Re: My son is getting his helmet tomorrow...

[Guest guest]

My daughter doesn't mind her helmet at all and never has. It was a bigger deal to me than to her. To her it's normal and even comforting. I think most kids adjust quickly. They're babies.. they don't know that it's any different than the other 6 month olds and you are doing it at a good age and will have a lot more correction than an older baby. Good job! A lot of us figure it out way too late. At first it might not fit and if not tell them. And he will sweat a bit until he gets use to it. And yes, my daughter sleeps comfortably in it. She even sleeps on her tummy but she's two. She had no adjustment period at all. Took right to it and the helmet was too cute! Hers has large sideburns so maybe not as much as yours but it's a full helmet with just an opening at the

top.From: hgk1991 <iitshannahyadigg@...>Plagiocephaly Sent: Sun, March 13, 2011 9:51:11 PMSubject: My son is getting his helmet tomorrow...

My son is 6 months old and has Positional Plagiocephlay. He got measured for it and he is in the severe catagory.. so we decided to get the helmet. He got fitted for it already and is getting the helemt tomorrow. I am very nervous, if anyone could give me some advice on what its going to be like it would be awesome. I am afraid he is going to hate it and cry and its going to break my heart. He has to have it come across his cheek and im so scared he is just going to hate it. I am very upset and any encouring words would be very appreciated.

[Guest guest]

I would guess that most if not all of us in this group had a great

deal of trepidation prior to our children getting their band/helmet.

Speaking for my experience with my daughter, she adjusted very well

much to my pleasant surprise. From the first night, she didn't mind

sleeping in it at all (though I know others have had different

experiences) and for the most part has tolerated it well during the

day. My daughter's case is a bit unusual since she didn't get her

helmet until she was 21 months, so our big challenges were with her

ability to take it off herself, as well as her fondness of putting on

and taking hats (that weren't her helmet), which obviously were in

conflict with wearing the helmet.

In terms of what to expect: the orthotist will provide you with

instructions for a break-in period, during which you increase the

amount that your son will wear his helmet over the course of a week

or so. It is expected over the first couple of weeks that the band

will cause your son to sweat quite a bit. This is a temporary

condition, as your son's body adapts to having something on his head

much of the time.

Keeping the helmet clean is a quick daily process (swabbing with

alcohol).

I hope this gives you a better sense of what to expect and puts you,

even if only a little bit, at ease.

Good luck and keep us posted!

Amy

On Mar 13, 2011, at 9:51 PM, hgk1991 wrote:

> My son is 6 months old and has Positional Plagiocephlay. He got

> measured for it and he is in the severe catagory.. so we decided to

> get the helmet. He got fitted for it already and is getting the

> helemt tomorrow. I am very nervous, if anyone could give me some

> advice on what its going to be like it would be awesome. I am

> afraid he is going to hate it and cry and its going to break my

> heart. He has to have it come across his cheek and im so scared he

> is just going to hate it. I am very upset and any encouring words

> would be very appreciated.

>

>

>

> ------------------------------------

>

> For more plagio info

[Guest guest]

To start with, the anticipation of getting the band is far worse than

actually getting it Most babies adapted to the band right away without

any problems. You may get a few nights of not sleeping as well as usual.

When my son didn't sleep well we put a piece of memory foam on the crib

mattress and this made him more comfortable. Dress your son in clothes

lighter than usual as he adjusts to having the band.

What type of band is your son getting? I'm not familiar with one that comes

across the cheek.

Good luck with the fitting today!

Molly

Novato, California

Nicolas, 5, tort & plagio, STARband (CIRS Oakland) 4/24/06-9/12/06,

Graduate!

, 8

, 11

My son is getting his helmet tomorrow...

My son is 6 months old and has Positional Plagiocephlay. He got measured for

it and he is in the severe catagory.. so we decided to get the helmet. He

got fitted for it already and is getting the helemt tomorrow. I am very

nervous, if anyone could give me some advice on what its going to be like it

would be awesome. I am afraid he is going to hate it and cry and its going

to break my heart. He has to have it come across his cheek and im so scared

he is just going to hate it. I am very upset and any encouring words would

be very appreciated.

------------------------------------

For more plagio info

[Guest guest]

Molly,

Where did you get the memory foam, what does it feel like, and about how much

did it cost? Is it just foam to soften the top of the mattress, allowing the

helmet to sort of sink into the surface while leaving the head in it's usual

comfortable position? Do you think it has to be memory foam?

I was thinking about the memory foam early this morning while my daughter was

tossing and turning in her crib. She sleeps so much better in my bed which is a

regular foam mattress with a pillow top than her crib mattress which is a

regular firm style crib mattress. So last night, once my daughter started

tossing and turning, I placed an airy blanket folded up to the size of the

mattress underneath the water proof pad and our usual night time angst was cut

down to 1/4 of it's usual time.

>

> To start with, the anticipation of getting the band is far worse than

> actually getting it Most babies adapted to the band right away without

> any problems. You may get a few nights of not sleeping as well as usual.

> When my son didn't sleep well we put a piece of memory foam on the crib

> mattress and this made him more comfortable. Dress your son in clothes

> lighter than usual as he adjusts to having the band.

>

> What type of band is your son getting? I'm not familiar with one that comes

> across the cheek.

>

> Good luck with the fitting today!

>

> Molly

> Novato, California

> Nicolas, 5, tort & plagio, STARband (CIRS Oakland) 4/24/06-9/12/06,

> Graduate!

> , 8

> , 11

>

> My son is getting his helmet tomorrow...

>

> My son is 6 months old and has Positional Plagiocephlay. He got measured for

> it and he is in the severe catagory.. so we decided to get the helmet. He

> got fitted for it already and is getting the helemt tomorrow. I am very

> nervous, if anyone could give me some advice on what its going to be like it

> would be awesome. I am afraid he is going to hate it and cry and its going

> to break my heart. He has to have it come across his cheek and im so scared

> he is just going to hate it. I am very upset and any encouring words would

> be very appreciated.

>

>

>

> ------------------------------------

>

> For more plagio info

[Guest guest]

I bought a twin-size piece of memory foam at Target and cut it down to fit the crib mattress.  I placed it directly on the mattress with a waterproof cover and sheet over it. I can't recall how much it cost, but it happened to be on sale for around $40.  It is soft and spongy.  Yes, it softens the top of the mattress and allows the helmet to sink into the surface.  I don't know if it has to be memory foam, but I personally would not want to use something that wasn't specifically designed to be used on a bed.

 

Molly

On 15 March 2011 11:07, Marie <karen_lastovica@...> wrote:

Molly,Where did you get the memory foam, what does it feel like, and about how much did it cost? Is it just foam to soften the top of the mattress, allowing the helmet to sort of sink into the surface while leaving the head in it's usual comfortable position? Do you think it has to be memory foam?

I was thinking about the memory foam early this morning while my daughter was tossing and turning in her crib. She sleeps so much better in my bed which is a regular foam mattress with a pillow top than her crib mattress which is a regular firm style crib mattress. So last night, once my daughter started tossing and turning, I placed an airy blanket folded up to the size of the mattress underneath the water proof pad and our usual night time angst was cut down to 1/4 of it's usual time.

>> To start with, the anticipation of getting the band is far worse than

> actually getting it  Most babies adapted to the band right away without> any problems.  You may get a few nights of not sleeping as well as usual.> When my son didn't sleep well we put a piece of memory foam on the crib

> mattress and this made him more comfortable.  Dress your son in clothes> lighter than usual as he adjusts to having the band.>> What type of band is your son getting?  I'm not familiar with one that comes

> across the cheek.>> Good luck with the fitting today!>> Molly> Novato, California> Nicolas, 5, tort & plagio, STARband (CIRS Oakland) 4/24/06-9/12/06,> Graduate!

> , 8> , 11>> My son is getting his helmet tomorrow...

>> My son is 6 months old and has Positional Plagiocephlay. He got measured for> it and he is in the severe catagory.. so we decided to get the helmet.  He> got fitted for it already and is getting the helemt tomorrow. I am very

> nervous, if anyone could give me some advice on what its going to be like it> would be awesome. I am afraid he is going to hate it and cry and its going> to break my heart. He has to have it come across his cheek and im so scared

> he is just going to hate it. I am very upset and any encouring words would> be very appreciated.>>>> ------------------------------------>> For more plagio info

[Guest guest]

I definitely understand your nervousness! My son is 13 months old and has been in his helmet for just under 3 weeks.  I was convinced he would hate it at first.  The orthotist said this was most parents fears and that his experience was the opposite.  He said if we acted genuinely excited and happy that our son would take our cue.  Well, he was right! Our son is pretty head strong and independent, but he didn't fuss for even one second.  He mostly only gets annoyed when I try to tuck his hair away from his eyes, but that has less to do with the helmet and more to do with me fidgeting with his hair:)

He has slept in his helmet starting the 5th day of adjustment...napping in the helmet after the second day I think.  He really hasn't minded at all.  I miss snuggling with his head, so he gets lots of snuggling for the hour he has his helmet off each day!

He sweat A LOT the first week then it tappered off pretty quickly after that.  We are already seeing visible change and it's exciting!  We didn't expect improvement to happen so fast, especially because he was just over a year old when he was fitted. 

I definitely understand your fears and sadness though.  Just know that it will be harder on you than your little one, and that you will probably feel better about it faster than even you can imagine.  Sometimes I still feel like I can't wait until my son is helmet free so I can see and snuggle with his fabulous head of hair!!! But time goes fast and my son is a super happy baby, so I am confident he is doing just fine!

Sorry for the lengthy response! I wish you well on this journey!

Ally

On Mar 15, 2011 11:16 AM, " Molly Foley " <mafoley@...> wrote:

 

I bought a twin-size piece of memory foam at Target and cut it down to fit the crib mattress.  I placed it directly on the mattress with a waterproof cover and sheet over it. I can't recall how much it cost, but it happened to be on sale for around $40.  It is soft and spongy.  Yes, it softens the top of the mattress and allows the helmet to sink into the surface.  I don't know if it has to be memory foam, but I personally would not want to use something that wasn't specifically designed to be used on a bed.

 

Molly

On 15 March 2011 11:07, Marie <karen_lastovica@...> wrote:

>

> Molly,

>

> Where did you get the memory foam, what does it feel like, and about how much did it ...<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:

>    Plagiocephaly/

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[Guest guest]

Ally,

Thats awesome that you can see a difference already! I hope that is the same

with my son. He hasnt seemed to mind it at all so far! He has fallen asleep on

it and he plays just as nomral.

As you i miss snuggling with his head, and kissing his cheeks. But when he has

it off i kiss him all the time I am having ALOT of trouble getting it on and

off though... did u have any problems??

Hannah

>

> > > > Molly, > > Where did you get the memory foam, what does it feel like,

> > and about how much did it ...

> > > Plagiocephaly/ >

> >

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

I think it's really important if you are doing this that you do put a baby safe plastic cover over it as chemicals come into play with SIDS and as long as the baby isn't rolling over yet. I bought one of the SIDS covers for our standard crib mattresses. New Zealand states a 100% turn for the better in SIDS deaths.From: Molly Foley <mafoley@...>To:

Plagiocephaly Sent: Tue, March 15, 2011 11:16:31 AMSubject: Re: My son is getting his helmet tomorrow...

I bought a twin-size piece of memory foam at Target and cut it down to fit the crib mattress. I placed it directly on the mattress with a waterproof cover and sheet over it. I can't recall how much it cost, but it happened to be on sale for around $40. It is soft and spongy. Yes, it softens the top of the mattress and allows the helmet to sink into the surfac

[Guest guest]

Hi Hannah,

Yay to kissing our babies!

We are using the Hanger Helmet and it can be tricky getting it on and off.  My sons hair seems to always be pulled down over his eyes then tucking it in is difficult.  Luckily my son doesn't seem to mind the putting on and taking off of the helmet...which is more like a sqeezing his head each way.  I'm hoping with time it becomes easier and second nature.  We have a measurement appointment on Friday so I plan to ask for any easier ways to get the helmet on and off.  I'll let you know if I learn any tricks:)

As for the hair...last night I rubbed a small amount of vasaline on my fingers (small amount!) and then applied to his bangs (which always get pulled down over his eyes) and it totally worked great! 

Hang in there with your little ones helmet! And congratulations on having such a wonderful baby! They are sooooo worth this effort and will maybe thank us one day:)  Even if they don't...it's worth it for them I believe!

Ally

On Mar 15, 2011 12:53 PM, " hgk1991 " <iitshannahyadigg@...> wrote:

 

Ally,

Thats awesome that you can see a difference already! I hope that is the same with my son. He hasnt seemed to mind it at all so far! He has fallen asleep on it and he plays just as nomral.

As you i miss snuggling with his head, and kissing his cheeks. But when he has it off i kiss him all the time I am having ALOT of trouble getting it on and off though... did u have any problems??

Hannah

> > > > > Molly, > > Where did y...> > > Plagiocephaly/ >

> >

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

My daughter is 13 months and very mobile during the night so I haven't worried

about SIDS in awhile. I'm assuming the foam was placed under the sheet and/or

mattress pad. If I buy one, it would be placed under the water proof liner which

is fitted to the mattress. and then covered by a fitted sheet.

As far as the chemicals are concerned...I work in a chemistry research lab and I

know she has been exposed to a lot more (and possibly worse) things than the

average baby so again that's not something I would worry over at this stage. I

would probably only worry about this if I purchased the memory foam and was able

to smell an odor on the foam itself from being sealed in a package...

Newborn age though, I was a complete worrier and examined everything as

carefully as I could. That newness has worn off though...

>

> I think it's really important if you are doing this that you do put a baby

safe

> plastic cover over it as chemicals come into play with SIDS and as long as the

> baby isn't rolling over yet. I bought one of the SIDS covers for our standard

> crib mattresses. New Zealand states a 100% turn for the better in SIDS deaths.

>

>

>

>

>

> ________________________________

> From: Molly Foley <mafoley@...>

> Plagiocephaly

> Sent: Tue, March 15, 2011 11:16:31 AM

> Subject: Re: My son is getting his helmet tomorrow...

>

>

> I bought a twin-size piece of memory foam at Target and cut it down to fit the

> crib mattress. I placed it directly on the mattress with a waterproof cover

and

> sheet over it. I can't recall how much it cost, but it happened to be on sale

> for around $40. It is soft and spongy. Yes, it softens the top of the

mattress

> and allows the helmet to sink into the surfac

>