Update....

As some of you know Danika has a flat head. We went to the Children's hospital today for a specialist appt, and got a lot of good info that I thought I would pass on (as I know some of you reading are having a baby, have recently had, or are hoping to have). She was rated on a scale from 1-4 for each category- which included her head shape, forhead, ear allignment, and face allignment. They also tested her neck muscles to see if she could turn her head that way ( to the non flat side)- which she could. They said if a baby scores 7 or higher they recommend the helmet or band. She thankfully got a 2. So it isn't that bad. Those helmets are $1500 not covered by medical. These are some tips they told us for her from now on, and what to do with future baby.

They told us that they are mainly blaming the travel system stroller/car seat combos. Why? Because the baby is in the car seat more than they should be. In a reclining position. They said it is best if a car seat is left in the car. It is hard to a baby to move around when they are in them- so they favor one side. They told us when we have the next- to just get a double stroller for the two of them, and leave both car seats in the car. She asked us when we starting noticing her head getting better- we said about 4 months- she then asked when we took her out of the travel system car seat- we said about 4 months. She said "there you go!"

They did tell us to keep rotating her in her crib- at one nap/bedtime she will have her head at one end of the bed (with a crib toy on the non flat side to encourage her to look that way), and at the next nap/bedtime her head will be at the other end (with a crib toy too!). They said that is a good habit to get into as soon as you bring baby home.

They told us to only use the bouncy seats (or things like that where they rest their heads) for a MAX of 1 hour per day- not at the same time. Because just like in the car seat it is hard for baby to turn there head (when they are younger). She said until baby can hold his/her head up you should have them lay on the floor or beside you on the couch with toys on either side of them to encourage them to look each way. Or when they are smaller lay them under a light- not close- because they love lights, and will look straight up.

Once baby can hold their head up- they can be in a bumbo, jumper, exersaucer- etc. Or with you- head off of things. She said getting them used to a carrier is great too. I asked about slings- and she said once they aren't laying down- so their head isn't on it- because you wear them pretty tight.

She also said once they can hold their head up they should be sitting up (almost all the way) in stroller- and also to start sitting them up with you on the floor (or on your knee etc.)

She also did say keeping them up during the day when they are awake will help from 6-12 months- because that is when the head forms the fastest. She also said if at 12 months there is still a little flat spot that is okay- because it isn't the same shape they will have as a teenager- the head keeps shaping for years.

So all in all it was a good appointment. We are glad her head is getting better.

In other news- our house- is not our house anymore. The other people have paid us and have moved in. We move into our new house in 6 more sleeps and are so excited. We had the walk through the other day, and now really can't wait. We are almost counting down the minutes!

My mom and Aunt are flying in to help us out. Which is great- especially since they live in BC and don't have to deal with this cold weather- I hope it isn't -45 next week too!

Well it has been a long day- just thought I would update!