My little one had to don a helmet. A clear, unappealing, and somewhat odorous helmet.
After his journey through the birth canal and his preference for lying on one side, he developed plagiocephaly—a fancy word for a flat spot on the head. My partner and I picked up on this early and took measures to prevent it. We used crib wedges, frequently turned him during naps, and even held him upright against our chests when he slept. Despite our best efforts, nothing worked, and the doctor recommended a helmet.
The experience of my son wearing a helmet was more stressful than it needed to be. If you’re in a similar situation, here are 10 strategies to help you minimize the stress of having a helmet head.
- Personalize the Helmet. Transform the helmet into something fun by decorating it with stickers or designs.
- Use Big Hats. Cover the helmet with sun hats, beanies, or even hoodies to help it blend in.
- Start Early. The sooner you begin treatment, the less time your child will need to wear the helmet.
- Engage with Your Insurance. Many insurance companies resist covering helmets for plagiocephaly. After my child was born, I received a letter from the insurance congratulating me, along with a pamphlet stating that plagiocephaly was a cosmetic issue they wouldn’t cover. After discussing it with my doctor, who provided a letter stating it was a medical condition, the insurance agreed to cover most of the costs.
- Consider the Protection. Remember that the helmet protects your child from bumps and bruises. My son wore his from 6-10 months and was constantly hitting his head on things. The added protection eased my worries significantly.
- Stock Up on Alcohol Wipes. These make it easy to clean the inside of the helmet and help manage the odor that develops after hours of wear.
- Don’t Hesitate to Remove It. If you prefer not to go out in public with the helmet on, don’t be afraid to take it off. Just keep in mind that the longer it’s off, the more time your child will need to wear it overall.
- Talk About It. You might be surprised by how many people have been in your shoes. Sharing your experience can be comforting.
- Keep Perspective. Remind yourself that this phase won’t last forever. While it may feel long now, it’s only temporary.
- Ignore Judgments. Society can be overly focused on appearances, but it’s essential to remember that your child’s helmet is nothing to be embarrassed about. It’s just a helmet, not something serious.
If your child needs a helmet, like mine did, there’s no need to panic. You will navigate through this. And if your child has a big head, just think about the future when you can jokingly shout, “Heead, down!” or “Heead, fetch me my pants!” Envision the perfectly shaped head that will come from this experience. For more insights on parenting challenges, check out our related post here.
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Summary: Managing the stress of your child needing a helmet can be daunting, but with a few strategies—like personalizing the helmet and advocating with insurance—you can navigate this temporary phase with greater ease.
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