Risk factors for positional plagiocephaly and appropriate time frames for prevention messaging.

In February 1999, a joint statement was released in Canada recommending that infants be placed to sleep on their backs to prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) (1). Subsequently, concerns have been raised about a consequent increase in positional plagiocephaly across Canada. Plagiocephaly is defined as a deformation of the skull producing the appearance of a lopsided head (2). Plagiocephaly is of concern because, if not diagnosed and treated early, the associated changes in skull shape and facial features can be permanent (3). Literature regarding risk factors for developing positional plagiocephaly indicates variation according to infant age. Only two published studies address risk factors for infants six to seven weeks of age (4,5). The objective of the present study was to identify risk factors for developing positional plagiocephaly in infants seven to 12 weeks of age in Calgary, Alberta. We used the modifiable risk factors to identify areas for messages for parents to prevent plagiocephaly from developing.