Babies with flat head syndrome may experience delays in growth

Infants diagnosed with flat head syndrome have increased chances of delayed physical and mental development, according to a new study published online on February 15 in Pediatrics.

The syndrome, called deformational plagiocephaly, results from babies spending extended periods of time lying on a hard surface in one position.

The study, which reviewed 472 babies aged 4 months to 1 year, showed that those with flat head syndrome had lower scores on tests of cognitive and motor skills development. The tests included simple tasks of problem-solving and memory (such as finding a hidden toy); ability to imitate, vocalize, observe, and respond to environment; and motor skills such as crawling or rolling from side to side.