Cranial helmets are specialized devices designed to gently reshape an infant’s skull. They are commonly used to address conditions like plagiocephaly, a flattening on one side of the head, or brachycephaly, a general flattening across the back of the head. These conditions arise when a baby spends a lot of time in one position, exerting external pressure on the soft, developing skull bones. While these head shape variations are not harmful to brain development, helmet therapy helps achieve a more symmetrical head shape.
Factors Determining Treatment Duration
The duration a baby wears a cranial helmet varies, as it depends on several individual factors rather than a fixed timeline. The baby’s age when treatment begins significantly influences how long the helmet is needed. Starting therapy earlier, ideally between 4 to 6 months of age, often leads to shorter treatment times because the skull is more malleable and head growth is rapid during this period. While treatment can be effective for infants up to 18 months, the window of opportunity for significant correction diminishes as the child ages and skull bones begin to fuse.
The initial severity of the head shape plays a role in the overall duration. Milder cases might require only a few months of therapy, while more pronounced asymmetries could necessitate a longer commitment. Consistent daily wear is important, as wearing the helmet for the prescribed hours directly impacts the effectiveness and speed of correction. Inconsistent wear can extend the treatment period. Each baby’s unique growth rate also affects the timeline, with some showing quicker progress than others.
The Helmet Treatment Journey
The process begins with a custom-made helmet, precisely designed for the baby’s head shape. Orthotists make initial adjustments to ensure a proper fit, which should be snug but not overly tight. Babies wear the helmet for about 23 hours daily, removing it only for bathing and cleaning. This consistent wear allows the helmet to gently redirect head growth by providing contact over prominent areas and leaving space for flattened areas to round out.
Maintaining hygiene is important; parents should clean the helmet and the baby’s scalp daily to prevent skin irritation. This involves wiping the helmet interior with mild soap or shampoo and allowing it to dry thoroughly.
Babies adapt quickly to wearing the helmet, and it does not interfere with their daily activities like sleeping or playing. Parents may find it helpful to dress their baby in cooler clothing due to increased warmth from the helmet.
Monitoring Progress and Completion
Throughout the treatment, babies attend regular follow-up appointments with their orthotist. These visits are scheduled every two to four weeks. During these appointments, the orthotist monitors the baby’s progress, often using 3D scans or calipers to measure changes in head shape. Adjustments are made to the helmet during these visits to accommodate the baby’s head growth and ensure optimal effectiveness.
The decision to complete helmet therapy is based on achieving an acceptable level of correction and the baby reaching an age where further significant head growth for reshaping is less likely. Most children discontinue helmet use by 12 to 15 months of age, as the skull bones become less pliable after this period. The orthotist determines when the treatment goals have been met, and a final assessment confirms the successful outcome.
Life After Helmet Therapy
Once helmet therapy is successfully completed, the corrected head shape is stable and remains so for life. The improvements achieved during treatment are long-lasting because the baby’s skull continues to harden, and their increased mobility means less prolonged pressure on specific areas of the head. Parents might notice temporary changes immediately after helmet removal, such as sparse hair or mild skin redness, but these resolve quickly.
While the helmet is no longer needed, healthcare providers may recommend continued practices like tummy time and varying sleep positions to reinforce the corrected head shape and encourage overall development. These strategies help prevent a return to previous head preferences. The successful completion of helmet therapy marks a positive outcome for the baby’s head shape, providing a lasting cosmetic improvement.