10 Ways to Alleviate the Stress of Helmet Head

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Hey there, fellow parent! So, my little buddy Leo had to wear a helmet—a not-so-cute, somewhat funky-looking contraption. He ended up needing it because of plagiocephaly, which is a fancy way of saying he had a flat spot on his head. No matter how hard my partner and I tried—turning him during naps, using wedges, and even holding him upright while he slept—it just didn’t work out. Eventually, the doc suggested we get him a helmet, and let me tell you, it was a bit of a stress fest for me. If you find yourself in the same boat, here are ten tips to help ease the anxiety of having a helmet-wearing kiddo.

1. Jazz Up the Helmet: Get creative and decorate the helmet! Adding stickers or designs can make it look cool instead of just plain weird.
2. Use Big Hats: Throw on some sun hats, beanies, or hoodies to cover up the helmet. It’s a fun way to make it less noticeable!
3. Start Early: The sooner you get the helmet, the shorter the duration your child will need to wear it.
4. Insurance Shenanigans: Be prepared to battle with your insurance. Many don’t cover helmets for plagiocephaly, but if you get a letter from your doctor stating it’s a medical condition, you might get coverage, like I did!
5. Think of the Protection: Remember that the helmet is protecting your little one’s head from bumps and bruises. Leo wore his from 6 to 10 months, and knowing he was safe made me feel better.
6. Stock Up on Wipes: Buy some alcohol wipes to keep the inside of the helmet clean—trust me, it gets stinky after wearing it for 23 hours straight!
7. Take Breaks: If you’re not comfortable going out in public with your child in a helmet, it’s okay to take it off for a bit. Just keep in mind that the more time it’s off, the longer they’ll need it overall.
8. Talk About It: Don’t shy away from discussing your experiences. You’d be surprised how many people can relate. You’re not alone in this!
9. It’s Temporary: Remind yourself that this phase won’t last forever. It may feel long now, but it’s just a blip in time.
10. Ignore the Stares: Let go of what others think! Society can be quick to judge, but your child’s helmet is nothing to be embarrassed about. It’s just a helmet, not a reason for shame.

So, if your little one needs to wear a helmet like Leo did, try not to panic. You’ll get through this. And just think, one day you’ll be able to shout in a funny accent, “Heead, down!” or “Heead, fetch me my pants!” Just envision how perfect that head will be once it’s all done!

For more insights on parenting and home insemination, check out this resource and this helpful post as well. And if you’re curious about at-home insemination kits, Make a Mom has some great info!

Summary

Dealing with a helmet-wearing child can be stressful, but there are ways to make it easier. From decorating the helmet to understanding insurance, these tips can help alleviate some of the anxiety. Remember, it’s a temporary situation, and focusing on the positives can make the journey smoother.