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Updated: Jun 30, 2026
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Preterm EEG: A Multimodal Neurophysiological Protocol
Published on: February 18, 2012
[Prevention of positional plagiocephaly]
1Service de Pédiatrie, CH Bassin de Thau, Sète, France. acavalier@ch-bassindethau.fr
Summary
Early counseling on unrestricted infant motility significantly reduces deformational plagiocephaly (DP) incidence. This approach is more effective than focusing solely on sleeping position or at-risk infants.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Infant Health
Background:
- Deformational plagiocephaly (DP) incidence has risen since the 1990s.
- Infant positioning advice has been suggested to mitigate DP.
- The role of sleeping position and pre-existing head shape in DP remains debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of early counseling on "unrestricted motility" in preventing DP.
- To investigate the relationship between sleeping position and DP incidence.
- To identify risk factors for DP development at four months of age.
Main Methods:
- Observational study involving early counseling on "unrestricted motility" during maternity stay.
- Assessment of DP incidence at four months of age.
- Analysis of correlations between sleeping position, initial head shape, and DP occurrence.
Main Results:
- Early "unrestricted motility" counseling significantly reduced DP incidence at four months.
- No significant relationship was found between sleeping position and DP.
- Flattened head at birth was not an independent risk factor for DP at four months.
Conclusions:
- "Unrestricted motility" counseling for all parents is recommended, not just for "at-risk" infants.
- The absence of "unrestricted motility" may be more critical to DP development than supine sleeping position.
- Early intervention focusing on infant movement is key to reducing DP prevalence.
