Babies often wear specialized helmets, known as cranial orthoses, to help reshape their skulls. This medical intervention addresses certain head shape irregularities that can develop during infancy. These helmets are designed to gently guide the natural growth of a baby’s soft skull, aiming for a more typical head shape.
Understanding Head Shape Conditions
A baby’s skull is composed of several soft, malleable plates that are not yet fused. Because these plates are flexible, consistent external pressure on one part of the head can lead to a flattened appearance. This phenomenon is often referred to as “flat head syndrome.”
Two common types of non-synostotic (positional) head shape abnormalities addressed by helmet therapy are plagiocephaly and brachycephaly. Positional plagiocephaly involves flattening on one side of the back of the head, causing an asymmetrical appearance. Positional brachycephaly, conversely, presents as a generalized flattening across the entire back of the head, often leading to a wider head shape.
These conditions typically arise from consistent pressure on the skull. Common causes include a baby spending extended periods lying on their back, as recommended for safe sleep to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Other contributing factors can include a baby’s position in the womb, prematurity, multiple births, or tight neck muscles, a condition known as torticollis, which limits a baby’s ability to turn their head. While these conditions are generally cosmetic and do not affect brain development, severe cases can sometimes lead to practical difficulties later in life.
How Helmet Therapy Works
Helmet therapy is a non-invasive treatment that guides a baby’s natural head growth. The custom-made helmet applies gentle, consistent pressure to the prominent areas of the baby’s skull. This pressure does not compress the skull; instead, it guides skull growth by restricting expansion in certain areas while allowing flattened regions to round out.
The helmet acts as a mold, guiding the skull’s growth into a more symmetrical shape. These devices are lightweight and breathable, often made from a hard outer shell with a foam lining. The custom fit ensures pressure is applied precisely where needed to encourage optimal reshaping as the baby’s head grows.
The Helmet Treatment Process
The journey for babies requiring helmet therapy typically begins with an assessment by a medical professional, such as a pediatrician or a craniofacial specialist. If a positional head shape abnormality is identified and repositioning efforts have not been effective, a referral to an orthotist may follow. The orthotist is a specialist who designs and fits the custom helmet.
The fitting process usually involves creating a 3D scan or a plaster mold of the baby’s head. This precise measurement allows for the fabrication of a helmet tailored to the baby’s head shape and specific needs. Once the helmet is ready, parents receive detailed instructions on the wearing schedule, which typically involves wearing the helmet for about 23 hours a day.
Regular adjustments are crucial as the baby grows, with follow-up appointments usually scheduled every two to four weeks to monitor progress and refine the fit. The duration of treatment varies depending on the severity of the condition and the baby’s age when treatment begins, often ranging from a few weeks to several months, with an average of about three to five months. Early intervention, ideally between 4 to 6 months of age, is more effective due to the rapid head growth during this period.
Addressing Common Concerns
Helmets are generally not painful or uncomfortable for babies, as they apply gentle pressure rather than tight compression. Babies typically adapt quickly to wearing the device.
The effectiveness of helmet therapy is high, particularly when initiated early in infancy. Studies indicate that starting treatment before six months of age improves the chances of achieving a symmetrical head shape. Regarding hygiene, the helmet and the baby’s head require daily cleaning. Parents are advised to dry the helmet thoroughly before reapplying it.
Social aspects, such as questions or stares, can be a concern for parents. Explaining the helmet’s purpose often helps alleviate curiosity. If treatment is not pursued for mild cases, the head shape may improve as the baby becomes more mobile and spends less time lying down. For more severe cases, however, untreated positional head deformities can lead to persistent cosmetic irregularities, potentially impacting facial symmetry, the ability to wear protective headgear or glasses, and, in some instances, may have long-term psychological or developmental implications, although research on these specific outcomes continues.