Thursday, February 12, 2009

Thudguard

We got a helmet for Elijah early this week. It's called a Thudguard and it's intended for kids eight months to two years who are learning to walk.

In the past, I would have thought such a product was crazy. All kids fall, all are going to bump their heads and I've always figured that it was part of the learning process. That is, until I had a child who already has a severe injury to his head… We'd definitely like to prevent any more "owies" to that precious little noggin of his. Also, since Elijah's protective extension isn't fully developed (yet), he is more apt to fall and hurt himself. I don't foresee him wearing a helmet forever, just until he gets steadier and less likely to hurt himself with falls. As I understand it, protective extension first develops to the front, then to the sides, and finally to the back. He seems to have the protection to the front down (which is good since that's the way he usually falls) and will usually catch himself to the side - it's the protection when he falls back that worries us the most, as he doesn't seem to have it at all. In other words, when he falls backwards, he doesn't even seem to attempt to use his hands to protect himself. Fortunately, he usually keeps his head up when he does fall back so he at least tries to protect his head – or he'll stick out his butt to absorb the fall. I know he'll get there with more practice, but in the meantime we think the helmet is a good idea.

I have to admit, it was a bit painful when I realized the Thudguard (which is intended for infants) was a bit too big for our little guy. It was just a reminder that Elijah does indeed have a small head and as much as I'd like to hide from that fact, it's true. With some minor adjustments, the helmet fits fine.

Anyway, as far as helmets go, this one is really cute. It's the kind of cute that Elijah will look at pictures later in life and say, "Mom, really? Why would you make me wear that?" Ahh, the joys of being a parent. :)

Of course, Elijah hated it at first...(mommy is so mean!)

Isn't he cute? I think he looks like an adorable little bear.

What I love about these photos, too, is that they show how active he is these days. It's so great!


He even got to show off his new "hat" to Great-grandpa Lloyd (and Great-grandma Norma) today.



3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hello! Andy referred me to your site and it's so exciting to see Elijah's progress. My son has a pretty similar history but I've already learned a ton from your husband's site. I can't wait to go back and read through his history... and bring up some of these therapies with our rehab doctor (we see her Tuesday). I really didn't care for her the first time I saw her because she really didn't offer much but maybe I wasn't asking the right questions. This time, I'll be asking her about aquatic therapy, HBOT, ABR, and seeing if she can get us some equipment (we're getting a kid cart Monday but our high-low base was denied-which is odd since we have Medicaid). Also, I want to see if we can get some new hand splints.
I'm excited to learn about all these alternative therapies but also a little sad it's taken me this long to find them, as I know it will probably take much longer for me to get my son to try them.

Anonymous said...

I think it's cure Elijah... From a fast glance, I kind of thought it looked light a fighter pilots helmet at first... But I really like the blue color, and do be honest, I don't think it looks very helmet like at all now, it looks more like a hat... (I've seen much worse looking helmet's for kids, if you know what I mean)...

You look extra cute with your glasses as well... Keep on truck'n Elijah...

Lisa said...

Hi Miss Burb- Thanks for contacting me. I'm going to write something on your site since I don't know if you will check back her in the comments. :)

Rich- I totally agree, I think Elijah looks like a little fighter pilot in his helmet. And I do know what you mean, our other option for a helmet wasn't anywhere near as cute. Thanks for keeping up on Elijah's progress, it means a lot to me.

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