For information on the national Back-to-Sleep campaign and the ongoing importance of babies sleeping on their backs, visit: nichd.nih/sids/, healthychildcare/sids.html and pediatrics.about/library/blbacktosleep.htm.

For information on positional plagiocephaly, visit: seattlechildrens/medical-conditions/chromosomal-genetic-conditions/positional-plagiocephaly/ or nichd.nih/health/topics/positional_plagiocephaly.cfm.

TIPS FOR PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS:

Flat spots in a young baby's head can be quite common, and by itself they are not a cause for alarm. Ask your baby's doctor about it. If your baby is diagnosed with plagiocephaly, ask the doctor to screen for developmental delays in both motor and cognitive skills. Talk about the results. Remember that babies develop at different times, and at different rates. What is "normal" for your baby may be ahead of or behind what is normal for another baby. Babies who start out slower often catch up later. Always place babies to sleep on their backs: this remains the safest way to sleep. Place your baby's head at one end of the crib and switch to the other end the next night. Encourage active "tummy time" when babies are awake: find ways to for baby to engage, play and move while on their tummy, several times each day. Watch your baby during tummy time. Choose different positions and ways for babies to play and be held: variety of stimulation is important. Switch the arm you use to cradle your baby each feeding session; right one time, left the next. Use strollers, car seats, infant seats, bassinets, cribs and play pens when necessary, but remember that babies need frequent lap time, cuddling, active play times and chances to move that aren't limited to being in stationary positions. Develop motor skills: play with babies to get them moving. Encourage crawling, rolling, reaching, pushing, pulling, holding, grasping. Develop cognitive skills: play with babies to get them thinking and talking. Encourage interactions with their environment, looking, listening, imitating, babbling, singing, talking, reading. Source: Seattle Children's