When we took our 2 month old son to his well check-up, it was brought to my
Attention a 'barely there' flattened area on his head. I was instructed
To roll a blanket under him while he slept to make him look the other way
& increase tummy time, etc. I thought it wouldn't be an issue anymore.
Then last Thursday we went in for his 4 month checkup and she said that
He would need a helmet - and scheduled us an appt with a Pediatric Plastic
Surgeon. I was surprised that the appt scheduled is 7 weeks out! I began
Doing research on the computer about 'plagiocephaly' & came to the
Conclusion that only in 'severe' cases that a helmet was perscribed. His
Flattened area is so minor & it is not causing any abnormalities in his
Face - I believe it will 'round out' over time. His ears, eyes, &
Everything else is symtrical. I made an appt with a new peditrician to
Get a second opinion on this Thursday. It's not that I'm against putting
Him in a helmet - I just think it's not necessary. To say the least I am
Obsessed & not at all very happy about this helmet business. It seems
Like the only thing I can talk or think about is 'helmets' - I am driving
My husband crazy! I think that my peditirican may be getting some kind
Of kick back from putting these helmets on her patients. She said at
That last appt that she sent 3 other babies that very day to be fitted
For one. She also said that they sent a letter out to their patients
Asking for them to donate their old helmets - so they can be given to new
Patients. I don't know something just sounds a little fishy to me. I
Don't want to put my baby in a helmet for 23 and 1/2 hours a day and
Spend the money if it's not necessary.

The pictures that I saw on the internet looked so scary! - and my son looks absolutely nothing like any of those. Has anyone heard of perscribing these helmets in minor cases? Thanks.

I would like to help you, but you don't mention (I may have missed it) where the flat spot is. Is it where he lays? Like if you put him to bed on his back for instance?

Where exactly is the flat part. My boy had a flat spot and we had seen a few different doctors about it, and each one said it was fine and not severe enough. It was actually pretty noticeable as well. Sounds like the doctor you have is helmet happy and it is good that your getting a second opinion. Tummy time is important and trying to get your baby to face the other way is important. It is good getting your second opinion. We were actually really concerned about our boy, and we thought he would need a helmet but none of the doctors thought it was necessary. Each situation is different. Please let us know what this second opinion says. Good luck.

Thank you so much for responding. The flat spot is on the side where he likes to lay facing right. It's barely noticeable - and at his 2 month appt when it was brought to my attention I have been VERY aware of it. I roll a blanket up under him when he sleeps to have him face the other way. We do tummy time for at least an hour a day. He likes his jumper and other activities where his head isn't against anything. I even moved his crib to the other side of the room - to help him want to look the other way. I have even been aware when we put him in his car seat to roll up a little blanket to help him look the other way. To say the least I have been obsessed - and I am driving my husband crazy. We are going to get a second opinion on Thursday - and I can't wait!! Yesterday I cleaned
The house - and every step I thought 'HELMET, HELMET, HELMET'. When I
Was cooking supper again 'HELMET, HELMET, HELMET'. When I woke up this
Morning and my feet hit the floor - 'HELMET, HELMET, HELMET'. So - I
Just cannot wait till this whole thing is over - HELMET or NO HELMET!! I just can't help but feel that he doesn't need it. I attached a picture (Hope you can see it?) Thanks again!

I think it is a good idea for the second opinion. Your doctor does sound a bit helmet happy. It seems pretty odd that 4 babies in one day would need to be fitted for one. Does she own stock in the helmet company? (j/k - trying to lighten the mood.)

Don't let it make you crazy. Just remember your baby is healthy and happy.

As long as there is no soft spot or a medical condition of some sort, I don't see what a helmet would do.
My son Lee has a flat spot on the back left side of his head and the doctors were not concerned at all. He is now 19 years old.
They said that is just the way the head is formed and the doctors are suppose to 'reshape' it at birth.

My daughter had the "banana" head from being in the birth canal a long time. It rounded out by 4 months, as I recall.

I wanted everyone to know that we went and got a 2nd opinion yesterday. This new doctor WAS NOT concerned at all about my son's head. She said that she saw where we were talking about - but that it would 'round out' over time. I was so worried! To say the least I am not going back to that other pediatrician anymore. Thank you all for listening to me while I was being such a worry wart!

I learned a big lesson - 'to follow my instincts'! I knew by looking at my son that he didn't a STUPID HELMET!! Thanks again to everyone.

Flat spots are so very common. I can't believe someone actually suggested a helmet, they are so out of date. These spots do indeed round out.

Glad you saw someone else and got a good outcome.

Happy to hear about the update. Like J9 has said that the flat spots are very common. We went through the same thing. The reason why they are more common now then before is because of the recommendation of having babies lie flat on their back.

Well have fun and enjoy your new baby.