My corrective helmet journey began long before Lyla’s did. The moment I found out there was a chance that Lyla would need a helmet I began researching and praying like crazy. When Lyla was three months old, her physical therapist suggested that Lyla was probably going to need a corrective helmet to fix the flat spot on her head. She said we’d need to go see a specialist, but in the mean time try to keep Lyla off her head as much as possible. So, that is exactly what we did! We limited time in the stroller and carseat, tried to do extra tummy time (which Lyla DID NOT like), propped her on her side during monitored naps and tried to hold her upright. We did all of this for about two months before going to see the specialist. I was convinced that we “fixed” her head all on our own and the helmet would not be necessary. Boy was I wrong! When we went to the specialist, they took a scan of her head and the results put her in the “severe” category for her flat spot. I was CRUSHED. The mom guilt poured in. “If only I would have done more tummy time.” “What will people think of the helmet on her head?” “Is it going to hurt her?” “What about her cute bows?” “Did I cause this to happen to her?” “Will she resent me if I don’t go through with the helmet?” I had so many thoughts and questions regarding the helmet and I wished I had more people to talk to about it. I strongly considered not going through with the helmet for selfish reasons. My husband and I prayed a lot about it and decided that ultimately it was the best thing for our sweet girl. If you are going through this process or about to, just know if your feeling “mom guilt,” you’re not alone. Although you may have some guilt, I encourage you to let it go! You are the best mama for your little one and you did nothing wrong!
By the time we went through all the steps, Lyla’s helmet journey finally started when she was eight months old. She is now nine and a half months and I want to share what we have learned about wearing the corrective helmet.
(Left to right: Lyla’s head before helmet, Mom guilt setting in before getting helmet, First day with helmet)
One Month In — Here’s What I’ve Learned
Although its only been one month with the helmet, we have learned a lot! Let me start by saying it is going WAY better than expected. I expected Lyla to hate it and have it disrupt her whole schedule we have worked so hard on, but that was not the case at all. I am a very “type A” type person. The last thing I wanted was something disrupting Lyla’s schedule, but the helmet has honestly not been a problem.
I went into the helmet process thinking, “Poor Lyla has to deal with an annoying helmet.” Thankfully, Lyla doesn’t even seem to notice it! From day one she has not seemed bothered by it. Once your baby gets the helmet, the specialist will probably suggest a schedule to transition your baby into wearing the helmet for 23 hours a day. On the first day, Lyla only wore the helmet every other hour and did not nap or sleep in it. From there she wore it longer and longer during the day until after a few days she was wearing the helmet 23 hours a day. I think this schedule really helped! She got used to wearing it enough that it did not bother her naps or sleeping. One of my biggest fears going into things was that Lyla was not going to sleep well. I was so thankful when her sleep was not disrupted at all.
I was also a little worried what friends and family would think of the helmet. I was worried about strangers staring at her in public, too. Thankfully, friends and family have been very understanding. The general public either does not say anything or they comment about how cute she looks with her big bow. I added the big white bow to her helmet with velcro. I do have many passerby’s mention how cute the bow is. I got her bow from Etsy. We have only had one person ask why she was wearing the “hat.” The man was super nice about it when he asked. I think he was just curious!
Honestly, the worst part about the helmet has been how sweaty her head gets. When we take the helmet off to clean it, you can see the how badly she has been sweating. We try to dress her in thin clothing as much as possible to keep her a little more cool. Cleaning the helmet is super easy and does not take too much time. We also wash her hair twice a day to prevent irritation. The helmet has also rubbed off a lot of her hair. It’s a bummer, but nothing big bows can’t cover once she gets the helmet off! We are a big fan of bows around here.
We are a month into the helmet and we probably have 1-2 months left. I was really hoping she’d need it for less time, but that just not the case. Although I miss sniffing and kissing my little girl’s head, I want what is best for her, so I am not going to rush the process. Her progress may be a little slow, but she IS making progress, so that is encouraging!
To summarize here are a few tips when starting/walking through the helmet journey:
- It’s going to be okay and you are the best mama for your sweet baby
- It won’t be as bad as you think (Hopefully! I know every baby is different)
- Don’t let what other people think keep you from doing the best thing for your child
- Keep your baby’s helmet somewhat neutral so you do not get sick of a crazy pattern you cannot replace later on
- If you have a girl, add a bow for a fun touch
- Dress your baby in cool clothes to reduce the amount of head sweat
- Don’t rush the process
Potential preventative tips:
(I am not a doctor, this is just what the specialist told me to do for Lyla)
- Do lots and lots of tummy time even if your baby does not love it
– Get creative — do tummy time on your chest, legs, Boppy pillow, tummy time mat, etc. - Once baby is out of the swaddle, let them sleep on side or belly during MONITORED naps (keep a close eye on your little one if you do this)
- Limit time in swings, strollers and carseats
- Use a baby carrier
- Hold baby in an upright position
- Alternate sides you hold baby with when feeding child bottle every other feeding
- Consider physical therapy
I hope this gives you the strength and courage you need when starting your helmet journey with your sweet baby! If you personally are not going through this, keep this post in mind in case someone you know goes through it! 🙂 Please feel free to reach out with any questions you might have via the blog or my Instagram. I am here to help!
Xoxo,
Brit
Brittany Taulbee 