in preventing or treating plagiocephaly. 🤷♂️
Instead many international studies have shown that many cases of plagiocephaly can be effectively managed with Paediatric Physiotherapy interventions such as Tummy time when baby is awake, specific stretches and strengthening exercises for baby.
If you are concerned about your baby’s headshape, ring My Favourite Physio on 📱(02) 9790 4233 or DM us @myfavouritephysio to speak to one of our Expert Paediatric Physiotherapists today!🤓