A boy and his helmet

Well, Nolan got his helmet today.

How do I feel about it? 

Well, I am grateful it was a grand total of $40, thanks to insurance and my grandparents.
I am grateful that there is a relatively non-intrusive solution for his flat/widened head.
I think he is still soo cute.
I'm glad it's finally on him, because now we can count down until it comes off.  We started this process at 4 mo old, and he is now 9 months, so I am glad we are done with the preliminary stuff.
I do feel a bit self-conscious in public. People either look at him funny or avoid eye contact all together.
I want people to still think he's cute. That shouldn't matter, but hey, it does to me.
It does get a bit sweaty, but I hope when the weather cools off that will help a bit.
I do feel self-conscious that people might think oh, that poor woman doesn't know how to take care of a baby because it has a flat head, or something like that. Maybe no one thinks that, but I sometimes feel a bit judged.
 And yeah, most people don't have to deal with this.  Our sweet baby came with a few more challenges than the average.
But, we are so blessed. He is beautiful, and a helmet is not a big deal, in the long scheme of things.

How does Nolan feel about it?

He doesn't mind it most of the time. But when we tried putting him down for a nap today, he panicked. I think it is probably uncomfortable.
And like I said, it is very sweaty sometimes and when I pull it off, his hair is drenched.
It kind of presses down on his eyebrows and makes him look like Spock.

How long does he have to have it?

Ah, the big question. Just like, "how long do you have to have braces", etc, it depends! They said the range is 2-6 months. Because he is 9 months old when hes getting it, it may take longer. Also, if we keep it on 23 hours a day like they recommend, that should help speed up the process.

How does it work?

Well, from what I understand, it is NOT like braces. It doesn't force the head into a shape.
It is made based on his head shape, and allows for empty pockets for the head to grow into. It is like a mold for the head to form into.



I present to you....our helmet-clad son.

Boy, are we lucky. What a cutie.