What is flat head syndrome?

Flat head syndrome is a condition that occurs in just under 50% of babies. You may also know it as positional flattening, or plagiocephaly, to give its full medical term. It’s not as scary as it sounds and can be easily remedied. In this blog, we will explain what flat head syndrome is, why it happens, and what you can do to treat it.

What is flat head syndrome?

For the first few months of their lives, babies spend most of their time either lying down, or in a reclining position. This is because they are not yet strong enough to sit up by themselves or control their head and neck movements. Medical experts recommend that babies are placed to sleep on their backs, but this can put pressure on your baby’s skull from mattresses and other flat surfaces and, because the bones have not yet fused, your baby’s head can become misshapen. This is how positional flattening, or flat head syndrome occurs.

What does it look like?

Flat head syndrome most commonly occurs between 6 weeks and 2 months old. So it’s good to be aware of this and check your baby’s head for early signs. This can look like a flat spot on the back or side of the head if your baby tends to turn their head continually to a preferred side during sleep. Spotting it early means you can remedy it before it becomes too pronounced.

How to treat flat head syndrome

There are a few ways to remedy flat head syndrome:

Turn your baby’s head to alternating sides each time you put them down to sleep

Do tummy time often – This helps to build up your baby’s head and neck muscles so they have control over their head and neck movements, meaning less time spent in the one position.

Minimise time spent in bouncers, swings and car seats

Choose mattresses, pillows and pods which contain ClevaFoam

What is ClevaFoam?

If you have never heard of ClevaFoam before, it’s because it’s is a unique product. Clevafoam was developed by ClevaMama in conjunction with the Science Department at Trinity College, Ireland. The aim was to develop a safe, breathable product that would give your baby the support they need while reducing the pressure on baby’s heads which cause Flat Head Syndrome.

Specially engineered, designed and manufactured for babies, ClevaFoam is the only product scientifically proven to reduce pressure on your baby’s head by 50%, while increasing support by 80%. Our ClevaFoam range of products are hypoallergenic, toxin-free and ph. balanced.

Is ClevaFoam the same as Memory Foam?

This is a common misconception, but you can rest assured that ClevaFoam is a completely different product. While memory foam is dense and non-breathable, ClevaFoam allows air to flow and draw moisture away from your baby. This reduces heat retention and helps to ensure your baby’s temperature is well regulated. It also provides healthy weight distribution and additional support for correct spinal alignment. This means your baby gets all the support they need while sleeping safely and comfortably all night long.

Our ClevaFoam range

You can find ClevaFoam is used in these products:

• ClevaFoam Cot/Cotbed Mattresses
• ClevaFoam Moses Basket Mattress
• ClevaFoam Bedside Crib Mattress
• ClevaFoam Pillows
• ClevaFoam Baby Pod &  Max Pod
• ClevaFoam Reflux Wedge
• ClevaCushion Nursing Pillow & Baby Nest
• ClevaFoam Head & Body/Head & Neck Support
• ClevaFoam Tummy Time Mat
• ClevaFoam Travel Cot Mattress

Visit our Mattress Comparison section to help you choose the right mattress for your baby. Or shop the entire ClevaFoam range.

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