The skull bones are soft until about one year of age. As a result, flat areas on the head can develop very quickly (often within the first two months). Babies who lie on their backs looking straight up may develop a flat area on the back of the head (brachycephaly). Babies who tend to lie with their heads turned to one side may develop flatness only on one side of their head (plagiocephaly), which can lead to changes in facial symmetry. Plagiocephaly will change your baby’s appearance but do not affect your baby’s mental or physical growth and development. However, the changes in appearance can be permanent if not addressed as early as possible.
When your baby is sleeping:
One of the best things you can do to prevent a flat area on your baby’s head is to provide early supervised “tummy time” when your baby is awake. Tummy time also helps your baby:
It takes time for your baby to develop the muscle strength to enjoy this position and they may fuss at first. Start by laying your baby on their tummy on your chest while you lie in a reclined position. You can also place your baby on their tummy across your lap. Note: these positions are not safe for sleeping.
Another idea is to roll up a small towel and place it under your baby’s chest, placing their arms in front of the towel. This will make it easier for your baby to hold their head up.
Young babies will not be able to hold their heads up but you can still place them on their tummy’s when awake and position them to look in alternate directions.
Another good play position for your baby is side-lying. Placing a rolled up towel behind your baby’s back and in their tummy when playing in this position will prevent your baby from rolling.
For more information on head shape and other positioning ideas, check to see if there is a head shape class in your area and visit the following website:
For the first few days, your hormones may cause changes in your baby, such as:
Your baby will have a small sample of blood taken from their heel when they are between 24 hours and seven days old. The blood sample (called a newborn metabolic screen) will be tested for seventeen conditions, three of which are:
These three conditions are are all treatable by either diet or medications. If the conditions are not identified soon after birth and treated, they lead to serious health concerns and developmental problems for the baby. After the blood sample is taken, you will be contacted only if the test needs to be repeated or is abnormal. Read more about the Newborn Metabolic Screening Program.
Circumcision is the surgical removal of the skin (foreskin) covering the tip of the penis. Some parents choose to have their child circumcised for religious or cultural reasons. Newborn circumcision is not covered by Alberta Health Care and is not a medically advised procedure.
If you are considering having your child circumcised, ask your doctor for more information.