Twin Infants More Likely to Develop Flat Head Syndrome

A recent study found a connection between infants that are multiples and the severity of flat head syndrome. Officially known as deformational plagiocephaly (DP), the condition occurs when repeated pressure on particular point on a baby's head causes the shape of the head to flatten. It was thought that efforts to reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) by placing infants to sleep on their backs might contribute to an increase in the rates of DP. But the study identified other risk factors in addition to sleep position, including gestational age and gender.

So, why would multiples be more prone to flat head syndrome? Well, if gestational age is a factor, twins and multiples are typically born earlier than their singleton counterparts. The condition can also start developing even before birth, due to a tight, crowded intrauterine environment, which is also the case with multiples. And, to be honest, I wonder if it is perhaps because twinfants spend more time lying around. Parents only have so many hands, and when managing twin infants, they often have to set one down to attend to the other. We don't need a scientific study to confirm that; it's a fact of life for parents of twins and multiples. But it is important for parents to be aware of this increased risk for deformational plagiocephaly and watch their babies for signs of flattening. Moderate to severe cases can be corrected by orthotic devices that help the head grow into a more rounded shape.