Community› The Bump Message Boards› Babies: 6 - 9 Months
Babies: 6 - 9 Months
New Discussion

cranial helmets/bands

2beemrsG2beemrsG
in Babies: 6 - 9 Months

At Elaina's 6 month checkup today the pediatrician said he's concerned about the flatness of the back of Elaina's head...so he's sending us to a specialist for a consultation and a possible fitting. He assured us that this is purely cosmetic and that she's 110% healthy, but I can't help but feel guilty. Anyone else have a LO who has had to wear a helmet? Any info/advice/words of kindness are appreciated...

imageLilypie Second Birthday tickers Follow Me on Pinterest
Report Reply to Post

Re: cranial helmets/bands

  • clarku2000clarku2000 member

    Oh--no reason to feel guilty!  I am going through this right now, but kind of on the opposite side.  I want DD to get a helmet.  Due to her torticollis, DD developed a flat spot on the side of her head.  We've been working on correcting it, and although the flat spot has rounded out, I can see the other side of her head is still protruding out.

    I took DD for a consultation for a helmet fitting this morning, and the orthotist said he could see the "deformity" and went on to take her measurements.  DD is 1 point from needing a helmet for correction.  The PT and everyone who sees her on a daily basis can notice the protrusion and how the right side of her face is recessed.  The orthotist said to keep an eye on her head shape and bring her back at 8 months to get remeasured, and if nothing changes he will fit her for a helmet.

    Report Reply
  • Loading the player...
  • 2mommiesinoh2mommiesinoh

    Nothing on the helmet but Ky had to have a Pavlick harness to correct her hip dysplasia. I felt like a terrible mommy and it was made even worse when people would comment on her braces.

    What helped me through it was knowing that I did nothing wrong. I could not help that she was squished in there and as a result her hips were deformed. But I could fix the problem and that is exactly what I was doing with the harness.

    imageLilypie Third Birthday tickers
    Report Reply
  • mm&m2010mm&m2010

    I understand how you feel. I felt the same way when LO went into his at 5 months. We were originally given exercises & was told to re-position him, but when we went to that final appointment, and the DR said "He needs a helmet", I felt like we failed in some way. But, honestly, we didn't. It goes back to how he was positioned in the womb. DON'T FEEL GUILTY.

    LO gets his helmet off on Monday & we are SO HAPPY with the results. He has had it on a total of 11 weeks. I am so glad we did it as early as we did, because he got it off so fast. The younger they are, the faster it goes, becasue their heads are still growing at a rapid rate. If your LO ends up in one, trust me, you will be happy with the results!

    Report Reply
  • B-lineBrideB-lineBride
    We did repositioning, we're doing PT and in the end none of it helped remedy the flatness for us. We just got our helmet two weeks ago, and it's been more of an adjustment for me than for the baby. It sucks not being able to kiss his little head. But I'm glad we're doing it b/c our baby's fat spot was so noticeable to us. They told us an average of 3 months to wear it, but obviously some babies need less and some need more. Our first follow-up appt is on Friday and I'm interested in seeing if there has been any improvement yet.
    Report Reply
  • LakeGenevaBrideLakeGenevaBride
    Yup.  My guy is on week 5 of his doc band helmet.  He has been in physical therapy for his torticollis since he was 3 months old, but he still ended up with a wonky shaped head.  I feel like I could have done better with tummy time early on.  They assure me it happened in the womb, but I still think I probably had him in his bouncer too much or something.   So I guess we as mothers will always feel guilty even if it wasn't our fault.  The more important thing is that you are doing something about it now.  gl.  Oh, and he doesn't seem to mind the helmet at all. 
    IVF #3 10/09 BFP! 12dp3dt Beta #1 = 319 14dp3dt Beta #2 = 565 21dp3dt Beta #3 = 10,475! u/s showed twins!! IVF 12/12 BFP! image Lilypie Second Birthday tickers Lilypie Pregnancy tickers
    Report Reply
  • EandTEandT
    Another vote here for - don't feel bad!! My first DS's head became very flat from laying on his back. It was a terrible experience for me. I felt awful about it, blamed myself, etc. So, fast forward three years to DS2. His got flat too! I was on the look out for it - I was going to make it my mission to not let it happen again, but it did. I couldn't believe it. I have to think that some kids just have softer skulls or something. Luckily, DC2 started tummy sleeping around 4months and it totally rounded back out. Don't feel bad!!!
    Report Reply
  • lindseychase06lindseychase06
    Yes, working on helmet # 2. It was well worth it! PM me if you have any questions Smile
    Warning No formatter is installed for the format bbhtml
    Report Reply
This discussion has been closed.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards
"
"