Any Babies That Wear Cranial Molding Helmets?

K.,
Our daughter wore a DOC band from ages 5 to 7 months. The first night was the hardest. I did the same, rocked and comforted her back to sleep, but I didn't take it off. She was wearing it 23 hrs a day by the third day. For the first week we took it off for 10 minutes or so every hour or two to check for pressure points. She got used to it pretty quickly, I guess we were lucky. She did, however, never sleep very good with it on. She never slept very good before, so I wasn't sure if it was directly due to the helmet. We were up 2-3 times a night. We stuck with it and wore it 23x7 and were able to get out of it a week earlier than predicted.
I hope it is going better for you now and she is getting used to it. Other options are to re-check the fitting. I asked so many questions to our clinicians. Also her temperature may be an issue. She had her helmet on during 'winter' (which isn't that cold!) but it helped to keep her cooler. That helmet can really hold the heat in. Good luck!

I don't know your situation, but I would re-evaluate if she truely needs the helmet. does she need it for brain development or is it to reshape her head for cosmetic? Get a second oppinion. I really looked into it for my son, because he had a flat spot, but doctors agreed he'd only need it for cosmetic. He's 13mths now and it barely visable. I don't know, but I wish you luck
T.

Hi K.,

My son that is now 7 had to wear two molding helmets when he was 1 1/2 to 2 years old. We had his first helmet made with a design that replicated a Raiders football helmet, so that made it easier for him to wear cause it made him feel special. I did not have a hard time getting him to sleep with it on, but what I eventually ran into was that he would take it off during the day and hide it from me. It was a constant struggle with that. Just a suggestion I know this might sound funny, is for maybe you or maybe another sibling wear a bicycle helmet to bed with her one night and show her that it is ok. Well good luck with your daughter.

im not in that situation but i would love to try and help. does the helmet alter her sleeping position from what it used to be? if it does maybe roll a recieving blanket so her head is a bit more propted. or maybe try getting her to wear it for naps first if she doesnt already. this is a big change for her. you deffinately shouldnt let her cry it out at night because wearing the helmet should be a positive thing for her. i think you are on the right track and should keep up with your efforts she will get used to it soon. remember just because everyone elses kids that wear the helmets may transition quickly your child may noy. well i hope this helps you!

My son is 5 months and we are picking up his helmet tomorrow. All I can think is that either the helmet doesn't fit her right or she is just going to need some more time to get used to it. That's a tough one because you want to do what's best for her but at the same time you need your sleep! I will let you know how ours goes, maybe once he gets his I will have better advice for you :)