XP: Helmet?

elizabeth0705 · July 2013

Has anyone's LO had to wear a helmet to treat a flat spot? We just had an appointment with a craniofacial specialist yesterday, and it looks like DD has mild/moderate plagiocephaly. The doctor said we could try the conservative approach (more tummy time, etc.) or order the helmet, but that if we do want to do the helmet, now is the time (DD is seven months). We have to decide today or tomorrow.

I really wish our pediatrician had referred us earlier!! DD is a little delayed in terms of motor development...we just started working with an early intervention specialist. She (DD) hates tummy time and prefers to sleep on her back, which is a big factor in the head flatness.

If you don't mind sharing, I'd love to hear about your experiences with the helmet, or your decision not to treat with a helmet. Thanks!

lywedding · July 2013

My DS wore a helmet or rather DOC band for 8 weeks and just got it off on Tuesday. I was hesitant about the whole process but had a great experience with Cranial Technologies and am so glad we did it. DS had a slight flat spot noticed by our pedi at his 2 month appointment. We monitored it and tried to increase tummy time (even though I already felt like we were doing it a lot). At his 4 month appointment, it hadn't improved so we went for a consultation. Seeing the images of his head and talking to our pedi, we decided it was the right approach for us as the only thing to ensure improvement was the helmet. Additionally, I was told that the helmet isn't just for cosmetic reasons but that the health consequences of flat spots aren't known at this time since this is a relatively new phenomenon with the "back to bed" campaign.

I read somewhere that you wouldn't think twice about braces for your teeth so why think twice about the helmet? I thought that was a good point. DS didn't mind it until the last couple days where he discovered the Velcro strap. Best of luck on your decision as I know it's a tough one. My pedi told me she's never had anyone regret doing it. If you can afford it with insurance, it's a no brainer to me.

RissKay · July 2013

PLEASE find a child chiropractor and get their opinion before going the helmet route! They may very well suggest it for you, but it is very possible that if the pedi says it's mild/moderate, the chiropractor may be able to help correct it without the need of a helmet. Also, a chiropractor can help a TON with baby not liking tummy time. DS hated it, had reflux, and horrible gas until the chiropractor, and now he's completely fine. I started taking him at 4 months and it's been incredible plus I've learned so much! Good luck!

milesfromthesun · July 2013

I would say go for it, sooner rather then later. DS had a flat spot due to a lot of time in his swing (kicking myself for it now) so we started doing TONS of tummy time, and found that he sleeps better on his belly (he's 26 weeks now, and can flip both ways) but anyway, I'm just starting to see a slight improvement. He's only on the back of his head during diaper changes, and the occasional time on a mat, he loves to stick his feet in his mouth. But if he had any worse case, we were going to opt for the helmet, because even with 99% of the time off the spot, it doesn't improve quickly...yes it's not fun to wear a helmet, but think of all the good it can do now rather then having to deal with all the problems later. GL

jennygirlmt · July 2013

I can't give my direct advice but my nephew had a helmet around 10 months. His head was really flat and it greatly affected the look of his face, his balance, physical development, etc. After the helmet he was perfect. At four he is the cutest thing and physically completely caught up.

My brother is very holistic so he had been seeing a chiropractor since birth and still had the issue. But additional methods are never a bad choice.

Regardless, I wouldn't be terribly worried as long as you are seeking treatment. LO will be fine.

hmontty · July 2013

My son started getting a flat spot at, I don't know, maybe 3 months. It is not a super bad one, and our pedi never even introduced the idea of a helmet.

Once I noticed the spot, I was very conscious about continually turning his head to the other side while he was sleeping...I would even get up at night just to go in and check his head position.

Once he started getting a little older, he started turning his head to the other side himself, and now he is starting to sleep on his side. I feel like we have made it to the point that his natural changes in positioning, now that he is stronger, will alleviate the flat spot getting worse, and in fact, it seems to have stayed the same ever since I noticed it and began consciously avoiding his lying on the spot all the time.

So his head at 6 months is still slightly flat in one spot, but I am comfortable with it and don't feel like it will be an issue in the future. It has only very slightly pushed his forehead forward on one side, but not enough to notice unless you are REALLY looking for it.

If your child's flat spot is changing the shape of her face and/or is getting worse, I would probably consider the helmet.

elizabeth0705 · July 2013

Thanks for sharing your stories and advice!

After talking to our pediatrician about our appointment with the specialist, I think we are going to go for the helmet. DD's case is very mild and it is not affecting her face, but the helmet will only help her, so we figure we might as well try. The only bummer is that insurance probably won't cover it, as it is seen as a cosmetic thing.

My DS (DD's twin) had a slight flat spot on his head, but it corrected itself because he loves sleeping on his stomach and rolls all over the place/hangs out on his stomach when we are playing.

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