“It seems your baby has developed a flat spot on their head,” the doctor said, while I thought, “Not my baby! There’s no way that’s true!” (In my mind, my little one is perfection personified.) “Let’s wait another month before deciding on a cranial band,” he continued. (Wait, what? Did he just suggest a helmet?)
The doctor handed me pamphlets featuring adorable babies sporting helmets and explained that “flat head syndrome,” or plagiocephaly, can arise from a restricted intrauterine environment or from lying on their backs too much after birth. Um, no to the latter. I’ve held my baby every minute since they were born, absorbing their essence like a sponge. Clearly, there’s been no shortage of baby-holding in my home. Thanks, womb.
I got into my car and broke down in tears. The next 24 hours turned into a whirlwind of Googling, parenting blogs, and more tears. Four agonizing weeks later, after consulting several specialists and trying every “natural repositioning” trick available, my baby was fitted for a cranial band, which I affectionately refer to as a helmet (or HELLmet). They wore it for twelve weeks, and I cried about four of those weeks. However, I have no regrets about the decision. If your baby requires a helmet, here are five reasons you’ll both get through it:
1. Your Baby Won’t Mind That Much.
Yes, your little one will notice the first time they get fitted for the band. Depending on their age, there may be some tears and attempts to rip it off. Your heart will break, and you may want to help them get it off. You might find yourself resenting the technician who fitted it because, even though you made the choice, they’re the ones putting the helmet on your child. That’s just unfair. You’ll scowl at that helmet every day when you take it off for cleaning—not just because you despise it, but because it’s also sweaty and smelly. You may even take it off more often than recommended due to guilt. But remember, the more your baby wears it, the sooner they’ll be done with it—meaning you can finally burn that helmet in a bonfire and emotionally move on.
2. It’s Quite Common.
You are not alone in this, fellow parents. Many families are navigating similar situations. Seriously, in today’s world, hearing “my kid needs a helmet” is as common as discussing the weather or lamenting about time constraints. There are stores that specialize in decorating helmets, and numerous support groups available for parents. You’ll find Facebook groups filled with parents ready to share before-and-after photos of their children. Just remember, as Michael Jackson said, “You are not alone.”
3. Time Passes Quickly.
Do you recall when you first learned you were going to be a parent? It seems like ages ago, right? The same will go for the first helmet fitting. It may feel like the helmet-wearing phase drags on, but as with everything related to parenting, you’ll blink, and it’ll be over. Even though the helmet may interfere with those cherished baby cuddle moments, it won’t last forever.
4. You’ll Gain Insight and Empathy.
Let’s be honest, the first time you saw a baby in a helmet, you probably stared and wondered what was wrong with the child. Had there been an accident? If so, why did the baby look so cheerful? If you didn’t do a quick search back then, you’ve likely learned that many of those helmets are simply for cosmetic purposes. Parents want to correct their babies’ head shapes while they’re still little and unaware. Now that you’re informed, let’s focus on our own little ones, shall we?
5. You’re Making the Right Choice for Your Child.
You’ve likely done everything a doctor recommended to avoid the helmet—holding your baby more, sneaking into their crib every hour, turning their head, and trying various remedies. If those efforts didn’t work, it’s time to accept the doctor’s recommendation and address your baby’s flat spot in a proven way. Embrace it and don’t look back. Your child and their beautifully rounded head will thank you in the future.
This article was originally published on Feb. 27, 2017.
If you’re interested in more parenting insights, check out our post on home insemination kits at Make a Mom. For more information about pregnancy, consider visiting Parents. And if you want to learn more about placentophagy, this resource can help.
Summary:
Navigating the journey of having a baby who needs a helmet can be emotional and challenging, but it’s important to remember that your baby is resilient, and you’re not alone. Many families experience similar situations, and time will pass more quickly than you think. With knowledge comes empathy, and by choosing the best option for your child, you’re ensuring a healthier future for them.