Why is there an increase in infants diagnosed with deformational plagiocephaly?
Prior to 1992, the risk factors associated with plagiocephaly were considered to be a restrictive uterine environment and congenital muscular torticollis. In 1992, the American Academy of Pediatrics initiated the “Back to Sleep” program, recommending back and side sleeping positions to help prevents SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). While this program decreased SIDS deaths by nearly 40%, the supine or back sleeping in combination with car seats, infant carriers, etc. contributed to an increase in deformational plagiocephaly.
