The question: What can I do to prevent my baby from developing a flat spot at the back of her head? I've heard that this is becoming a growing problem now that babies are being put to sleep on their backs in order to minimize the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
Ann answers: You already know how important it is to put your baby to sleep on her back in order to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. What you might not realize, however, is that it's okay for her to spend some time on her tummy during the day when she's wide awake. This is because some infants who spend a lot of time on their backs develop a slightly flattened area at the back of their head -- a condition that is known as plagiocephaly ("flattened head").
The condition isn't harmful to the baby and it tends to correct itself automatically once the baby gets older and starts sitting up more, but it can be worrisome to parents nonetheless. Fortunately, the condition can usually be prevented by ensuring that your baby gets some "tummy time" during the day and by modifying the baby's nighttime sleeping position slightly so that she isn't always sleeping on the same part of the back of her head.