When my daughter, Lily, was born, she needed to wear a rather unappealing helmet. It was clear, strangely shaped, and yes, it had a tendency to smell! Due to her position during birth and her preference for sleeping on one side, she developed a condition called plagiocephaly, which is just a fancy term for a flat spot on the head. My partner, Tom, and I tried everything to correct it—crib wedges, repositioning her during naps, and even holding her upright to sleep. Unfortunately, our efforts didn’t yield the results we hoped for, and the doctor suggested a helmet.
Initially, I felt overwhelmed by the idea of her wearing a helmet, but I’ve discovered some effective strategies to ease that stress. If you find yourself in a similar situation, here are ten tips to help you cope:
- Personalize the Helmet: Transform the helmet into something fun and stylish with stickers or paint. It can make it feel less like a medical necessity and more like a cool accessory.
- Accessorize with Hats: Use sun hats, beanies, or even hoodies to help cover the helmet when you’re out and about. This can help you feel more at ease when in public.
- Start Early: The sooner you get started with the helmet, the less time your child will need to wear it, making the experience feel more manageable.
- Engage with Insurance: Many insurance companies are reluctant to cover helmets for plagiocephaly, viewing it as a cosmetic issue. I received a letter congratulating me on Lily’s birth, along with a pamphlet stating it was preventable and not covered. After discussing with our trusted pediatrician, I secured a letter from him, which was key in getting most of the costs covered by insurance.
- Focus on the Safety Benefits: Consider the protection the helmet provides. Lily wore hers from 6 to 10 months and it saved her from numerous bumps and bruises during her explorations.
- Stock Up on Cleaning Supplies: Alcohol wipes can be a lifesaver for maintaining hygiene inside the helmet, especially since it can get sweaty after long wear.
- Take Breaks: If you’re uncomfortable with her wearing the helmet in public, it’s okay to take it off for longer than the recommended hour. Just be mindful that the more time she spends without it, the longer she’ll need to wear it overall.
- Share Your Experience: Opening up about your child’s helmet can lead to surprising connections. Many parents can relate, and you’ll find a supportive community.
- Remember, It’s Temporary: It might feel like forever, but this phase of wearing the helmet is just a short chapter in your child’s life.
- Let Go of Judgments: In a world where we often worry about others’ opinions, remember that a helmet is nothing to be embarrassed about. It’s simply a tool for helping your child.
If your child needs a helmet, like Lily did, try to stay calm. With time, you’ll look back and see the humor in the situation, imagining yourself playfully shouting, “Heead, down!” or “Heead, fetch me my pants!” Just think how wonderfully shaped her head will be in the end.
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Summary
Dealing with a child’s helmet can be daunting, but with these ten strategies—like personalizing the helmet, utilizing accessories, and focusing on the temporary nature of the situation—you can alleviate the stress. Embrace the support from fellow parents and remember that this too shall pass.