When babies are born, they are tiny and look like a bean shape. After a few months of age, head shape changes and the head size increases. This growth is due to head flattening.
This flat spot on the head is a risk factor for plagiocephaly or positional plagiocephaly in babies. The flattening could be mild or severe, and it can have an impact on head shape, brain development, and physical appearance. If your baby has flat head syndrome or positional plagiophaly, a helmet therapy may help reduce deformities of the head shape and brain development.
That’s why some parents decide to use baby helmets to treat flattening of the head shape or positional plagiocephaly in babies. Read to know what’s behind baby helmets, how they work, and whether you should use them or not.
Why would a baby need a helmet to help with skull growth?
– Helmets are used in the treatment of skull deformatio in babies who have flat head syndrome.
– The therapy is prescribed to correct the shape of the skull when it appears different from normal.
– Pediatricians may suggest helmet therapy if a baby has a large flat spot on the head that does not change by 4 months of age.
– Studies show that helmet therapy for babies is most effective between 5 and 6 months of age.
– Babies must wear helmets all the time (except for bathing or dressing time) until their skull shape becomes normal. After 1 year of age, helmet therapy is no longer effective in remo bing deformities of the head shape.
After one year of age, babies can start wearing a helmet for protection only.
How Babies Get Flat Head Syndrome?
– Flat head syndrome, also known as positional plagiocephaly, is a common condition affecting around 1 in 5 babies.
– It is caused by babies spending long periods of time in one position, usually on their back.
– This can cause the head to flatten out and deform the shape of the skull.
– The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies sleep on their back to prevent SIDS, but the effect of flat head syndrome is unclear.
– Various conservative measures such as supervised tummy time while the baby is awake can help to resolve the issue.
– If these measures are not successful, a cranial molding helmet may be recommended.
The AAP does not recommend using helmets for flat head syndrome, but it acknowledges that some babies may benefit from them.
What are baby helmets used for?
Baby helmets are used to shape the head of a baby due to their relatively pliable skull. They are a common therapy in the US to help babies with flat spots on the sides or back of their heads, which develop due to spending too much time on their backs. This shape helps fill out the head and prevent flattening. Cranial helmets are a form of headgear that is used by doctors to shape the head of a baby. They are made of hard material and are worn during therapy sessions. An doctor might recommend a helmet for older babies around the age of 6 to 8 months who haven’t responded to other treatments. Baby helmets can be beneficial for babies with flat spots on their head, but they aren’t always necessary.
How long do babies have to wear helmet?
– Babies typically wear helmets for two to four months, though this may vary.
– The need for helmet therapy is identified around four to six months of age and babies may need to wear the helmet until their skull shape is back to normal.
– Helmets can be effective when worn before six months old, and still work well between six to nine months.
– During the time that a baby is wearing a helmet, it is important that the baby stay accident free and sun safe. A pediatrician should check the baby’s head regularly and adjust the helmet as needed.
– Regular check-ups with the pediatrician are important to ensure the helmet is readjusted to accommodate for the baby’s changing head shape.
This will ensure that the child’s head remains protected and healthy.
Pros and Cons of Baby Helmet
Baby helmets are a widely-used form of head protection for babies and children. They’re recommended in the United States for the prevention of head shape deformities, and most pediatricians recommend them to infants as soon. In other countries, head shape deformities are often self-corrected, so baby helmets aren’t used as widely.
Baby helmets are designed to shape the skull, just like they do in an infant’s growth chart. They’re typically made of hard plastic with a flexible brim to provide a secure fit and help distribute weight evenly across the head. The shape of baby helmets can vary depending on the brand, but they almost always have a flat surface and a curved edge.
Baby helmets come in different sizes and shapes, as well. Some are designed to fit over baby’s ears and head, while others are worn without any additional accessories. Doctors often prescribe baby helmets for babies who may not need them, even if their head shape is normal or healthy, because it’s the “safest” option available. However, there are no clear benefits of baby helmets that outweigh any potential risks, so it’s important for parents to discuss the pros and cons of baby helmet use with their doctor.
What can I expect during helmet therapy?
If a baby is diagnosed with flat head syndrome or has a birth defect that requires helmet therapy, it is generally painless and babies may tolerate the helmet for several months. A baby might be irritable if the helmet is on for too long, so it’s important to check for redness or skin breakdown.
As with any head-worn device, helmets should be worn for 23 hours a day and measurements of head circumference should be taken to ensure proper sizing. Helmets should not be used as a substitute for medical care, but can provide valuable protection for babies with flat head syndrome who may have developmental issues such as flat head, plagiocephaly, or skull deformities.
How long does helmet therapy take?
Helmet therapy is a medical treatment for craniosynostosis that involves wearing a helmet to correct the deformity. It typically takes three months on average and the duration of treatment may vary depending on the age of the child and severity of craniosynostosis. Once a baby’s skull has fully closed, helmet therapy can begin. Helmets are made of silicone or mesh and are designed to be comfortable and easy to use. They come in various sizes, colors, and designs, with varying levels of protection.
Infants should begin helmet therapy between 5 and 6 months old for best results. After 14 months, helmet therapy is generally considered ineffective as the skull has healed sufficiently to support head growth without intervention. During helmet therapy, infants should wear the corrective helmet at all times, even during sleep.
Conclusion
Helmet therapy is a great way to protect your baby’s head from injury and brain damage. If your baby’s head shape is plagiocephaly, a helmet therapy could be the solution. By allowing the head shape to fix itself, you’ll help the baby’s brain develop the right shape for a head-fitting helmet. The therapy time for babies depends on their age and physical ability. It usually takes three to six months for babies to adjust to wearing helmets. However, there’s no set time period and your baby may adapt faster or slower depending on how quickly they adjust to new habits.