Parents are often concerned about potential risk factors associated with helmets for flat head syndrome. Understandably, many ask us “what are the risks associated with using baby helmets?” he asks. Also “is it dangerous/uncomfortable/harmful for my baby’s development?” We also receive questions frequently.

Helmets for flat head syndrome (also known as plagiocephaly helmets) are a way to gently correct the shape of a baby’s head. Recommended only for moderate to severe cases and babies 4-14 months old. Helmet therapy should not be recommended in mild cases. You can read our article to get detailed information about plagiocephaly.

Provided that you choose a reputable clinic with a doctor’s recommendation and under the supervision of a doctor (it is important that a doctor carries out your follow-ups); These helmets are a safe, hassle-free and painless treatment and pose 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 are concerned that baby helmets can restrict growth, leading to developmental problems. But this is not the case at all: helmets are designed to allow growth to continue at a normal pace. To ensure correction, growth is directed to the side where the baby needs it, resulting in a smoother head shape.

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

In addition, baby helmets and doctors providing treatment are also subject to strict regulations. The helmets we use are categorized by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), the UK medical products regulator, as a personalized, non-invasive treatment. This means that they are considered to pose little risk to the patient and are therefore in the same class as other orthotic devices such as forceps, dressings and knee braces.

“Will my baby be uncomfortable?”

A well-fitting, correctly made helmet; It is more comfortable than a properly fitted fracture or hip support cast and does not cause as many problems.

Since the helmet can be removed for short periods of time, problems such as mild skin irritation, sweating and odor are easily eliminated. Helmet acceptance problems are minimized by giving your baby short periods of time to bathe and play.

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

“Helmet therapy is a safe treatment tool for the correction of positional cranial deformity.” And: “most complications can be easily prevented or eliminated if parents follow the instructions.”

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

“Is there a risk?” In response to the question, we can safely say that the answer is “to the best of our knowledge, there is no risk.” All research to date shows that baby helmets are a safe and painless treatment that poses no risks to development, provided that they are worn correctly by qualified practitioners under the supervision of a doctor and parents follow treatment regimens to the letter.

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

If it is delayed, that is, when the baby is 14 months after birth, he will have a deformity that can only be corrected by surgery, and he will have to face this situation for the rest of his life. Especially peer bullying and loss of self-esteem will become the biggest problems of childhood and adolescence. We regularly receive inquiries from parents of older children and now young adults asking if we can help.

If you think your baby may benefit from a helmet for flat head syndrome, you can contact our clinic that deals with this issue before it is too late.