Baby's head shape: Developmental trends and secular trends observed in recent years

What is it about?

This study investigated developmental changes in head shape during the first year of life using simple tape measurements. This study aimed to identify how head shape varies with age and other background factors including sex and birth year. In addition, a method which evaluates head roundness in 3D was developed to help extract more information about head shape from the tape measurements.

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Photo by Alex Bodini on Unsplash

Photo by Alex Bodini on Unsplash

Why is it important?

1. The study aimed to determine changes in the head shape that occur during the first year of life in healthy Japanese infants. This study found that the shape most resembled a sphere at 6 months, but by 12 months, it returned to an ellipsoid-like shape. 2. The method used to assess infant head shape involved taking tape measurements, which was a non-invasive, quick and inexpensive approach. This approach is more suitable for the long-term monitoring of healthy infant head shape. Moreover, the method allowed estimation of head height and 3D roundness. 3. The large dataset allowed subdividivision by sex an birth year to observe differences. Males showed higher values across most measurements, and infants with recent birth years presented a more elongated head shape.