PREVENTING PLAGIOCEPHALY: TOTS

 

You can prevent plagiocephaly by remembering just one word: TOTS

 

Tummy Time

Opposite side of the crib

Turn your baby's head

Switch arms

 

1. Tummy Time

placing the child frequently on its tummy during awake time will remove all pressure on the skull.  just remember, tummy time should always be supervised by a parent or caregiver!

 

 

 

2. Opposite Side of the Crib

 

When placing the child in the crib, change the orientation of the child so that the visual stimuli are not always in the same visual angle of the infant.  If the child comforts himself or herself by looking at something familiar, they will assure different head positions as they are gazing at it.

 

 

3. Turn your Baby's Head

 

When laying on its back, orient the head in a slightly different position each time. Examples would be to place the head either straight back, or slightly to the right, or slightly to the left.

 

 

 

 

4. Switch Your Arms

 

Until the infant's neck is strong enough to hold the head up, the child's head will be resting on one of your arms.  Alternating the holding position from one arm to the other will minimize the risk that the head rests always on the same point.  Similarly, alternating breast feeding position will reduce the risk of repetitive pressure on the skull.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tummy Time

 

 

Opposite Side of the Crib

 

 

 

 

 

 Turn your Baby's Head

 

 

 

Switch Arms