How Long Do Babies Have to Wear Helmets?

How Long Do Babies Have to Wear Helmets?
How Long Do Babies Have to Wear Helmets?

As parents, we always want what is best for our babies, especially when it comes to their health and well-being. In some cases, babies may require helmet therapy to correct the shape of their skulls and treat conditions such as flat head syndrome, or Positional Plagiocephaly. If your child has been recommended for helmet therapy, it is natural to wonder how long they will need to wear the helmet. In this blog post, we will explore the duration of helmet therapy and provide you with the information you need to understand this treatment option.

What is Helmet Therapy?

Helmet therapy, also known as cranial orthosis, is a non-invasive treatment that uses a specially designed helmet to gently correct the shape of a baby's skull. This therapy is commonly used for conditions such as deformational and positional plagiocephaly, brachycephaly, and scaphocephaly. The helmet is made of a hard outer shell with a foam lining and applies gentle, persistent pressures to guide the growth of the skull.

How Long Does Helmet Therapy Last?

The duration of helmet therapy can vary depending on several factors, including your baby's age and the severity of the condition. On average, the treatment typically lasts for about three months. However, it is important to note that this is just an estimate, and the actual duration may be shorter or longer based on individual needs.

How Often Should Treatment be Monitored and Adjusted?

During the course of helmet therapy, your baby's head will be regularly monitored by healthcare professionals. Adjustments to the helmet will be made as needed to ensure the skull is reshaping correctly. These adjustments are crucial to achieving the desired results and may be required every few weeks. It is important to follow the recommended schedule of follow-up visits with your healthcare provider to ensure optimal progress.

How Often Does My Child Need to Wear the Helmet?

One of parents' most common concerns is how long their baby will need to wear the helmet each day. The general recommendation is for the helmet to be worn for 23 hours a day, allowing for one hour of rest or break. The helmet can be taken off during bathing, but apart from that, it should be worn consistently during playtime, sleeping, and feeding. While it may be initially shocking to imagine your baby wearing a helmet for most of the day, it is important to remember that the helmet is designed to be comfortable and not cause any discomfort to your little one.

Helmet Therapy is an Effective Treatment that Ensures Optimal Development and Well-Being

Helmet therapy is a safe and effective treatment option for correcting the shape of a baby's skull. While the duration of helmet therapy can vary, the average treatment period is around three months. It is crucial to follow the recommended schedule of follow-up visits and adjustments to ensure the best results. If your baby has been recommended for helmet therapy, trust in the expertise of your healthcare provider and rest assured that you are taking the necessary steps to ensure your baby's optimal development and well-being.

How Tabeeze Can Help Babies Who Wear Helmets 

Tabeeze understands parents' challenges when their little ones require helmets for various reasons. Our innovative baby onesies are designed to make life easier for both you and your helmet-wearing baby. With unique shoulder snaps, onesies allow you to dress your baby from the bottom up, so you never have to squeeze their head through a tiny onesie again.