This last month has been a roller coaster for us. I'll start this post by saying that from day one we have been very aware of, and doing everything we can to prevent, flat head. Flat head is the layman's term for brachycephaly, basically a flat spot on the back of babies heads. It's apparently a common problem these days since the 1990's when the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended parents always place babies to sleep on their back to help prevent SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Since this new recommendation, SIDS has decreased by 60%, but a rising problem is a flat spot on the back of the baby's head. There are certain things one can do to help prevent it, such as avoid certain devices, practice tummy time at an early age (and often), rotate the baby's head while sleeping, etc. etc. Anyways, it's ironic because we were always very aware of this problem, and did everything we could to prevent it, but...

At Ian's 6 month appointment his doctor expressed concern about the flatness of the back of his head and recommended we take him to a cranial place that creates these baby "helmets" which are technically called cranial bands, which help to correct the flat spot. I was initially pretty upset, second guessing everything I'd ever done with him. His pediatrician assured me there was nothing we could have done different, and some babies just sleep on the back of their head and don't turn at all while they sleep. We actually asked his pediatrician about his head at EVERY visit he's ever had, and it's never been of concern till 6 months, so it must've just gotten worse from his 4 month appointment to his 6 month appointment. 

So, to wrap this story up... we had a consultation, where they took a 3D image of his head and provided us with his measurements which concluded he had a moderate to severe flat spot. He would need to wear the band for 2.5 months, 23 hours a day. We stirred on the subject and went back and forth many times, but ultimately decided it was the right thing to do to proceed with the band. I was so relieved once we finally made the decision. I think the most difficult part was that we knew it would be a difficult transition (for him and for us). But the best part about our decision is that once he's completed his treatment, I will rest easy knowing we won't ever have to worry about it again.

He received his band yesterday, July 9th. I was a nervous wreck and I'm so glad the anticipation is over. So far he's adjusting really well, much better than I anticipated! The biggest problem is it's harder to soothe him for naps and bed, but after a little hard work, he finally relaxes. Last night he slept just as he would have without the band, and when he has it on during the day, he doesn't even seem to notice it! He's still our sweet, happy baby boy - I love this guy so much!

So our new chapter begins, and I know it will fly like the blink of an eye. I'm so proud of him and how well he's dealing with it, even though he's just a little baby, he's such a trooper. Wade and I are in the process of ordering a decal to decorate the band... that update will be coming soon!

Call me crazy, but I think he's pretty stinking cute in this thing!!

At the appointment, waiting for his band to arrive -

Here is our happy little angel, just leaving our appointment and already just chilling with his new accessory!

And so far he is still sleeping great during his naps and bedtime.. phew!!