A baby might wear a helmet to correct a flat spot on their head, a condition often called positional plagiocephaly or a similar skull deformity. These specially designed helmets, also known as cranial remolding orthoses, gently reshape the skull to promote more symmetrical growth. They're not for protecting against falls.
Understanding Baby Helmets
Baby helmets are used in a type of therapy called cranial remolding therapy or helmet therapy. This therapy addresses positional skull deformities, such as:
- Plagiocephaly: This is the most common reason. It causes a flattening of one side of the head.
- Brachycephaly: This results in a flat back of the head.
- Scaphocephaly: This creates a long, narrow head shape.
These deformities can develop in utero, during birth, or after birth due to factors like prolonged time spent lying on their back (especially in babies who haven't developed sufficient neck strength for tummy time).
How Helmet Therapy Works
The helmet gently applies pressure to specific areas of the baby's head, encouraging the skull to grow in a more rounded and symmetrical way. The helmet is custom-made to fit the baby's unique head shape. Babies typically wear the helmet for 23 hours a day for several months.
Why are so many babies needing helmets?
While not a new phenomenon, the increased prevalence of babies requiring helmets may be partly due to the "Back to Sleep" campaign, which reduced SIDS risk but also increased the incidence of positional plagiocephaly. The soft plates of a baby's skull are moldable, and consistent pressure in one position can lead to deformities.
Is Helmet Therapy Effective?
Many sources report that helmet therapy is effective for correcting positional skull deformities in babies. The success of the therapy depends on various factors, including the severity of the deformity and the baby's age when treatment starts. Early intervention is key.
What to Expect
Parents often report initial concerns, but babies usually adapt quickly to wearing the helmet. Regular checkups with a doctor are crucial to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments to the helmet.
