Cranial helmet therapy for babies is a non-invasive treatment designed to address specific head shape abnormalities in infants. This therapy uses a custom-fitted device to gently guide the natural growth of a baby’s skull. It offers a way to correct head shape variations that might not resolve on their own.
What is Cranial Helmet Therapy?
Cranial helmet therapy involves a custom-fitted orthotic device, often referred to as a cranial remolding orthosis or band, which is prescribed to help shape a baby’s skull. Babies are born with soft, pliable skull bones that remain flexible for several months after birth. This malleability means that consistent external pressure can sometimes lead to an uneven head shape.
The therapy primarily treats deformational plagiocephaly and brachycephaly, commonly known as “flat head syndrome.” Positional plagiocephaly is characterized by a flattening on one side of the back of the head. Brachycephaly involves a flattening across the entire back of the head. The helmet works by applying gentle, consistent pressure to the prominent areas of the skull while leaving space for growth in the flattened regions. This gentle guidance helps redirect the rapid natural head growth of the infant into a more symmetrical and rounded shape.
The Helmet Therapy Journey
The process of cranial helmet therapy typically begins with an evaluation and diagnosis by a specialist who determines if the therapy is appropriate for the infant’s specific head shape. If recommended, a custom helmet is designed using 3D imaging technology, which creates a precise map of the baby’s head. This ensures the helmet is tailored to the individual’s needs for optimal fit and effectiveness.
Once the helmet is fabricated, it is fitted to the baby, and parents receive instructions on its proper application and care. The typical duration of treatment varies, often ranging from three to six months, depending on the severity of the condition and the baby’s age when therapy begins. Younger infants often respond more quickly due to their rapid head growth. During the treatment period, frequent follow-up appointments, typically every one to two weeks, are scheduled for adjustments to the helmet. These adjustments accommodate the baby’s ongoing head growth and ensure the helmet applies corrective pressure effectively.
Anticipated Results and Daily Care
With consistent use, cranial helmet therapy aims to improve the baby’s head shape, guiding it towards a more typical and symmetrical form. Babies are advised to wear the helmet for approximately 23 hours a day, removing it only for bathing and cleaning. This near-constant wear is important for achieving the best possible results, as the therapy relies on the baby’s continuous head growth.
Daily care routines are important to maintain hygiene and prevent skin irritation. The helmet should be cleaned daily using mild soap and water. Parents should also regularly check the skin under the helmet for any redness or irritation. Minor redness that disappears within an hour of helmet removal is normal, but persistent redness or discomfort indicates a need for adjustment by the specialist.
Preventing Flat Head Syndrome
Preventing positional head deformities involves repositioning and strengthening activities. Encouraging “tummy time” when the baby is awake and supervised is an effective strategy. Tummy time helps develop neck, shoulder, and upper body muscles, which improves head control and reduces pressure on the back of the head. It is recommended to start tummy time early with frequent sessions.
Varying the baby’s head position during sleep and while awake in carriers or swings can also help prevent flattening. Alternating the direction a baby lies in the crib or changing feeding positions encourages them to turn their head in different ways. Limiting the time babies spend in devices that restrict head movement, like car seats and bouncers, is also beneficial. For cases where neck muscle tightness, known as torticollis, contributes to head flattening, physical therapy can be helpful in improving neck movement and encouraging a more symmetrical head posture.