Does a baby's head shape affect their brain development and skills? Explore the latest research and practical suggestions to prevent and address plagiocephaly syndrome.
What Is Plagiocephaly Syndrome?
Babies born with a typical head shape generally experience age-appropriate brain development and skills. However, some infants have a flat or asymmetric head shape, known as plagiocephaly syndrome.
Plagiocephaly syndrome can result from various factors, such as the baby's position in the womb, premature birth, or the habit of sleeping on their back continuously. This syndrome can impact the shape and size of a baby's brain and disrupt blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain.
Does plagiocephaly syndrome affect a baby's development? According to research conducted by the George Institute for Global Health at the University of Sydney, the answer is yes.
Research: Plagiocephaly Syndrome Increases the Risk of Infant Developmental Delays
Led by Assistant Professor Alexandra Martiniuk, this study is the first to examine the relationship between plagiocephaly syndrome and infant developmental delays, particularly in motor skills, language, and cognition.
The study involved 440 infants aged 4-12 months, divided into two groups: those with plagiocephaly syndrome and those without it. Researchers measured the shape of the infants' heads using a tool called the cranial vault asymmetry index (CVAI) and assessed infant development using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ).
The results, published in the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, showed that infants with plagiocephaly syndrome had a higher risk of experiencing developmental delays compared to those without the syndrome.
These developmental delays were evident as early as 6 months and persisted until the age of 3 years. Motor skills, such as sitting and crawling, were the most affected, followed by speech abilities. Language and cognitive skills were also disrupted by plagiocephaly syndrome.
Suggestions: Change Infant Sleep Positions and Seek Therapy When Necessary
Plagiocephaly syndrome can be prevented or improved in several ways. One of them is by periodically changing the baby's sleep position to avoid continuous pressure on one side of the head.
"Mothers can allow their child to engage in tummy time when they are awake, of course, while closely supervising. This position can help strengthen the baby's neck and back muscles and stimulate their motor development," Martiniuk advises.
Additionally, mothers can hold their baby upright, support the baby's head with their hand while carrying, or place the baby in a tilted position when lying down. These actions can help relieve pressure on the baby's head and stimulate sensory and visual development.
If a baby's head shape is severely flat or asymmetrical, mothers should promptly consult a doctor for an examination and appropriate therapy. Typically, therapy involves using a specialized helmet that gradually reshapes the baby's head.
Infant head shape is not merely about aesthetics; it is also linked to brain development and skills. Therefore, mothers should pay early attention to their baby's head shape and take preventive or corrective actions as needed.
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