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12-23-2012 at 9:04 PM
Greco1014
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Joined on 08-17-2007
New Jersey
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Greco1014 is not online. Last active: 05-21-2013, 7:48 PMNewbie

Baby may need to wear a helmet...

We brought LO to the doctor this past week because he had a cold, and the doctor mentioned that his head was looking a bit flat on one side. She handed me some pamphlets of places that make helmets. I asked her if this was really necessary, and she kept saying it was something to think about, the decision was up to us, she was just going to give us the information, etc. I don't feel like she really answered any of my questions/ concerns too effectively.

I feel very blindsided by this. At LO's 4 month appointment last month, the doctor said everything looked great. I even specifically asked about LO's head shape (he always sleeps on one side, no matter what I do) and the doctor said everything looked great. (this was two different doctors, as we tend to see a different doctor every time we go to the office). 

The idea of the helmet really upsets me. From what I understand, he'll need to wear it all the time for several months. I just hate the idea of all of his pictures having a helmet. ANd if we take him places, people will stare. I feel like they'll think I'm a bad mother, because obviously I wasn't able to prevent the head problem.

Can anyone offer me some advice on this? Is the helmet absolutely necessary, or is there still a chance the issue could resolve on it's own (LO is 5.5 months, just about). We already do lots of tummy time and assisted sitting, but again, he always sleeps tilted to one side, no matter how I try to reposition him. If he DOES end up wearing the helmet, will it be terrible?

As of right now, DH and I are thinking about calling the doctor's office after the holiday and asking if we can get a second opinion. I still feel kind of sick about it...can anyone tell me something to make me feel a little better? I'd like to get back in the holiday spirit...


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12-23-2012 at 9:14 PM
allardr
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allardr is not online. Last active: 05-19-2013, 7:47 PMBronze
Our LO's back of his head is slightly flat from sleeping & playing while on back. Docs have never even mentioned it. She always gets "everything looks great" from doctors. Helmet definitely seems extreme considering I've heard/read a flat spot is very normal at this age until LO sits up more which should be shortly.

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12-23-2012 at 9:19 PM
OUKatie
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Joined on 10-21-2004
Houston, TX
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OUKatie is not online. Last active: 04-24-2013, 6:37 PMGold

Rather than a second opinion, could you get a referral to the appropriate specialist? From what I've read here on TB, there are other things you can try besides a helmet such as stretching exercises to encourage LO to not always lay a certain way, etc., depending on the root cause of the issue. Since your dr didn't really answer any of your questions, I would try to talk to someone who can. I wouldn't jump right to a helmet either, personally, though I would do it if we had tried some other interventions unsuccessfully. I'd rather DD wear a helmet than have a weird shaped head with her facial features out of whack her whole life if I can help it.


 
12-23-2012 at 9:43 PM
jen302
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jen302 is not online. Last active: 04-01-2013, 8:55 PMNewbie
I think this helmet crap is totally blown out of proportion. I'm not sayin that no baby can benefit but I know a handful of peeps that decided against it and it resolved itself. I dunno...

 
12-23-2012 at 10:13 PM
trojas
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Joined on 04-21-2008
Miami, FL
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trojas is not online. Last active: 05-21-2013, 12:24 AMBronze

Second opinion - always!

Aside from that, use your gut as a mom. You probably have a feeling as to whether your LOs head really is that flat.

If this is something that will benefit your baby, then do it. A few months with a helmet is not a big deal IMO. There are far worse things your baby can have - that's how I see it. Who cares if people stare. The hell with them.

Also, try using this...

http://www.target.com/p/boppy-noggin-nest-cog-wheels-head-support-brown/-/A-11118321

Use it for a bit and see if it helps any. Basically use it at all times except when your LO is sleeping. In the car seat, in the bassinet, during play time on his back...use it ALL the time. Hopefully it can help shape his head back to a rounder shape.

 


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12-23-2012 at 10:26 PM
SunAndRain
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Ireland
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SunAndRain is not online. Last active: 05-17-2013, 10:56 PMSilver
I'd find a new pedi. I am not medical expert so for a doctor to give me information and then leave the decision up to me without a strong recommendation... What am I supposed to do with that? Make an amature guess based on facts I barely comprehend?

As for the helmet, do not let yourself worry about pictures and people staring. Decorate the crap out of it and it'll be cute as can be. And be thankful for modern medicine.

But given the lack of direction your pedi offered I'd find a new one and get a second opinion. Good luck!
 
12-24-2012 at 4:30 AM
NerdyMama2
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I'd get a second opinion from a specialist. 

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12-24-2012 at 7:55 PM
DanielleB2...
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DanielleB27 is not online. Last active: 05-14-2013, 8:21 AMNewbie
I agree with having a specialist check it out. From what I've seen, babies can prefer one side or the other if their neck muscles are tight on one side or the other. If this is the case, there are stretches, etc., that can be done to help the problem resolve. If this is the problem, then at least you know now and there are other options than a helmet. If your baby's neck muscles are fine, then I would think that the flat spot would resolve, or not be an issue. I'm sure that if everyone shaved their heads, we all would have a flatish spot or two ;) I hope this helps, and gives you peace of mind to enjoy the holidays!
 
12-25-2012 at 4:53 PM
TechieGirl...
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I understand we are currently in a similar situation. Lo has a bit of flathead due to the fact he got really sick about a month ago, and we had to stop doing tummy time because he was coughing a lot because of viral pneumonia. This caused his poor little head to get flat because he wasn't used to tummy time anymore. Since then its been an uphill battle with trying to get him to do tummy time. He's slowly getting used to it. I personally have invested in a couple of pillows for his little head. Like the previous poster suggested, I got a nest noggin for him car seat, as well as a baby moon ( I think that's what it's called). And it seems to be helping. Me and dh are off this week so we are seeing if we can make some progress, and check with the doc after vacation to see if we still need to see a specialist for possibly a helmet too. I feel the same way though. My poor baby. =(  I hope he doesn't need one! 

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12-25-2012 at 9:07 PM
swgal
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I agree you should see a specialist but if they recommend it I would strongly consider it and think of the consequences. In the long run I guarantee that your child will be happy that you fixed this issue. The cosmetic issue of wearing a helmut for a few months now will be nothing in comparison to head or facial deformities as an adults. Plagio is a real and serious issue in the back to sleep era babies.

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12-26-2012 at 12:15 PM
Eastie156
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Eastie156 is not online. Last active: 05-21-2013, 8:59 PMSilver
I'd get a second opinion. My SIL's little girl just turned 5 months old and she has a really flat spot on her head and my SIL wasn't told she needed a helmut. I mean it's REALLY flat...

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