Cranial Helmets

[mnp48]

I hope I didn't miss the thread but I did a search but didn't see a topic on this.

DS has a flat spot (plagiocephaly and a little brachycephaly) from his congenital torticollis. It's not major but you can see if you look for it. Since we met our high deductible insurance plan, insurance will cover a cranial helmet so we're going to go for it. Any other moms whose babies will need a helmet or has had to use one? Was it hard for the babies to get used to it? Also, just for fun, did you decorate your babies' helmets?

[Flick]

No experience with this but FX everything goes well with the helmet and your DS gets used to it quickly!

[carolyngrace]

DB also has a flat spot (plagiocephaly) but we're doing PT instead of the helmet. The pediatrician didn't even offer a helmet, though, I'm not sure why. Do they have to wear them 24/7?

[holliberry28]

M also has torticollis and is going to start physical therapy after his EI meeting tomorrow. They mentioned taking him to the neurologist to get more accurate measurements of the flattening on one side, so I'll ask today at our new pediatricians appointment who they refer to.

If they suggest the helmet, we may give PT a month and then reassess. I've read you have up until a year to get the most benefit from it.

[thecatsmeow]

carolyngrace, We've been told the helmet should be worn 23 hrs a day. The hour it is off is for bathing and cleaning.

We have an appointment Thurs with "the helmet guy", I can't remember his real title. We noticed LO favoring his left side very early, the nurses and OT at the well baby clinic gave us some tips and exercises. A few weeks ago I noticed his ears were asymmetrical so we started formal PT. Our insurance usual requires six weeks of documented conservative treatment before covering the helmet, but his is severe enough (based on head measurements) that we can start now. We are going to because nothing seems to be helping. He really only spends time on his back at night or in the car seat. I am supposed to be trying to move his head to the right when he sleeps...yeah that worked for a bit, but not with the shitty sleep that is happening now. If he sleeps I am not touching him.

I am hoping since we are starting early he won't need to wear it forever... but it's how long it has been going on, who knows? Hopefully we will know more after our appointment. I've heard babies tolerate it very well!

We probably won't decorate it, but I've seen people who do.

[mnp48]

carolyngrace, we did PT when DS was 2 mos. but it didn't help with rounding his flathead. It just stayed the same. Yup, 24/7 like thecatsmeow says.

thecatsmeow, we are looking into Hangar Orthotics or Cranial Tech which are two big ones. Are you using one of the two? I was told the sooner the babies get their helmets, the shorter the time spent in them. Our PT and Ped said maybe 2 mos. for DS. I was told that its best to get babies into them around 4-6 mos when their head is growing the fastest. I hope it's true!

[thecatsmeow]

mnp48, we are going through our clinic/hospital and using the orthotist at the medical supply clinic. I think it will probably be Hangar or something similar. I'm really only basing this on the product pictures, I've only seen the full helmets used around here. There is no Craninial Tech location in our area.

I am really hoping that getting started on it sooner will shorten our time with it too! An acquaintance's little boy just got one at 6 1/2 months and is expected to wear it until he is one. That seemed like so long based on what I'd read, but it also made me want to get going with it!