EN.
ADVICE ON BABY'S SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS
Positional plagyocephalia or "flat head" is frequent when the baby sleeps
on his back. The malleable cranium of the baby may get misshaped under
the influence of its own weight. One must try, ever since birth, to ensure
the points of support of the head change frequently.
How to achieve this?
1. Watch the way he sleeps
If he turns his head alternatively one way
and then the other there is no risk of any
problem. If his head should be turned
always towards the same side, help baby
to maintain his head towards the other
side, without however turning the baby on
that side. If you do not manage to obtain
this, talk about it as early as possible to
your paediatrician. In fact, a difficulty in
turning his head both ways may be an
indication of a stiff neck, which, in the
absence of treatment increases the risks
of postural plagiocephalia.
2. Change his position when awake
When baby is awake, favour positioning
him on his belly, which eliminates all
support for the head, which in addition
will allow him to acquire a good muscular
tone. Since the very first days, help him
to hold itself by slipping a hand under
his thorax, so that he learns to push with
his arms. Carry him often in this same
position, which is furthermore most
comfortable for baby.
To help baby, wake his interest
In all cases where it should be required
to help baby maintain his position on his
belly, or head on one side, one can take
advantage of his interest and pleasure in
watching. Baby stares ever since birth
and turns his head to follow a vivid target.
Show him attractive objects hanging from
the paling of the cradle (not inside the
cradle) and position the cradle so that
light arrives from the desired side. Do not
forget that the view of yourself is the most
stimulating and joyful sight for baby.
For his comfort and well being
- Avoid half-seated position in rigid shells.
- Room temperature must be of 19 °C
without tobacco smell.
- Baby must sleep without either blanket
or bedcover.
Dr. Manuel Maidenberg
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