Baby helmets, medically known as cranial orthoses, are specialized devices designed to gently guide the shape of an infant’s skull. They correct head shape irregularities that develop when a baby’s soft skull is subjected to consistent external pressure. These custom-fitted helmets apply gentle, persistent forces to reshape the head as the baby grows. The non-invasive treatment aims to achieve a more symmetrical and natural head appearance.
Understanding Common Head Shape Concerns
Newborn skulls are composed of soft, flexible plates with spaces, allowing for rapid brain growth during the first year. This flexibility, important for development and birth, also makes the skull susceptible to external pressures, leading to misshapen heads. Two common conditions often treated with helmet therapy are positional plagiocephaly and positional brachycephaly.
Positional plagiocephaly, or flat head syndrome, involves flattening on one side of the back of the baby’s head, resulting in an asymmetrical appearance. The ear on the flattened side may also appear shifted forward. Positional brachycephaly presents as a symmetrical flattening across the entire back of the head, sometimes making it appear wider. These conditions are primarily cosmetic, meaning they do not typically affect brain development, though uncorrected severe cases can sometimes lead to facial asymmetry.
Several factors contribute to these head shape concerns. A primary cause is prolonged time spent with the head resting in the same position, particularly on the back, a practice encouraged by the “Back to Sleep” campaign to reduce Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Babies often develop a preferred head position while sleeping or in car seats, swings, or bouncers. Prematurity also increases the risk, as preemies have softer skulls and may spend more time lying down. Congenital muscular torticollis, where tight neck muscles make it difficult for a baby to turn their head, is another factor. This can lead to a consistent resting position and head tilting, reinforcing flattening.
How Helmet Therapy Works
Helmet therapy, also known as cranial remolding orthosis, works by guiding the baby’s natural head growth. The helmet provides gentle, consistent pressure on the prominent areas of the skull while leaving space for the flattened areas to grow and round out. This redirecting of growth occurs because the infant skull remains soft and malleable, especially during the first few months of life.
The treatment process typically begins with an assessment, often involving 3D scans, to create a precise model of the baby’s head. This scan allows for the fabrication of a custom-fitted helmet unique to the infant’s head shape. Babies usually wear the helmet for approximately 23 hours a day, removing it only for bathing and cleaning. Regular adjustments are crucial as the baby grows, ensuring the helmet continues to apply appropriate corrective pressure. The average duration of helmet treatment typically ranges from three to six months, though milder cases might be shorter and severe cases potentially longer. The effectiveness of helmet therapy is generally higher when initiated between 4 and 6 months of age, during a period of rapid head growth, although it can be effective for infants up to 18 months.
Supporting Your Child Through Treatment
Preventing head shape concerns involves several proactive measures for parents and caregivers. Encouraging ample “tummy time” when the baby is awake and supervised is an effective strategy, as it reduces pressure on the back of the head and strengthens neck and shoulder muscles. Varying the baby’s head position during sleep and play, such as alternating the end of the crib where the baby’s head rests, can also help distribute pressure evenly. Limiting prolonged time in car seats, swings, and bouncers, which keep the baby’s head in a fixed position, is also beneficial.
Proper hygiene and skin care are important during helmet treatment. The helmet should be cleaned daily with mild soap and water or rubbing alcohol to prevent skin irritation and odors, as the warm environment inside can lead to sweating. Ensure the helmet and the baby’s scalp are completely dry before reapplying the helmet. Parents should regularly check the baby’s skin under the helmet for any signs of redness, irritation, or pressure sores, and consult their orthotist if concerns arise.
Social interactions are generally not significantly impacted by helmet wear, as many babies adapt quickly to the device. While helmets are effective for positional head shape issues, they are not typically used for more severe conditions like craniosynostosis, where the skull bones fuse prematurely. Craniosynostosis often requires surgical intervention. Consult a pediatrician for diagnosis and guidance if there are any concerns about a baby’s head shape or development.