Most of us don’t think twice when we see a baby wearing a decorative helmet. Compared to years past, helmet wearing among babies is commonplace. However, while it is widely accepted in society, most people don’t understand why babies need helmets.
We spoke to Dr. Gina Robinson, pediatrician at Cleveland Clinic Children’s, about this surprisingly common therapy.
What is helmet therapy?
Helmets, also called cranial bands, are used to gently and over time correct the shape of an infant’s skull that has developed a flat spot or uneven appearance.
Robinson says helmet therapy for those who need it ideally should start between 4-8 months of age, be worn for 23 hours a day and usually last 2-6 months, but the duration of treatment will depend on a child’s age and the severity of the condition.
Helmet therapy is not painful or uncomfortable for a baby.
What conditions require helmet therapy?
According to Robinson, approximately 16 percent of babies are born with torticollis, a contraction of the neck muscles that causes
the head to twist to one side, which can also contribute to flattening.
“This diagnosis is usually made early — within the first few weeks of life,” she says.
Additionally, some babies wear helmets because of positional plagiocephaly, which is the development or flattening on one side of the head from external forces, such as constantly sleeping on the same side. Plagiocephaly is commonly referred to as flat head syndrome and can manifest as a flat spot on one side of the head or the entire back of the head. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, about 50% of children develop positional plagiocephaly.
“Positional plagiocephaly is a cosmetic issue and is not associated with long term effects,” she says.
Robinson also notes that it is important to differentiate between positional plagiocephaly and craniosynostosis (a condition in which the bones of the skull fuse too early), which is treated surgically.
Can any of these conditions be treated without helmet therapy?
Robinson says before moving to helmet therapy, initial treatment approaches involve repositioning and physiotherapy.
“It may be recommended to increase tummy time or make other positional changes,” she says. “Exercises or physical therapy to stretch neck muscles may also be recommended when there is torticollis.”
What should concerned parents do?
Robinson encourages parents to stick to the well child visits as directed by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
“The cadence of visits in the newborn and early infancy period provides several touch points for assessment, so it is important to keep to the recommended schedule.”
