What Are the Risks of Using a Cranial Helmet in Babies?

Parents are generally concerned about potential risk factors relating to helmets used for flat head syndrome. Understandably, many of them ask us: "What are the risks of using a baby helmet?" We also frequently receive the questions: "Is it dangerous / uncomfortable / harmful for my baby's development?"

Helmets for flat head syndrome (also known as plagiocephaly helmets) are a method of gently correcting a baby's head shape. They are only recommended for moderate to severe cases and for babies aged 4–14 months. Helmet therapy should not be recommended for mild cases. You can read our article for detailed information about plagiocephaly.

Provided that you choose a reputable clinic with medical supervision and proper follow-up by a doctor, these helmets are a safe, trouble-free, and pain-free treatment that poses absolutely no threat to your baby's development. So where do all these question marks come from?

Two Common Misconceptions About Baby Helmets

"Will it harm my baby?"

Many parents worry that baby helmets could restrict growth and cause developmental problems. However, this is not the case at all: helmets are designed to allow growth to continue at a normal rate. To achieve correction, the helmet channels growth towards the side the baby needs — resulting in a more symmetrical head shape.

A study published in Pediatric Neurosurgery (1999) confirms this.

In addition, baby helmets and the clinicians who provide treatment are subject to strict regulations. The helmets we use have been categorised by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) — the UK medical products regulator — as a bespoke, non-invasive treatment. This means they are considered to pose very little risk to the patient, and are classified in the same category as other orthotic devices such as forceps, dressings, and knee supports.

"Will my baby be uncomfortable?"

A well-fitting, correctly made helmet is more comfortable than a correctly applied plaster cast for a fracture or a hip support, and causes very few problems.

Because the helmet can be briefly removed, minor issues such as mild skin irritation, sweating, and odour are easily resolved. By allowing short breaks for bathing and play, the baby's adjustment to wearing the helmet is made as smooth as possible.

An earlier study on Complications in Helmet Therapy in the Journal of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery (2012) concludes:

"Helmet therapy is a safe therapeutic tool for the correction of positional cranial deformity." And: "with parental compliance, most complications can easily be prevented or eliminated."

So, are there any risks to using a baby helmet?

In response to the question "Is there a risk?", we can safely say the answer is "to our knowledge, there is no risk". All research conducted to date shows that baby helmets, when correctly fitted under medical supervision by qualified practitioners and when parents follow the treatment regimen to the letter, are a safe and pain-free treatment that poses no risk to development.

Side effects and complications experienced by parents in clinical and home settings are minimal and rare, and should certainly not deter parents from considering this type of treatment.

If left too late — that is, once the baby is past 14 months — they will have a deformity that can only be corrected surgically, and will have to live with this for the rest of their life. Peer bullying and loss of self-esteem become the biggest problems during childhood and adolescence. We regularly receive messages from the parents of older children and now young adults asking whether we can help.

If you believe your baby might benefit from a helmet for flat head syndrome, you can contact our clinic without delay.