Dealing with Plagiocephaly and a 5 Month Old with a Helmet...

My first child had to wear a helmet for several months, also and that was almost 9 years ago! They were practically unheard of then and we got many many comments and stares! H wore it from around April-July. It was definately a bigger adjustment for us then it was for him. I think you will be surprised how well your little one adjusts. Just give it a couple of days. Time will fly by and before you know it, it will just be a memory...Definately well worth it! good luck!

Hi J.,

I don't have a child who wears a helmet but I would suggest letting your child sleep on its side and tummy and not spend a lot of time in car seat and swing. Constant pressure on the back of the head is known to cause plagiocephaly.

A.

Our daughter wore a helmet for a couple months and the results were well worth the effort. She too had plagiocephaly. What we discovered was that we minded it more than she did. After the first full day or two she pretty much left it alone. You start by using it a few hours during the day working up to the entire day over a week then only take it off at bath time to clean it. Make sure you clean it very well so that it doesn’t start to smell especially in the hot summer. Our little girl used one in the winter and she still sweated like crazy and got a rash. We cleaned it thoroughly each night and put powder in it during the day to help absorb the sweat. We eventually had to have them drill air holes in it to help. We did get stares and people stopped saying oh what a cute baby and instead would say things like isn’t her outfit cute as they stared at her head. I just had to laugh!
Babies are very adaptable. The helmet will just become like any other appendage to your son over time. Keep with it though he will thank you in the long run!

I have to agree with the other moms. My son got used to his helmet quite quickly and after a few days didn't seem to notice it at all. We used alcohol wipes to clean it and that made it very easy. He was wearing it in cooler weather though so it didn't get too smelly. The helmet made a big difference in his head shape so it was well worth the effort. Good luck.

It will get better, so don't give up!

My youngest had to wear a helmet (a DOC Band to be exact) for about 3 months. The first few nights were not fun, but she did adjust. Before too long, she would feel of her head and seemed to be looking for the band during her breaks from it.

Also, you're starting this therapy at a good time. The weather is getting cooler - those helmets keep their little heads warm!

Hang in there!
S.