My Baby Just Started Helmet Therapy - What Do I Need to Know?
Starting baby helmet therapy can feel like a big adjustment for both you and your baby. You may find yourself wondering whether the helmet is sitting correctly, how long your baby should wear it each day, how often it needs to be cleaned, or whether that little red mark is normal.
These are common questions, especially during the first few days of treatment.
Caring for your baby’s cranial helmet is not complicated. Once you understand the daily routine and know what to look out for, helmet care can quickly become a part of your everyday life.
Here are some important do’s and don’ts to help you care for your baby and their helmet throughout the treatment journey.
What Should I Expect During Baby Helmet Therapy?
Cranial helmet therapy generally takes around four to six months, depending on your baby’s age when treatment begins. Throughout the treatment period, the helmet is carefully fitted to guide head growth while allowing enough room for your baby’s head to grow naturally.
Your baby will gradually work towards wearing the helmet for 23 hours a day. During the first few days, your baby may be more aware of the helmet, but most babies adapt quickly.
As your baby grows, regular follow-up appointments are conducted to allow your clinician to check the helmet’s fit and make adjustments as needed. Keeping to the recommended wearing schedule and attending follow-up appointments are important parts of the treatment journey.
A typical wearing schedule may look like this:
What Should I Do During Baby Helmet Therapy?
Do work towards 23 hours of daily wear - once your baby has fully adjusted to the helmet, aim for the recommended 23 hours of wear each day. Following the wearing plan helps prevent skin issues and allows your baby to gradually adjust to the helmet.
Do check your baby’s skin daily - check your baby’s head for redness or skin damage whenever the helmet is removed. Some redness is common, but if it does not disappear within one hour, stop using the helmet and contact your clinician immediately.
Do wash your baby’s head daily - keeping your baby’s head clean helps maintain good hygiene. Make sure both your baby’s head and the helmet are dry before putting the helmet back on.
Do check the helmet regularly - check the locking mechanism and overall structure of the helmet to make sure everything remains secure and in good condition.
Do guide other caregivers - explain the purpose of the helmet to grandparents, childcare providers or anyone else caring for your baby, and show them how to use it appropriately.
Do remove the helmet during physiotherapy - take the helmet off during physiotherapy and put it back on as soon as possible afterwards.
What Should I Avoid During Baby Helmet Therapy?
Don’t use the helmet if your baby has a fever above 38°C - regularly monitor your baby’s temperature and resume their usual wearing schedule as soon as possible.
Don’t put baby powder, creams or towels underneath the helmet - these products may contain fragrances or other substances that can lead to skin irritation.
Don’t completely shave your baby’s head - as the hair starts to grow again, contact between the head and helmet may cause irritation. Try to maintain a similar hair length throughout treatment to avoid issues caused by changes in hair volume.
Don’t leave the helmet off for more than 48 hours – as your baby’s skull continues to grow, difficulties may arise when putting the helmet back on after an extended period without wearing it.
When Should I Contact My Baby’s Specialist?
Contact your specialist if you notice skin damage or redness that does not disappear within one hour after removing the helmet. If you have concerns about your baby’s helmet, wearing routine or fitting, speak with your clinician for guidance.
How OrthoKai Can Help
Getting used to baby helmet therapy takes a little time, but establishing a consistent routine can make everyday care much easier.
At OrthoKai, our Certified Prosthetist-Orthotists are here to support you and your baby throughout every step of their helmet journey by providing baby helmet therapy with professional, personalised care across our centres in Singapore (MEO, SGH and Henderson) and Malaysia (Johor Bahru, Kuala Lumpur and Penang).
Here is what you can expect when you come to us:
Assessment: Our clinician will look at your baby's head shape, movement and any postural preferences. If suitable, a fast and non-invasive 3D scan may be done to capture the exact shape of your baby's head.
Recommendation: Based on the assessment, we will explain clearly what we are seeing and whether helmet therapy is appropriate for your baby. Not every baby who comes to us needs a helmet, and we will never recommend one if it is not clinically indicated.
Fitting and adjustments: If therapy is recommended, your baby's custom helmet is made and then fitted at a follow-up appointment. We will then review the fit regularly and make adjustments as your baby grows.
Graduation: At the end of treatment, we do a final comparison of before and after scans, a milestone moment that many families love.
If you have questions or concerns during your baby’s helmet journey, our team is here to provide clear guidance and support you throughout each stage of treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I start therapy at any age?
No. It is recommended to start therapy at 4-8 months of age, as the therapy efficiency drops once head growth slows down and the baby's head bones ossify. Generally, therapy should be started no later than 12 months of age.
Does the helmet negatively impact my baby's activity and movement?
No, our helmet is a lightweight cranial remoulding orthosis, weighing only 110 - 130 grams. The locking mechanisms are specifically designed not to impede the baby's head movement when lying down.
Will my baby achieve perfect head symmetry?
No, cranial remoulding therapy cannot achieve perfect head symmetry. No one has perfect head symmetry. Our goal is to significantly improve your baby's head symmetry to improve aesthetics and functionality in severe cases.
Can I take my baby swimming or showering while wearing the helmet?Although the helmet is waterproof, it is recommended to take it off while swimming, bathing or playing in the sand. If your baby wears the helmet while playing outside, it’s important to be mindful of how long your baby is out in the sun with the helmet on, as it could cause heat rash. Once inside, be sure to clean the helmet to remove any sweat, dirt or sand.
