Anyone's Ped recc. a helmet for your child? UPDATE!

My ds is 4 months and at a sick visit my ped. recc. I consider the helmet because his flat spot is not symmetrical and is causing a raised part on the opposite side of his head from the flat area.

Today at the 4 month well visit my other ped, who is his partner said it is a personal choice and that there is no guarentee that it will correct itself with positioning...and also added that noone really has a perfectly shaped head....he clearly was not a big advocate of the helmet, but respects his partners suggestion.


The thought of him having to wear a helmet for 3 months is very upsetting to me. I have a friend who did it, and another who refused, whose ds is fine now at 6 years old.

So, if you had to deal with this how did you? and what was your reasoning.

thanks.

Update... Thanks ladies, I took your advice and went to a Neuro Surgeon..Dr. Mittler..who was wonderful. Although ds does have mild to moderate Plagiocephaly, he does not feel he needs the helmet. He prescribed more tummy time and repositioning.. I am so happy I went with your advice..after going to the helmet place (Monroe) that ped. recc., I was very turned off and scared. They made me to believe that my sons case, in their exact words was "severe", which Dr. Mittler assured me was not. It's a shame that some of these places are just looking to $$$$.

Message edited 8/10/2012 10:14:15 PM.

Anyone's Ped recc. a helmet for your child?

IMO, I don't think it's a decision that a general pediatrician should be making. DS was under the care of a neurologist when the helmet was suggested, along with physical therapy.

Re: Anyone's Ped recc. a helmet for your child?

here is a link that may be helpful:
HELMET

as for my son- he wore one at 5 months old until he was a yr.

he had plagiocelphaly. we went to a neuro who made the decision.

he had NO idea it was on nor did it bother him.
His head needed to be realigned.

best decision we made and in the end, his head isnt 100% perfect but I will accept 85% better from what he came from.

Re: Anyone's Ped recc. a helmet for your child?

My ped recommended physical therapy and that we go for a consult for a helmet. The physical therapist agreed that dd needed pt (for torticollis, which was causing the flat spot) but said that she knew my pediatrician and that he is "trigger-happy with the prescription pad". She recommended we try pt and wait. We went once a week and the physical therapist noticed every time how much rounder dd's head was getting. 2 months later at dd's next checkup we saw another ped in the practice, didnt mention the plagioceohaly, and she didn't notice any.

So your ds may or may not need a helmet, but don't rely on the opinion of the ped alone. Good luck!

Re: Anyone's Ped recc. a helmet for your child?

I knew my DS had an issue with his head shape (our situation was a bit different than just a flat spot), my ped said it "should" round out on it's own. I agree that the Ped is NOT the person you should listen to. If you are considering a helmet, I would recommend going to a pediatric neurosurgeon for an opinion.

That said, I ended up getting DS a helmet. "should" wasn't enough for me. The younger they are, the less time they wear it!

I had 4 opinions.. Ped, Neurosurgeon (we saw Dr. Mittler), Cranial Tech & a local ortho place (Bay Ortho). We got his helmet, specifically a DOC Band, from Cranial Tech. They are in Hackensack, but I feel it is worth the drive.

I am like you and was devastated at the thought of him having to wear it, but he does not mind it AT ALL. Time has flown & he only has a couple weeks left. Please FM me if you want more info!!


http://www.cranialtech.com/

Message edited 7/27/2012 4:44:21 PM.

Anyone's Ped recc. a helmet for your child?

My Ped suggested a see a neurologist. A Ped should not be making that call. Go see a specialist and then decide

Anyone's Ped recc. a helmet for your child?

We have the helmet now on my son. I have twins but chose to only put on one guy who needed it. Our Ped & also neurolgist both said not necessary. He has torticollis for which we get PT. I also have learned that abnormal head shape can cause facial misalignment although so slight. Since we have a boy, I noticed the issues he had with the head shape which REALLY bothered me. Our friends were going to Cranial tech so we went thru for an opinion. He has been wearing for just about 12 weeks now & should get off around august 1. Yes, it was rough going through the summer, but keep in mind that it could get worse. It's better to do now. Kids are evil as we hear everyday & I just couldn't bear somoene possibly making fun of my sons headshape when it's correctable. He will be 9 months tomorrow so we had it for months 6,7,8. Also, I was told that he may not be able to have head shaved short if we didnt fix. What if he goes bald??? Lots to think about. Also, does insurance cover? Suggestion we went to Cranial Tech as I said. There are not around here so had to go to NJ once a week. Yes, a true PITA but if you find the other options around here on LI...they are full helmets. Let me know if you have questions.

Re: Anyone's Ped recc. a helmet for your child?

Re: Anyone's Ped recc. a helmet for your child? UPDATE!

bump for update above.

Re: Anyone's Ped recc. a helmet for your child? UPDATE!

That's a great update!

Good luck with the tummy time. DD used to get upset during tummy time because her neck was so stiff, it was uncomfortable for her. It was hard to do it with her and watch her cry, but it was for her own good. We did it A LOT and she was rolling over both ways before 3 months, and sitting unsupported at 5 months because she was so strong and so used to physical activity. So it was great for her! And her flat spot went away on its own because of all the time she spent off of her head. Hope yours resolves as quickly!

Re: Anyone's Ped recc. a helmet for your child? UPDATE!

Re: Anyone's Ped recc. a helmet for your child? UPDATE!

That's great news. I love Dr. Mittler!

Re: Anyone's Ped recc. a helmet for your child? UPDATE!