[dawn0728]

Hi -
I just wanted to know if there are other babies/parents struggling with the same issue. Background... My daughter was born with hip dysplasia - which has been 100% cured with the help of a brace that she had to wear. One of the symptoms that accompanies hip dysplasia is torticolis (the babies tendency to only turn their head in one direction) As a result she has a flat side on the right side of her head.

We have had her tested by a orthatist and they said that she is on the bubble for recommending a helmet to help with the head shape. My husband and I have gone back and forth trying to decide to have her fitted for a helmet. I am sorry to say, that I feel like such a bad mom because one of the biggest negatives to her wearing this helmet is my own not wanting her to wear it and "look different" We definately want to do the best for our daughter but we are having a hard time with all this.

Any one in the same boat and have head shape issues???

[docshoney]

I am may not be in the same boat, but I am on the same body of water. My daughter has birth defect that affects her back which has caused her to lay funny, which has caused toricollus and a flat spot. My son has a flat spot too, but we think it is because they started sleeping through the night at 8 weeks so they are down alot. We go to Childrens in 2 weeks to find out what needs to be done about their heads. I feel like if they need to wear a helmet fine, I will find the humour in the situation. They will not know that they look "different" at this point is their little lives, I think it is our own insecurities that come through. I also look at the helmet as a small thing compared with what we have to deal with, Jenna has a long road and this is only one small bump.

[bunniswife]

My pediatrician was concerned about Lorelei when she was born because she preferred to look one way and as a result developed a flat spot on one side of her head. She suggested we change her sleeping position in her crib so that she'd have to turn her head to see anything but the wall. Don't know if that's relevant or will help but it worked for us.

[MustLoveDogs]

Dawn-My daughter had torticollis probably due to birth trauma (vaccum), and she had to go to physical therapy for it. She was released about a month ago, but she has an appointment tomorrow to measure the flatness of her hear. I really think the PT really helped, and I don't think her head is noticeable flat anymore.
Did your pediatrician mention PT instead?

[rileyp]

Both my daughter, who is 2 and my five month old son had torticollis. My daughter went to PT and it went away and her head shape resolved itself. My son also went to PT and his torticollis is gone, but his head is really flat on one side. He also has reflux, so spent a lot of time in his car seat early on and only looked to one side, which is how he ended up with the flat head. Anyway, now he is wearing a helmet (we just got it last week). We didn't want to do it either, but I didn't want him to have a flat head for the rest of his life. He is not bothered by it, he wears it 23 hours a day and only cries about it when it comes off or goes on. Once it is on, it is not a problem. As far as looking different, I thought about that too, but I have actually seen quite a few kids with these since we were told our son would need one. It is only for a few months and you need to take it off several times during the day, so I take pictures of him then. I do find myself explaining to people in public why he has it on, so I understand where you are coming from. Good luck with your decision!

[Georgia Girl]

We just went to the Dr. appt yesterday to get pre-approved for my daughter's helmet. She's only 11 weeks but it is severe and here ear is starting to more forward...not good. She came out with the falt head b/c she was lower than her twin and stayed at my pelvic bone.

I'm not concerned about the helmet. I'm just thankful they can do something about it!