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Dear Dr. Tanya Remer-Altmann - I noticed my 4-month-old son developed a flat area on the right side of his head. My doctor recommended lying him with his head facing the other direction. I try, but he still turns his head to the right regardless of the door, windows or toys. What else can I do to help him? - Melanie from Laval, Quebec

Dr. Tanya Remer-Altmann says, Babies often get a flat spot on the back of their head from spending time on their back (the recommended sleep position to decrease SIDS). If they sleep with their head turned to one side only, that side may get flat. In addition, many parents feed, burp and carry their infant on one side only which causes them to always look in one direction further strengthening the neck muscles on one side. To prevent a flat spot, I recommend alternating the side that your infant's head faces and giving him plenty of tummy time while you are watching and playing with them. For a 4 month old who is already used to only looking one direction I would recommend switching the side you feed, burp and carry him on so that he gets used to looking the other way. In addition, when he is sleeping it is important that his head be turned to the opposite side. Sometimes tilting the mattress to force your infant to look to his less favored side may be needed. Once he begins looking the other direction while sleeping and being carried the problem should begin to fix itself and then you can start alternating each side again. In some cases, physical therapy can also be helpful. I rarely recommend helmets. In most cases, as your child grows, begins rolling, moving and spending less time on his back, his head shape naturally rounds out.

July 08, 2007

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