Plagiocephaly and helmets. Necessary?

[Anonymous]

If it’s a severe case, I would definitely get the helmet. It might get even worse over time if you don’t. It can’t hurt to also pursue PT.

[Anonymous]

There’s no reason not to fix this issue OP. The helmets are NBG.

One of my twins had moderate plagiocephaly due to uterine positioning. It was an easy fix within 8-10 weeks. Hardest part was she got a bit stinky because she wore it in the summer heat.

From what was explained to us, it could cause facial asymmetry and ear, jaw and bit issues if not corrected. These were big deals to us.

[Anonymous]

We were referred at 4 months old and DC was diagnosed as moderate. We opted to wait and the issue has mostly corrected itself. DC is almost 7 months.

[Anonymous]

For those that waited, please at least get a PT evaluation. There are so many things internally that get wonky because of one-sided tightness. Babies tend to grow out of it while they begin to move more but many times they dont use the side of their body equally. I did PT with both kids due to mild-moderate torticollis. I had it as a kid and I have had migraines, neck pain, hip imbalances, spinal issues, PF issues. All of its because one side has been essentially compressed my whole life. Its not just about the head shape.

[Anonymous]

It's a pain to do, but please do it. We are doing it for our daughter and it's great. Cranial Tech can be really annoying and understaffed, but the device is effective and will resolve your kid's issues. I did it because I didn't want my daughter to grow up and wonder why didn't you guys do this to give me a normal shape? It's short term pain for a lifetime of health in at least one aspect. It's not just for cosmetic reasons like others here have stated, but cosmetic reasons are not to be neglected.

[Anonymous]

To the people saying 4 months is too late - it is not. Many don't start until then and even after that, if a second helmet is needed due to baby outgrowing it, it's still effective. I have experience with this

[Anonymous]

How could you not try to correct this issue? Just be happy this is only a soft tissue problem and not true craniosynostosis.

[Anonymous]

Whether your child’s issue is truly “severe” or just marketing, I can’t say. But a 2014 study showed helmets are no more effective than no treatment at all for moderate and mild cases. And helmets aren’t necessarily going to fix some of the problems people have cited on here as adults, but PT might.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Whether your child’s issue is truly “severe” or just marketing, I can’t say. But a 2014 study showed helmets are no more effective than no treatment at all for moderate and mild cases. And helmets aren’t necessarily going to fix some of the problems people have cited on here as adults, but PT might.

Yes, the helmets help with cosmetic shape. PT actually addresses the underlying mechanics. Dollars to donuts kids who need helmets also have serious one-sided preference.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:To the people saying 4 months is too late - it is not. Many don't start until then and even after that, if a second helmet is needed due to baby outgrowing it, it's still effective. I have experience with this

We started the helmet at 8 months, it was on longer than it would have been if we started earlier, but it worked. We also got 2x week physical therapy to treat the underlying issue, torticollis. People who get helmets without PT are not treating the problem. OP, get your child evaluated - for kids under 5, it is frequently free or reduced price through the government for all families, not just those in need.

[Anonymous]

We did the helmet for plagiocephaly and would recommend it to others, especially at 4 months. Our child was 5 months, and ended up only being in the helmet for 5 weeks because we started so early. Our insurance also denied the claim at first - we were able to initially pay out of pocket, but had the agency dispute with our insurance, and they eventually covered the costs in full. But as others have said, if you don't trust the recommendation, get a second opinion.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Fwiw, I had this issue as a baby, it was not addressed, and I've had migraines and muscle issues in my neck/shoulders for most of my adult life.

Do helmets address the muscle issue or just the cosmetic issue?

I think if the issue is a strong preference for one side, then PT is going to be more important than the helmet, although they probably work best in tandem.

[Anonymous]

Do it. Honestly there is no reason not to and I am someone who tends to think companies pry on parents' fear all the time today. But with an issue like head shape, it is clear cut. You clearly see the issue (not some made up issue) and it's clear as day how the helmet will help. One of my kids had the helmet around 4 months. It helped a lot. No issues with comfort. Looked really cute.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do it. Honestly there is no reason not to and I am someone who tends to think companies pry on parents' fear all the time today. But with an issue like head shape, it is clear cut. You clearly see the issue (not some made up issue) and it's clear as day how the helmet will help. One of my kids had the helmet around 4 months. It helped a lot. No issues with comfort. Looked really cute.

The reason not to do it is the majority of shape issues resolve on their own without spending thousands of dollars and putting the kid under unnecessary discomfort.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There are a couple things that are true about plagiocephaly and helmets in the U.S. First, the U.S. is the only country I know of where babies are routinely advised to wear corrective helmets. Second is that the predatory vibe you picked up on is correct - the helmet industry is interested in selling helmets, and the medical professionals who work there are not highly medically trained. As an analogy, they are more like drug reps than pharmacists.

However, neither of these statements means that a helmet isn’t a good therapy in your case. To get a better perspective, I would ask to be referred to a PT who is not associated with a helmet company. PT is the first line for plagiocephaly in the uk and Europe.

Yes!! I second the PT. I asked a pediatrician friend after being referred by our ped to the vendor.

We did PT and I asked the PT's opinion and she did not think it was needed. We dealt with the torticolis that was exacerbating the problem instead. My kid is now 8 and I don't notice any flat head or side preference.