19 December 2007

Ways to minimise the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) are now well know, but one unexpected outcome of the SIDS campaign has been babies developing flat spots on the back of their heads.

Child and Family Health Nurse at Armidale Community Health Narelle Clayton said here has been outstanding success with the SIDS Association’s promotion of the "Back to Sleep" campaign, which focuses on babies are sleeping on their backs, not the side or tummy.

"Since the campaign’s start in 1992, the incidence of SIDS has dropped by over 50 per cent," Narelle said.

"However with babies sleeping on their backs, some babies have developed Plageiocephaly, or flat spots on the back of the head or misshapen heads with a flat spot developing on one side only.

"The main concern is cosmetic, with changes in the head shape and the face, but if left unchecked other problems can develop.

"The good news is that this can be prevented," Narelle said.

Parents are advised to follow a few simple rules:

• Give the baby lots of ‘tummy time’ (lying on tummy) when he/she is awake. This releases the pressure from the back and side of the head
• Begin ‘tummy time’ from birth or about two weeks of age
• Change the baby’s head position when he/she is lying on the back for sleep
• Alternate the position in the cot or cradle if the baby likes to look in one particular direction. Often they like to look at the window or the parent’s bed
• Place toys on the opposite side to encourage turning

According to Narelle, parents often develop a routine to remind themselves to change the baby’s head position, such as ‘Right morning/Left afternoon’ or ‘Head to the top end today and to the bottom end tomorrow’.

The important thing is to remember that back sleeping helps to reduce the risk of SIDS and that flat spots on the head can be prevented.

Narelle said that parents can phone the Early Childhood Unit at Armidale Community Health on 6776 9747 for assessment and ideas to change their baby’s behaviour.

Contact: Kay Cope

Phone: 6776 9817