New York, New York - November 28, 2011
More and more babies are getting flat heads from sleeping on their backs. Now the American Academy of Pediatrics is releasing guidelines for the syndrome.
One side of Vincent Antenucci's head is flat, so the 4-month-old is wearing a helmet to try to reshape it.
"I noticed the flattening at the 10 week visit and I was really concerned," said his mother, Jamie Antenucci.
There's been an increase in children with Flat Head Syndrome since doctors recommended infants sleep on their backs to reduce SIDS. Now the American Academy of Pediatrics is out with guidelines to treat and prevent flat head. The AAP says moving the child into different positions or physical therapy on the neck muscles can correct most cases.
"These deformities do happen. Most of the time they are benign and will go away," said Dr. Andrew Hertz, Medical Director of the University Hospitals Rainbow Care Network.
The report says parents should keep babies off their backs as much as possible during the day. They should increase stomach play time, limit the car seat, swing or bouncy seat and turn the child's head each night from left to right in the crib.
Doctors say if there's no improvement in six months, that's when parents should see a specialist. But some experts say in more severe cases, acting sooner is best.
"If we know that this child is going to need the helmet anyway because the asymmetry is so great, I recommend not waiting," said Rochelle Silberman, an Orthotist with Kidi Splints. "The younger the baby is, the softer the bones are and the faster the bones grow."
The Antenuccis tried everything but decided a helmet was the best option for their baby. "I think it was so significant flattening that I just knew it wasn't going to get better on its own," Jamie Antenucci said.
Vincent will have to wear the helmet for about three months, but after a few weeks his parents already see a difference.
Randall Pinkston - CBS News
