Babes with helmets?

Laroo0220 · September 2014

We just found out dd needs a helmet, well not needs one but has a flat spot that measures within the range of one being recommended. We are going to go forward with it because it will correct it, but I'm having a really hard time with it. I know it's not that big a deal but I will miss her little face snuggling me without something bulky in the way, her headbands we put her in and all the adorable crocheted hats my mom has spent hours on. Plus I don't want everyone to look at her and just see the helmet. Ugh I know this is dumb and could be so much worse but I need some support here. Anyone in the same boat?

Twirple · September 2014

I don't have personal experience, but the pictures I've seen of babies in their helmets (on my previous BMB) are SO cute!

Laroo0220 · September 2014

Thank you so much for the support ladies. I will def take all of that to heart. My mom can def make bigger hats.

@dani+california‌ she needs one bc her flat spot is lateral meaning its more towards the side of her head not in the middle. It's bc of her reflux they think bc she sleeps with her back arched and head tipped way back so it's in a goofy spot that won't improve even with her off it. Makes me mad bc I've been telling her ped that she needs meds for reflux and they have always said she is fine. It's been going on since 1 month old.

LizChad09 · September 2014

@Laroo0220‌ we are in the wait and see mode with DD. We are going to PT once a week and working at home. Her flat spot is lateral as well bc she keeps her head tilted to the side.

I too am having problems coming to terms with the possibility of the helmet. As it is she was in casts and braces due to clubbed feet.

CalinAZ · September 2014

Mine got his yesterday! He was in the severe range for his flat spot, with some asymmetry going on with his ears and facial features. Everyone we spoke to said the "golden age" for fixing it was 4-7 months. We ultimately decided after we met with a physical therapist who said that given the severity, it wouldn't correct without a helmet. My son also has torticollis (tight neck muscles) and tight back muscles, in connection with the flat spot, so he's also doing physical therapy 2-3 times a month.

Today is our first full day and so far it's going pretty well! He really doesn't seem to notice it and if anything has been happier and more giggly today.

Look how happy I am in my helmet

Please PM if you want to talk at all - it was definitely a stressful decision/process, and it's nice to hear from someone on the other side

. Decorating definitely made it look less "sad" on him and made me happier with it. I stayed up late last night painting and putting on decals, but now when I see the helmet I think, "he's so cute!" instead of feeling bad for my little boy. So far our only trip in public was to the physical therapists, but I did get very positive comments about the helmet. Snuggling was what I was saddest about, and it's definitely a little more awkward, but I'm sure we'll get used to it. I am just having to kiss cheeks and his neck more, instead of his forehead.

What has helped me the most is all the reminders I've been getting about how short this will really be in the grand scheme of your child's life, but how much of a difference it can make.

Good luck with everything!

Laroo0220 · September 2014

@CalinAZ‌ he looks so cute! I love the painting on it. We're thinking we will put a Velcro square on front so we can put a flower on it each day. Thank you for your response. I'm glad it's going well so far. How many months does he have to wear his? They said 3-4 for us but I wonder if its like braces and keeps changing or if that will be about it. Dd has torticollis as well and is in physical therapy. Is your LO rolling at all? Dd has only rolled over like 5 times total and is 5 months now. I'm worried the helmet will make it even harder for her to roll

CalinAZ · September 2014

@Laroo0220 - the flower is a great idea

. They said 8-9 weeks, but initially said he might need two helmets since his issue started in utero, so maybe double that? What company did you go with? We're using cranial tech, so that might give a different timeline? LO rolls by accident, but hasn't lately (he catches himself). The helmet is so light, I wouldn't worry about it with rolling. LO is playing exactly the same on the floor as he was before, in terms of rolling on his side, tummy time, etc. The helmets are so light, they don't really impact things.

getbetsy · September 2014

My lo started wearing a helmet a month ago (on her 4 month bday). I have to say it's not as bad as I thought it would be. People do stare, but that's from ignorance. People also ask out of curiosity and I tell them it's fixing her flat spot. I also have a lot of ppl say they wished they'd done it.

She could care less! My friend suggested I look at it like an accessory, not a nuisance so I did that. I added sequins to it (scrapbooking section at Michaels) and I bought a bow kit off etsy! $20 for 10 bows... And the best is you can 1) change the bows to match each outfit and 2) use the bows in her hair after the treatment!

Overall it's only been a month (they said 6-9 weeks) and we have been told we can graduate her whenever we are comfortable. The changes are dramatic and we noticed them within the first week. We would do it again in a second!

It's such a short period of time in her life and it can help her in the long run. Our drs said if it's not fixed it can cause headaches and jaw problems when she's older. Why not fix something that's fixable! I look at it like braces... If she needs braces when she's older you better bet we are going to get them for her!

I hope this eases some of your worries over getting the helmet. Don't get me wrong, I can't wait to snuggle and kiss her bare head, but for now a white, plastic helmet will do!

CalinAZ · September 2014

@getbetsy - I know I'm not the one your comment was directed at, but just wanted to thank you for sharing. It's nice to hear from a mom further along that everything is going as fine as it's been promised

.

Oh, and @Laroo0220, if you're on facebook, there are a couple groups I joined for mamas of helmet/plagiocephaly babies. I've been finding it really helpful to see so many helmet babies in my newsfeed - it's really helped to normalize them for me. You can just search helmet babies or plagiocephaly to find them

Bluebird2318 · September 2014

My DD wore one for 3 months. It stressed me out at the time, but it wasn't actually that bad. It was sorta cute.

Calla123 · September 2014

This is different but I just wanted to say my LO was diagnosed with Hip Dysplasia at 6 weeks and needed to wear a pavlic harness full time for 2 months. I was devastated and worried about not seeing her feet or holding her close. Now it's over, hips are healed and it seems like it flew by...a distant memory

Jazma11 · September 2014

I posted a few weeks back about my ds needing a helmet but didn't get many responses. I am sorry your LO needs one too but I am glad I am not alone. I felt alone after not getting many responses. Lol. We have been having trouble with the company we are going thorough because their scanner keeps breaking so we haven't gotten it yet. Hopefully Tuesdays appointment will work out. I was having trouble with the idea as well. But I keep telling myself that it is almost selfish to be sad about this. Walk in any nicu and we will be reminded how blessed we are to have healthy babies as this is really no big deal! Maybe we can start a group and share pics and funny stories along the way for support?

AcaAwkward · September 2014

No personal experience, but I feel as if the helmets are common enough now that people might not stare / comment as much as you think. I feel like I see one at least once a week! I'm sure you still get some ignorant or curious remarks, but I'm sure you'll come up with a great response. Good luck with the decision & process!

LizChad09 · September 2014

cantwait87 said:
I was having trouble with the idea as well. But I keep telling myself that it is almost selfish to be sad about this. Walk in any nicu and we will be reminded how blessed we are to have healthy babies as this is really no big deal! Maybe we can start a group and share pics and funny stories along the way for support?

My mom keeps reminding me of this. We won't know for 6 weeks if need one or not. Depends on how her PT goes and if her tortoccilis gets better. In the mean time, we will and adorable little boy with Downs every week as he is in OT while we are in PT. Perspective.

ho11yday · September 2014

(lurking from May14)

Although I was reluctant (and sad) to get DS1 a helmet, I'm super glad I did. I never realized how cute and precious he was while wearing it. Even now (2 years later), I look back at those pictures of him in his helmet and think how darling he looked.

The only people who ever really looked or commented were other parents of children who had worn one. We only heard words of encouragement from strangers.

Promise, you are not alone even if it feels like it.

Laroo0220 · September 2014

Thanks so much for the support ladies! You are all making me feel so much better about this. I will def start a thread when we get it in about a week and see how everyone else is doing with helmets.

@cantwait87‌ I'm glad you don't feel alone now. It's pretty early so I'm sure we won't be the only ones in this situation (not that I want more moms to go through it but it seems pretty common these days)

@Bluebird2318‌ your LO looks adorable! We're going with the plain pink one too. I think it's the cutest

The one thing that made me die laughing last night was dh. He said "poor Hazel, she is going to look like an astronaut in her helmet and magic Merlin suit at night" omg the image made me just lose it. Those suits are so funny already and then add a helmet. Poor girl

dmosquera4 · September 2014

I just saw this article and wanted to share with you...

https://www.naptimetales.com/2014/02/how-we-squeezed-my-sons-head-to-avoid.html?m=1

I thought it was Ineresting and gives you another option

I don't have any experience but you can do your research and then figure out what you feel more comfortable with

Xoxo

JanMommy2under2 · September 2014

This is soo helpful! My son has a flat spot on the back middle, and a tiny part of it goes in instead of just being flat. Our dr. isn't concerned yet because he said as he starts rolling, and sitting up it will round out. About 2 weeks ago my son started rolling really well both directions, and sleeping on his side or stomach. He is also practicing sitting up. So while he is 6 months old tomorrow. I think we are going to wait 1 more month and see how his head looks. I have started to notice some slight changes since he doesn't sleep flat on his back anymore.

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