Storm Troopers and Motorcycle Gangs

So despite the plagiocephaly team at Sick Kids keeps telling me how common these helmets are, and how "you'll be seeing them everywhere in the community", I have *yet* to see another helmet kid out and about. And Ella and I frequent quite a bit of kids places (parks, swimming pool, Early Year Centres). Where are all these other helmet kids hiding? Another mum at the Early Years Centre told me there was a young boy who had a helmet, but he didn't wear it out of the house. Perhaps all of these other helmet kids are hiding? Come out of your caves, I say! And wave that helmet flag! Be proud of that noggin!

Ella is.

Anyway, a good friend of mine, Heather, has a young son named Liam. Liam is also a member of the flat head crew, and is now a card carrying member of the helmet club. Liam and his mummy live in California, and they do helmets a little differently there. Ella's helmet is a modified Clarren design. These helmets are considered 'passive'. The helmet is a perfect shape, while alas, Ella's head is not. As she grows, her head will grow into the perfect shape of the helmet. This will take 2-6 months likely. No pressure is put on the head, it just allows room for Ella's head to grow into the perfect shape. We go monthly for follow ups.

Liam's helmet is a Doc Band. These helmets are considered 'active' helmets. These helmets apply gentle pressure to the bulgy areas, and allow room for growth in the flat areas. These helemts are adjusted weekly and look slightly different then the Clarrens. Most kids are in these for 2-4 months as well. We only have one option in Toronto, so that was the one we went for! Either way, both helmets do the job, and both Liam and Ella will soon be able to model for "Perfect Noggins Weekly".

Ella was very nervous when Liam had his fitting appointment. I think she remembered how upsetting and screamy it was for her. She worked hard that morning to send Liam a card all the way in California.

Wyatt was very concerned as well but he fell asleep during the photo shoot. But he woke up in anticipation of hearing how the appointment had gone.

Soon Liam's appointment was over and he was sporting his new rocking helmet. As an aside, our Canadian helmets tend to look like babies in motorcycle gangs, and the American ones are more star trooper-ish. Take your pick!

Liam's undecorated helmet, storm trooper style!

Liam's Mom, Heather, was hard at work decorating Liam's helmet with his favourite things...PIRATES!

Heather did an awesome job and it looks super cool now. I think that Liam agrees!

Even if it makes him crabby sometimes. 

Thanks for the fancy helmet, Mama! I'll thank you in 18 years!

Special shout out to Heather Owen and her son Liam for being our special guest in this week's edition of Molding a Melon.