There are so many new things to learn and discover when you become a parent. While parents soak up snuggles and enjoy marveling at their new baby, they may also worry that their baby is healthy and normal. One thing that is often overlooked by new parents is your baby’s head shape. Babies’ skulls are not yet fully developed and are still soft and malleable. Because of this, your baby’s head shape can change. For instance, you may have noticed a slightly different egg-like head shape right after birth because of the baby passing through the birth canal. A baby’s head is meant to change and adapt, but it is important to be aware of your baby’s head shape so that problems don’t develop during infancy or later on.
When Can Head Shape Become a Problem?
For the first few months, babies are just beginning to get control over their body movements. They can’t hold up their heads by themselves, let alone roll over or sit up. If not moved every so often, babies will stay in one spot for a long period of time, especially at night when they are sleeping. Laying in one specific spot for long periods of time can cause babies to develop a flat spot on their head. This is known as plagiocephaly, or flat head syndrome. If you notice that your baby is beginning to develop a flat spot, it is a good idea to address the issue by talking to your doctor or even a Lithia Springs chiropractor. Some cases of plagiocephaly can be mild and easily corrected, while other more severe cases can lead to health problems such as increased ear infections, vision problems, or learning delays. If you are concerned or have more questions about preventing or correcting plagiocephaly, Lithia Springs chiropractor Dr. Ronnie Bolar can help.
Managing Baby’s Head Shape with Chiropractic
For some babies, correcting head shape can be as easy as ensuring that the baby sleeps in different positions each night. Other easy ways to correct a flat spot on the baby’s head would be to shift their positions often, change sides during feedings, implement tummy time regularly, or even using counter positions to get your baby used to being in many different positions. But for some babies, correcting plagiocephaly can be challenging. This is when chiropractic care can be a useful tool for managing baby’s head shape. Babies can have spinal misalignments that affect their muscle movement and range of motion. When a baby struggles to turn his head one way or the other, this can lead to flat head syndrome since the head and neck are always in the same position. Dr. Ronnie Bolar of Vital Life Chiropractic will perform gentle, safe chiropractic adjustments that remove spinal misalignments as well as release pressure within the spine to improve range of motion and encourage proper cranial development.
Schedule a Consultation with a Pediatric Chiropractor
Studies have shown the benefits of chiropractic care for babies’ proper head shape. One case study of an 8-month-old infant found that chiropractic care significantly improved symptoms of flat head syndrome. Not only did head shape improve, but the baby, who previously experienced significant milestone delays, also met every milestone for his age.
If you notice a problem with your baby’s head shape, don’t wait to consult with Lithia Spring chiropractor Dr. Ronnie Bolar of Vital Life Chiropractor. He has helped many babies regain proper head shape and can help you too! Schedule a consultation today.
Sources
Hash, J. “Deformational Plagiocephaly and Chiropractic Care: A Narrative Review and Case Report.” Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics, 2014 Mar; 14(2): 1131-1138. http://www.jccponline.com/plagiocephaly.html.
Douglas, N.A., Browning, M. Miller, J. “Chiropractic care for the cervical spine as a treatment for plagiocephaly: a prospective cohort study.” Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics, 2016 Dec; 15(3): 1274-1279. http://jccponline.com/plagiocephaly-dec2016.html.