Menu
Parenting
Does Your Baby Need a Helmet? It’s Going to Be Alright, I Assure You
by Lila Hargrove
Updated: April 15, 2021
Originally Published: February 27, 2017
Lila Hargrove
“It seems your infant has developed a flat area on their head,” the pediatrician stated, while I internally scoffed. (My infant? Surely, you jest, Doctor. If you’ve observed these past eight weeks, my little one is flawless.) “Let’s wait another month before determining if a cranial band is necessary,” he continued. (What?! Did he really just say that?) He handed me brochures filled with images of adorable babies sporting helmets and elaborated on “flat head syndrome,” clinically referred to as plagiocephaly. This condition can stem from a cramped intrauterine setting or, more commonly, from the baby lying on their back too frequently right after birth. Um, no to the latter. I’ve cradled that little cherub every moment since they entered the world, breathing in their very essence. There’s certainly no shortage of cuddling in my household. Thanks, womb.
I made my way to the car, fighting back tears. The following day was consumed by frantic Google searches, wandering through parenting blogs, and shedding more tears. After an excruciating four weeks filled with appointments with specialists and attempting every “natural head repositioning” method imaginable, my baby was fitted for a cranial band—what I fondly call a helmet (or as I sometimes refer to it, a HELLmet). My little one wore it for twelve weeks, and I cried for about four of those weeks. Yet, I have no regrets about that choice. If your baby requires a helmet, here are five reasons you both will get through it:
1. Your Baby Is Resilient
Sure, your baby might react the first time they get fitted for the band. Depending on their age, there may be some tears and attempts to remove it. Your heart will ache, and you may want to assist them in tearing it off. You might even harbor resentment towards the technician fitting it, even though you ultimately made the decision. That’s just how it is. You’ll glare at the helmet every day with disdain when it’s time to clean it—not only because you despise it, but because it’s also sweaty and stinky. You might find yourself taking it off more often than necessary out of pity for your child, but remember: the more your baby wears it, the sooner they’ll be finished with it—meaning, you’ll eventually be able to toss that helmet into a bonfire and emotionally move on.
2. It’s Quite Common
Don’t feel isolated in this, fellow parents. Many conversations revolve around plagiocephaly. Honestly, in today’s world, hearing, “my child needs a helmet” is as commonplace as discussing the weather or lamenting the lack of hours in a day. There are online retailers dedicated to decorating helmets, and countless support groups for parents. Members of Facebook parenting groups are ready to lend their support and share before-and-after photos of their children. As Michael Jackson would say, “You are not alone.”
3. Time Will Pass Quickly
Do you recall the moment you discovered you were expecting? It feels like ages ago, right? The same goes for the first helmet fitting. The days of wearing the helmet may not seem to fly by, but like all things related to parenting, one moment you’re struggling with it, and the next, it’s done. Even though that helmet may impede your baby cuddling sessions, it will all be over before you realize it.
4. Increased Knowledge Leads to Less Judgment
Let’s be honest; the first time you saw a baby in a helmet, you probably stared. You may have even considered asking the parent what was wrong with their baby. Had there been an accident? And yet, that baby looked so cheerful! Unless you immediately Googled it, you likely learned that many of these helmets are merely for cosmetic correction. Parents opt for these solutions while their babies are still tiny and unaware of what’s happening. Now that you’re informed, let’s move forward and focus on our own little ones, shall we?
5. You’ve Made the Right Choice for Your Child
You likely implemented all the doctor’s recommendations to avoid the helmet—holding your baby more (please), sneaking into their crib frequently, turning their head, massages, reiki, and even essential oils. If none of those worked, you did your best. Now it’s time to accept that fixing your baby’s flat spot with a medically endorsed approach is the best course of action. Embrace it, and don’t second-guess yourself. Your baby will appreciate their beautifully rounded head in the future.
This article was originally published on February 27, 2017.
For more insights, check out our post about home insemination kits for those considering starting or expanding their families. Additionally, for men, you may find valuable information on fertility boosters here. And if you’re looking for a reliable source on pregnancy and home insemination, this resource is highly recommended.
Summary
Receiving news that your baby needs a helmet can be overwhelming, but it is a common concern among parents. Remember that your baby is resilient, and wearing the helmet is a temporary solution that can help improve their head shape. Don’t hesitate to seek support from others who have been through this, as it is not an uncommon experience. Time will pass quickly, and with the right resources, you will become more informed and confident in your decisions. Ultimately, you are making a choice that will benefit your child in the long run.
Keyphrase: baby helmet
Tags: [“home insemination kit”, “home insemination syringe”, “self insemination”]