Helmet therapy is used to gently correct the shape of babies’ skulls over time. The skulls of newborn babies consist of bones and soft plates that fill the space between the bones. As the baby grows, these plates grow, gradually harden and knit together.
Sometimes when a baby sleeps in the same position, the soft plates can develop a flat spot or an uneven appearance. This common condition is called plagiocephaly and is not dangerous for your baby’s brain. If the condition does not improve on its own, your pediatrician may recommend repositioning, exercises, or helmet therapy.
Sometimes, the plates of the baby’s skull fuse too early or abnormally. This condition is called craniosynostosis and may require surgical treatment, with or without a helmet, to correct the head shape.
How does wearing a helmet help my child’s head?
Cranial remolding helmets are usually made of a hard outer shell with a foam liner. Gentle, steady pressures are applied to capture the natural growth of the baby’s head, while inhibiting growth in prominent areas and allowing growth in flat areas. Those who use baby head shaping helmets are impressed by the speed of success rate of kak treatment, especially when it is started within the first 6 months.
Adjustments are made frequently as your baby’s head grows. The helmet essentially provides a tight, rounded area for the head to grow. Even if your child continues to lean his head to one side, the helmet will provide cushioning to prevent his head from flattening further.
Is my child a candidate for helmet treatment?
If your child is diagnosed with deformational plagiocephaly, brachycephaly, or scaphocephaly and is less than 12 months old, cranial reshaping helmets may be recommended to correct the shape of the baby’s head. The helmet must be prescribed by a doctor. It is important to remember that not all babies are suitable candidates for helmet therapy and it is important to discuss this with your doctor.
Additionally, children who undergo endoscopy to correct craniosynostosis will often be prescribed helmet therapy after surgery to further correct the head shape.
Does insurance pay for helmet treatment for babies?
SSI does not pay baby helmet fees today. Some private health insurance covers helmet treatment.
Why are baby helmet prices different?
Baby Helmet Prices vary in our country. Helmet prices vary depending on the characteristics of the material used.
Are head deformity helmet prices the same for every deformity?
It is usually determined and no different price is applied depending on the degree of deformity of the head. Since helmet treatments are completed with a single helmet today, you pay a single fee.
Does my child need to wear a helmet all day?
Yes. The idea behind the helmet is to wear it 23 hours a day.
It can be removed during bathing. At other times, your baby should be in a helmet at all times while playing, sleeping or feeding. This can be shocking to hear as a parent when you consider that your baby spent his developmental months wearing a helmet. One thing we like to emphasize is that the helmet is generally not uncomfortable for the baby and does not restrict their activities.
How long will my child wear a helmet?
The average treatment with a helmet is usually three to four months, although treatment duration may vary depending on your child’s age and the severity of the condition. Careful and frequent monitoring is necessary to ensure that the skull is remodeling correctly.
How often will I need to see the doctor while my child is receiving helmet treatment?
The frequency of follow-up visits depends on the severity of your baby’s condition. Generally, after wearing a helmet, the control schedule is as follows.
- First check on day 14
- Second check on day 45
- 90th day third control
- Fourth control on day 135
While your baby is fitted with a molded helmet and adjustments are made, you will make several regular visits to the doctor who fitted the helmet. The above check-up timings for babies wearing a helmet may vary depending on the severity of the deformity.