What is a Cranial Helmet?
A cranial helmet is an orthotic device to help reshape a baby’s noggin that has become flattened either from birth or something as simple as sleep positions. They are used to correct the flatness and asymmetry.
These are usually made up of a hard outer shell with very soft foam on the inside.
A helmet works by adding constant pressure in certain spots, while also allowing growth in the flat regions of the head.
I would like to add that they are super cute, too!
In this post, I will be going over a mama’s guide for the baby helmet. Ways to ease your baby into full time wear, and things to remember along your journey.
**This post includes affiliate links to products I have used and trust. If any purchase is made through these links, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you!**
Why Would Your Baby Need a Helmet?
Your baby may need a helmet if you notice a lot of asymmetry with their head. Two of the main reasons are plagiocephaly and brachycephaly.
Plagiocephaly
This was my daughter’s noggin.
Plagiocephaly is when the head flattens on one side or the entire back of the head. It is mainly due to sleeping positions, and babies favoring one side.
My baby decided that she was going to favor one side over the other. So she would turn her head to her right, that’s how she would sleep, feed, and eventually even started to lean that way. This caused the right side of her head to flatten, and the left side looked as though it was “bulged” out.
Brachycephaly
This form of “flat-head” syndrome is when the back of the head is flat- not just one side. The head will initially be wider than it is tall. This could also cause the forehead to protrude.
When are Helmets Recommended?
Depending on your child’s pediatrician, a helmet could be recommended right off the bat- or they will want to try everything else first to correct the asymmetry, or overall flatness of the head.
Doctors may recommend trying these first:
- Repositioning
- Tummy Time
- Simple at home neck stretches
- Physical therapy
If these do not help to relieve pressure from your baby’s head, and there doesn’t seem to be any improvement – a helmet may be the next step.
Our daughter DESPISED tummy time! The only things that actually helped distract her from the fact that she was on her stomach were these here toys..
Most doctors will have you wait until the 4 month mark to see if there is any improvement, and then send a referral to a cranial specialist.
It’s Worse for the Parents
No, seriously- it really is. I dreaded the fact that my baby was going to need a helmet, but once she got it, it was like nothing was even out of the “norm”.
I have to say that she even slept better with it. Of course the worst part was putting the helmet on, and taking it off. (It’s a learning curve). But you’ll get it!
I was even concerned about taking our daughter out in public, and having people stare and make comments. Honestly, most people would compliment on how cute she was, and asked questions about her accessory.
Just educate them!
*I know every baby will respond to a helmet differently, but this was our personal experience with our little helmet-head.*
Dress it Up
Before we got a helmet for our daughter, I had that girl in bows every.single.day.
I’m not sure why, but this was a huge downer for me- I wouldn’t be able to put a bow on her.
What I didn’t know is that people make bows specifically for cranial helmets!! In fact most places that do the helmets even offer a wrap design for them.
We personally went with a unicorn and ice-cream theme!
What is the Process?
First thing is first. Most likely you will need to get a referral to a specialist. Then the fun begins!
- First initial visit
- Scan of your baby’s cranium
- Helmet fitting
- Follow ups- generally every 4 to 6 weeks
Follow the schedule!!
There will be a schedule that you will need to follow to ease your baby into wearing the helmet for those 23 hours of the day!
Day #1
One hour on – One hour off
(Keeping helmet off for naps and bedtime)
Day #2
2 hours on – 1 hour off
(Keeping helmet off for naps and bedtime)
Day #3
4 hours on – 1 hour off
(Keeping helmet on for naps and off for bedtime)
Day#4
8 hours on – 1 hour off
(Keeping helmet on for both naps and bedtime)
Day #5
The FINAL transition day!
23 hours on – 1 hour off
(Obviously keeping helmet on for naps and bedtime)
We followed this schedule exactly, and our helmeting journey was actually shorter than what we had initially planned.
We were advised that our daughter would need to wear her helmet for about a year, as she had severe plagiocephaly. However, we were determined to see improvement- FAST! And in the end that is what happened. Baby girl only needed to wear her helmet for 12 weeks. Then it was her first graduation time. HELMET GRADUATION!!
Some Things to Remember!
*Make sure you are checking for redness every time the helmet comes off. The redness should go away within an hour’s time. Contact the doctor or specialist if it has not dissipated.*
Less Layers
It will take a week or maybe even 2 for your baby to adjust to the heat of the helmet. They will SWEAT! Guarantee it. Dress them cooler than you would normally.
We actually used the Woolino Sleep Sack at night. She did wonderful in that as it kept her nice and cool.
Milestone Delays
It’s OK – I promise! This sounds terrifying, but it just means your baby might take a little longer to figure some things out. Remember a helmet is awkward, and can make your little one a little top heavy.
You may find that your baby was starting to roll over, and then stopped.
Or starting to crawl, and then stopped.
It’s OK!! Your baby will figure it out, and there is no need to worry.
Shoot, the helmet will probably make them stronger if anything!
Aquaphor is KEY
Since the helmet will be rubbing against your baby’s skin, you will want to give it a little protection against the irritation.
I found that Aquaphor works the best. Once that hour off is up- go ahead and put a little dab where you see a red mark.
Stinky Noggin
That’s right, your baby’s noggin will stink to high-heaven! All of that sweat and heat getting trapped in there is enough to make you gag from the smell.
Side note: We were not able to keep our baby cool enough no matter what. The temperature in the house was at 68 degrees, she’d only have a onesie on (no shorts, pants, sleepers). We ended up having holes drilled into the back of the helmet for ventilation. Once that was done, we didn’t have any more issues with her dripping in sweat, and the stench was SO much better.
Also be sure to bath your baby every day during that hour off! This will make your baby feel so much better, especially if you use a little hair brush to scratch that noggin for them.
We used the FridaBaby Cradle Cap Silicone Brush, and our baby girl LOVED the feeling from that.
Cleaning the Helmet
Just like your baby’s head, the helmet will reek!
I’m sure every place is different with their cleaning instructions. But we found a simple solution that was sooooo easy! And it could be done within that one hour off.
How to Clean the Darn Thing
- We would wait until bath time to clean our baby girl’s helmet.
- Take a clean wet washcloth and wipe the helmet out.
- Take a little bit of baby’s shampoo and scrub it
- Wipe it back off with another clean, wet cloth.
- Let it air dry for about 15 minutes.
Next step is very important to clean this thing.
- Spray the inside of the helmet with rubbing alcohol.
- Wipe it down.
- Let it dry.
**Please be sure not to submerge the helmet under water!!**
You Got This!
Hearing that your baby will need a cranial helmet is some scary crap! But the choice is ultimately up to you if you want to do this. Yes, doctors and specialists will recommend it, but it is your decision.
We decided to go for it, realizing it’s only a temporary thing- and believe me IT GOES BY FAST!!
Honestly, we could not be happier with the results. Our baby girl has a perfectly round head. Her cheek isn’t protruded forward anymore- which could’ve caused issues later on in life. And it didn’t phase her one bit!
Like I said- it is way worse for us parents than it is for them!!
I actually find myself missing the little helmet. It was a nice built in pillow, and a bumper!
Talk to ME
I’d love to hear about your baby’s helmeting journey, or if you are thinking about going on the adventure!
Let me know in the comments.
I hope this Mama’s Guide for the Baby Helmet has helped you as much as it has for me.
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