Pillows to avoid flat head syndrome?

[lurcherlover]

Hello - I'm 30 wks pregnant with my first baby and stocking the nursery. I've read a lot about FHS (there was an article about it in this month's M&B magazine) and special pillows you can get that are supposed to help prevent it. But then other advice says not to use anything in the crib/cot (although I assume these pillows are safer than a normal pillow). Are they worth it/safe, or a waste of money?

If your baby doesn't like tummy time (or even if they do!) use a sling during the day, this is another way to limit the time they spend flat on their back.

Surely most modern DCs spend enough time in car seats (oh sorry we are ment to worry a lit that too!)
and bouncy chairs, that they aren't always flat on their backs.

DD2 was never flat on her back, she was always on her side feeding. Quite often in my bed under the enge of my quilt. Also not allowed!!!

Sorry, I'm being rude, but honestly I cannot believe the ridiculous number of things mothers are supposed to worry about.

Just enjoy your babies!

Get a sling and sling baby rather than buggy for the first while.

No need to buy anything advance.

My son had slightly flat head on one side noticed when he was four months-ish. We bought a sleep curve mattress (google) and it went away / rectified itself.

Sleep curve is a mattress with a sort of dip in it so baby's head and neck are supported - no separate pillow which can move around / smother etc.

Flat head syndrome is not a pile of wank! Not when you are a nine year old with a noticeable flat back of head and have to have surfer style hair to disguise it. As I said before my boys were early and I think this makes a difference as does the amount of time spent on the back. My daughter does not suffer from it but she was 38 weeks and a singleton so spent a lot more time being held. I would say keep and eye out for it, move baby around frequently, and take action if it develops. By 4 months it was too late for my boys.

Sling rather than buggy has loads of benefits not just head shape. Just make sure you visit the sling section on mn so you get a good sling recommendation.

Another vote for using slings. If you notice that your baby can't / won't turn its head while asleep, get some physio therapy for them. My babies were really only flat on their backs at night; and both turned their heads frequently on their own accord. In the daytime, they'd be in the sling/ held/ nursing while lying on their side or having tummy time for play. They both have lovely round heads.
My sister had awful problems with her kids though, they were both small at birth and not able to move much on their own initially, and as a results have still very pronounced flat heads that will not correct themselves. I don't think she ever actively tried to counteract the flat spots forming though.

Sling time counts as tummy time too, before they are comfortable with it