Infant Stage (3-6 Months)

A new stage filled with extra smiles, longer wake windows, and hopefully rolling. A few key things we are going through in this stage

Around 2-3 months, we noticed Evan had a strong preference for his left side. He looked left, leaned left, and slept left. This led to Plagiocephaly (often called “flat head syndrome”), where the skull flattens on one side due to repeated pressure.

From January to March, Evan wore his helmet to help correct the plagiocephaly. After few months, we saw improvement in his head shape. They recommended he go through a second helmet to fully correct it, but we declined.

If you’re noticing this, don’t panic! Here is exactly how our process looked:

• The Consultation: We went to Cranial Technologies in Hackensack, NJ for a free consultation. They were wonderful at explaining the scans and the “degree” of the flat spot.

• The Wait: Once we decided to proceed, they took specialized photos. It took about two weeks for Evan’s custom helmet to be manufactured.

• The “Break-In” Period: You don’t just put it on for 23 hours immediately. We started in small increments: 4 hours the first day, 6 hours the next, and so on. We had to constantly monitor for redness to ensure a proper fit.

• The Routine: Once cleared, it’s 23 hours a day. That one hour of “off-time” truly felt like glorious freedom for both of us!

• The Commitment: Be prepared for weekly appointments in Hackensack for adjustments as the baby’s head grows.

The Results

Evan wore his helmet from January to March. We saw a significant, wonderful improvement in his head shape. While the specialists recommended a second helmet to reach “perfect” symmetry, we ultimately declined. We felt the progress made with the first one was enough for him, and we were ready to be done with the “helmet life.”

Pro-Mom Tips for the Helmet Phase:

• Timing is Everything: If you can, try to do the helmet during cooler months. Evan wore his in the winter, which was a blessing. These helmets make babies sweat, and sweat = stank! (If you are doing this in the summer, keep the AC cranked).

• Skin Checks are Key: Keep a close eye on any red spots that don’t fade after the helmet is off.

• Weekly Appointments: Clear your schedule for those weekly trips to the clinic; they are essential for making sure the helmet is actually moving the skull in the right direction. Schedule around vacations

Nikita at the Therapy Gym helped Evan to start using more of his right side since he was much stronger on his left in all aspects (i.e. rolling, holding himself up, grabbing things)

From February, Evan went for about 15 weeks weekly for 30 minutes at a time. He cried for a lot of it, especially during the exercises he was weaker in.