When my daughter was required to wear a helmet, I couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed. It was a clear, oddly shaped helmet that seemed to attract unwanted attention.
Due to her position during birth and her preference for one side while resting, she developed plagiocephaly—a term that refers to the flat spot on her head. My partner and I noticed this early on and took several measures to remedy it. We invested in crib wedges, frequently adjusted her position during naps, and even held her upright against our chest while she slept. Despite our efforts, it became apparent that we would need to consult a doctor, who recommended a helmet.
The experience of having my child wear a helmet proved to be more challenging than necessary. If you’re in a similar situation, here are ten strategies to help ease the stress associated with helmet head:
- Personalize the Helmet: Give the helmet some character by decorating it. This can transform it from an eyesore into something fun and stylish.
- Utilize Big Hats: Cover the helmet with a cute sun hat, beanie, or even a stylish hoodie for a cozy look.
- Start Early: The sooner your child begins using the helmet, the less time she will need to wear it overall.
- Negotiate with Insurance: Many insurance providers hesitate to cover helmets for plagiocephaly, labeling it as merely cosmetic. I received a letter congratulating me on my daughter’s birth, along with a pamphlet dismissing the condition. After discussing it with our trusted doctor, I obtained a letter from him, which helped us secure coverage for most of the helmet expenses.
- Consider the Protection: Keep in mind that the helmet helps prevent injuries. My daughter wore hers from 6 to 10 months old and was prone to bumping her head. Knowing she was protected eased my anxiety significantly.
- Stock Up on Wipes: Have alcohol wipes handy to clean the inside of the helmet and manage any odors. Trust me, after 23 hours of wear, it can get a bit stinky.
- Take Breaks When Needed: If you’re uncomfortable with your child wearing the helmet in public, feel free to take it off for a while. Just remember that each minute without the helmet may add to the total time she’ll need to wear it later on.
- Open Up About It: Don’t hesitate to discuss your experiences. You may be surprised at how many others relate to your situation—you’re certainly not alone.
- Keep Perspective: Remind yourself that the helmet won’t be a part of her life forever. Although it may feel prolonged, it’s just a temporary phase.
- Ignore Outside Opinions: We live in a society that often judges appearances, but your child wearing a helmet is not something to be embarrassed about. It’s simply a helmet, not a reflection of your parenting skills.
If your child requires a helmet, there’s no need to panic. Remember, brighter days are ahead. Just envision shouting at him in a playful Scottish accent, “Heead, down!” or “Heead, fetch me my pants!” The well-shaped head will be worth it.
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Summary
Navigating the challenges of your child wearing a helmet due to plagiocephaly can be stressful. However, by personalizing the helmet, utilizing big hats, negotiating with insurance, and keeping perspective, you can alleviate much of that stress. Remember that this phase is temporary and lean on your support network to share experiences.