helmet for plagiocephaly

KFA

Baby girl is nine months old and was just told she may need a helmet to correct for her flat spot on the back right side of her head.  I had repeatedly pointed out this spot to our Dr, and she dismissed it saying it would resolve on its own.  It hasn't, and after seeing a physiotherapist for the fact that she prefers to turn her head right, it was pointed out that a helmet may be required and really should have been started about 3 months ago .  Has any one else had experience with this???

rsmidtisu

We just found out Monday we may need one too.  LO is 7 months.  We had a similar situation.  Original pedi told us it was fine and it would correct itself.  We wanted a 2nd opinion so we got one Monday and that doctor was pretty sure we will need one.  Going Friday for a consultation.  Frustrating but just keep in mind that it is only a short period of time to help them in the long run.  I don't think 9 months is too old to get one.  It is beneficial to catch it earlier because it can get fixed faster the younger they are but 9 months is not too late, it might just take longer. 

 

I was really against it because I didn't want LO to be uncomfortable but everything I have read says they won't even notice after a day or 2.  It is harder on Momma than baby.    Good luck! 

wither16

We just got ours the week that DS turned 8 months.  Anything before one year is better than nothing and they can still work after one year up to 2 years- it just takes longer.

I would get started ASAP so that you can get started if that's what you want to do.

And DS could care less about his helmet- I however am a basket case- and will probably end up in a fist fight one of these days with someone.  But that's bc I have an Irish temper.  :-)

buzzbee24

DS was diagnosed at 2.5 months with torticollis and plagio. We immediately started PT and repositional therapy...he still needed a helmet. We got the helmet between 4.5-5months. He just just had his helmet removed on 12/19 just shy of nine months old. Complete correction! Can't tell he even had an issue. The helmet idea at first is scary but it is more of an adjustment for us parents than it is for LOs. DS barely noticed it and in fact, I kinda miss the helmet now for the head bump protective factor now that he is cruising and attempting to take a few steps.

You should cross post this to other boards. There are a lot of moms are here dealing with the same issue and I tell ya what...the ladies on the bump have been so informative and supportive, it's been a lifesaver! I could type about this all night and the whole experience we had, but if you want any more info/to vent or chat/have questions, please feel free to private message me. Happy to help!

Good luck to your LO and family. I will say the helmet was a tremendously wonderful decision, probably the best decision I have made as a FTM.

KFA

Thanks to everyone for their replys.  Feeling sooo guilty for letting her poor head get this far along.    I trusted our Dr, and turns out I should have pushed harder for physio at a younger age.

We have to wait for an opening at the only hospital here that does helmets, so hopefully they will rush us along given her age. 

mamatotwins0812

KFA:

Thanks to everyone for their replys.  Feeling sooo guilty for letting her poor head get this far along.    I trusted our Dr, and turns out I should have pushed harder for physio at a younger age.

We have to wait for an opening at the only hospital here that does helmets, so hopefully they will rush us along given her age. 

I had this same issue. I love and trust our pedi but we followed her advice on waiting and nothing improved and we are scheduled to get them (on both my boys) next Friday. I have a lot of guilt too and apprehension but I know it's the best thing for them. Everyone tells me it's harder on us, which I do believe. I'm just mostly sad that their last few months as babies their little heads will be covered up . Feel free to inbox me with any questions/support. I find it helpful to talk to others who are in a similar situation. Makes it seem not as bad . Good luck!