You may have noticed that some babies wear helmets, and you might be wondering why. While it may seem odd to put a helmet on a baby, it’s actually a common practice used to treat positional plagiocephaly or flat head syndrome.
When babies spend too much time lying on one side of their head, the skull can become flattened in that area. This can cause cosmetic concerns but also affect brain development and lead to developmental delays.
Helmets are designed to help shape the baby’s head by applying gentle pressure in areas where there is flattening. The helmet works by allowing more growth on the flat side of the head while restricting growth on the rounder side.
The treatment typically lasts from 3-6 months and is most effective when started between 4-6 months old when skull growth is still rapid.
What causes flat head syndrome in babies?
As mentioned above, flat head syndrome occurs when an infant’s skull becomes flattened due to prolonged periods spent lying down in one position.
There are several factors that can contribute to this condition including:
- Sleeping position: Babies who sleep on their backs are at increased risk for developing flat heads as they spend extended periods facing up.
- Limited mobility: Infants who aren’t mobile or don’t spend enough time on their stomachs during supervised playtime don’t have opportunities to move their heads around.
- Premature birth: Preterm infants may be at higher risk due to weaker neck muscles and spending longer periods in incubators or other equipment.
- Multiple births: Twins or triplets may share tight spaces in utero which could lead to flattening of one or more sides of the skull.
While prevention is ideal through repositioning techniques such as alternating head positions, tummy time play or limiting time spent in car seats/bouncers/swings/etc., wearing a helmet can help correct the head shape in moderate to severe cases.
Is it normal for a 3 month old to have a flat head?
It’s not uncommon for infants to develop some degree of flattening on the back or side of their heads, but it’s important to monitor and take action as needed.
By approximately 6 weeks old, an infant’s skull bones begin fusing together, so any flattening that occurs beyond this age has a higher likelihood of being permanent without intervention.
If you notice your 3-month-old has a noticeable flat spot, contact your pediatrician who can assess and recommend repositioning techniques or possibly helmet therapy if necessary.
What age does baby head shape become permanent?
While the precise timing is variable depending on several factors including genetics, overall growth rate and other medical conditions, most experts agree that by one to one and a half years of age a baby’s skull will be nearly completely formed and any plagiocephaly present at that point may be difficult to correct with non-invasive methods (helmet therapy would likely be recommended).
This underscores the importance of early detection and treatment before the window closes for effective correction.
How common is flat head in babies?
Flat head syndrome affects up to 50% of infants under 12 months old according to some estimates.
The good news is that many cases are mild and don’t require intervention beyond simple repositioning techniques such as tummy time during play or alternating holding positions while feeding/sleeping/etc.
Does flat head syndrome go away?
Many parents wonder whether flat head syndrome will go away on its own or if it requires medical intervention. The answer depends on the severity of the condition and the age of the baby.
In mild cases, where flattening is minimal and not causing any discomfort for the baby, parents may opt to simply reposition their child frequently during sleep and playtime to encourage more even shaping of their skull over time. For more severe cases where there is significant flattening or asymmetry that persists beyond 6 months, physical therapy exercises like tummy time and neck strengthening exercises may be recommended.
In moderate to severe cases, however, specialized helmets known as cranial orthoses may be prescribed by a physician in order to correct the asymmetry by gently redirecting growth towards areas that need it most while allowing room for areas that don’t. These helmets are custom-fitted and worn for several months while babies’ skulls naturally grow into a more normal shape.
How do I prevent my baby from getting a flat head?
Preventing flat head syndrome is possible through some simple steps you can take as parents:
Alternate your baby’s sleeping position between back, tummy (while supervised), and side so they don’t spend too much time resting with pressure only on one spot.
Allow plenty of “tummy time” so your baby can strengthen their neck muscles by lifting their head up without strain against gravity at increasingly longer intervals throughout waking hours.
Change up where you place toys within reach during supervised playtime sessions in order to encourage your baby to turn their head and look in all directions.
Offer plenty of cuddles and babywearing during the day so they get plenty of time out of a significant amount of pressure on their head while also enjoying bond-building skin-to-skin time with you.
Remember, every baby is different, but incorporating these simple strategies as often as possible will encourage normal skull growth and help avoid any flattening or asymmetry.
How long do babies need to wear helmets?
While babies’ skulls are famously soft at birth, they become more rigid over time in order to protect the brain inside. The age at which this happens varies from infant to infant, but it generally takes place over a period between 12-18 months old.
When it comes to wearing helmets for plagiocephaly treatment, the recommended duration of use can vary depending on the severity of the condition and how well an individual responds to treatment. Helmets are generally worn for between 3-6 months for most cases, however infants with severe plagiocephaly may require up to 9-12 months wearing them around-the-clock (except during bath time) before seeing improvement.
The helmet fits snugly over the top and sides of a baby’s head and has specialized foam pads that apply gentle pressure where needed for optimal cranial growth redirection. It is designed so that it does not obstruct vision or hearing nor hinder any other normal physical development milestones.
However long the helmet is needed though – parents report that their babies are quick to adjust within just a few days and can go about their daily routine without disruption soon enough.
What happens if baby flat head is left untreated?
Left untreated, particularly severe cases can lead to long-term deformities in both skull shape as well as potential facial asymmetry if there exists pronounced ear shift or jaw misalignment due to prolonged positioning favoring one side over another. These cosmetic changes may persist into adulthood, and can cause discomfort or self-consciousness over one’s appearance.
There have also been associations drawn between flat head syndrome and increased risk of developmental delays in both fine motor skills as well as visual spatial acuity, though more research is needed to fully understand these relationships.
It is important that parents seek advice from a medical professional if they suspect their baby is developing plagiocephaly. Early intervention before 6 months of age may be able to prevent the need for helmet therapy altogether!
Does flat head affect brain development?
Many parents wonder whether flat head syndrome has any impact on their baby’s brain development. While there is no direct link between the two, some studies suggest that moderate-to-severe cases of plagiocephaly are associated with a slightly increased risk for gross motor developmental delays relative to peers who didn’t spend a significant amount of time with pressure on one part of their skull only.
This does not suggest, however, that children suffering from this condition are at greater risk for long-term cognitive or intellectual disabilities. Rather, it underscores the importance of early detection and aggressive treatment to ensure optimal cranial growth in order to minimize potential issues later on in life.
Is it hard for a baby to sleep with a helmet?
It’s natural to worry about how your child will adjust to wearing a helmet while sleeping. Parents often ask whether the helmet will affect their sleep quality or cause discomfort. But rest assured that most babies adjust well to wearing helmets and are able to sleep comfortably.
Initially, your baby may take some time getting used to the new sensation of the helmet on their head. Some babies may fuss or cry for a few nights until they adapt. But once they get used to it, most babies start sleeping peacefully.
It’s important to keep in mind that helmets are designed specifically for comfort and fit snugly around your baby’s head without causing any pressure points. They are also made from breathable materials that help regulate temperature and prevent overheating.
So don’t worry too much if you’re considering getting a cranial helmet for your little one – chances are they’ll end up sleeping just fine with it!
Parent Experiences with Helmet Therapy
When parents first discover their baby has plagiocephaly they may feel overwhelmed and uncertain about how to proceed. However, many have turned to helmet therapy as a solution after seeing positive results in their child’s head shape improvement.
While the idea of having your baby wear a helmet for several months may seem concerning, many parents report that their children were not phased by it and even found it comforting. The helmets are made of lightweight materials and designed specifically for each individual child’s head so they fit comfortably and snugly.
Parents also note that helmet therapy is relatively easy to manage – babies need to wear the helmet for 23 hours per day (with one hour break) and most babies adjust quickly within the first few days. Regular visits with the pediatrician or specialist ensure that progress is being made throughout the course of treatment.
Overall, while parent experiences can vary, many have found helmet therapy to be an effective solution for their baby’s plagiocephaly.
What are the side effects of plagiocephaly helmets?
Although cranial helmets are safe and effective in treating flat head syndrome, there can be some possible side effects associated with wearing them.
One common concern is skin irritation or redness around the areas where the helmet touches the skin. This may happen due to friction or heat buildup inside the helmet during hot weather conditions. If you notice any signs of skin irritation, speak with your doctor immediately.
Another potential side effect is an increase in sweating on your baby’s scalp due to the lack of air circulation inside the helmet. This can sometimes lead to an unpleasant odor developing under the helmet or cause increased hair loss in some cases.
Lastly, some parents have reported their child feeling frustrated or uncomfortable with the helmet in the beginning. However, as we mentioned earlier, most babies adjust well to wearing helmets and are able to sleep comfortably once they become accustomed to it.
Remember that every baby is unique, and it’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor if you have any concerns about potential side effects of wearing a cranial helmet.
The Pros and Cons of Helmet Therapy for Infants
Helmet therapy remains a contentious topic among physicians due to conflicting evidence regarding its efficacy; however, there are pros and cons worth considering when deciding if this is right choice for your child.
On one hand, some studies have shown successful outcomes through utilization of helmet therapy in infants with abnormal head shapes caused by various conditions such as positional plagiocephaly or craniosynostosis –which is characterized by premature closure of certain sutures on an infant’s skull causing improper growth potential–with minimal side effects observed during treatment.
Proponents of helmet therapy argue that this method is less invasive than surgery and has been shown to improve asymmetry of the head shape in a noninvasive way. Additionally, some pediatricians may recommend it as an alternative to repositioning techniques– which can be difficult for parents to maintain consistently and efficiently–when they’re not producing results.
However, there are cons associated with helmet therapy that merit attention. The cost of treatment can be significant, with prices ranging from $2,000 to $4,000 depending on location and insurance coverage. Additionally, some infants may experience irritability or discomfort while wearing the helmets – though this varies greatly between individuals.
While making a decision regarding helmet therapy ultimately depends on individual circumstances and preferences, it’s important for parents to consider all pros and cons before proceeding with a course of action.
The Cost of Helmet Therapy for Infants
The cost of helmet therapy for infants varies by location and can add up quickly, leaving many parents wondering if it’s worth the investment. Generally, this type of treatment is not covered by health insurance since it’s seen as a cosmetic procedure rather than a medical necessity.
Depending on where you live in the United States, costs can run anywhere from $2,000 to $4,000 – which may include initial evaluation appointments with specialists and follow-up visits throughout the helmet-wearing period.
While some insurance plans may cover part or all of the cost if deemed medically necessary (though this is rare), others offer reimbursement options that vary depending on individual plan details.
It’s important to note that while helmet therapy may be costly upfront, it could potentially prevent future complications caused by plagiocephaly such as vision problems, developmental delays or difficulty sleeping. However, due to high costs associated with treatment families should weigh pros and cons carefully before electing to proceed. Some practices even offer payment plans or financial assistance programs that could make helmets more affordable over time.
Does insurance cover cranial helmets?
Most insurance companies do cover the cost of plagiocephaly helmets since if are considered medically necessary. However, it’s important to keep in mind that each policy may differ when it comes to reimbursement rates and coverage limits.
To ensure that you receive maximum benefits from your policy, be sure to obtain an official medical diagnosis from your doctor before seeking out treatment options. This will help you avoid any issues or denials later down the line during claims processing.
It’s also helpful to speak directly with your insurance provider ahead of time regarding their specific coverage policies for medical devices like plagiocephaly helmets. Some providers may require prior authorization or certain documentation before approving coverage – so be sure to check with them ahead of time to avoid any surprises.
Helmet Therapy vs Alternative Treatments for Plagiocephaly
Helmet therapy is one treatment option for plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome) but it’s not necessarily the only one available or recommended by physicians. Parents should know about other treatments in order to make an informed decision about whether helmet therapy is right for their child.
Repositioning: In mild cases where plagiocephaly is diagnosed relatively early in infancy (typically within the first three months), doctors might suggest altering sleep position regularly or using positioning aids such as special pillows so as to reduce pressure on baby’s head while asleep.
Physical Therapy: Early intervention physical therapy aims at correcting abnormal neck movements or stiffness that contribute towards flat head syndrome by strengthening muscles used in neck movements; these exercises promote development of good postural control which allows baby to reposition themselves naturally during sleep.
Surgery: In rare instances where skull growth anomalies are suspected surgical intervention may also be necessary to correct problem areas safely without damaging critical structures such as brain tissue or blood vessels located nearby.
While each treatment option has benefits and drawbacks, parents should discuss their concerns with a pediatrician or specialist who can provide guidance and insight on the most appropriate course of action for their child.
Conclusion
In conclusion, helmet therapy can be a valuable tool for addressing plagiocephaly and other head shape concerns in infants. While there are some potential drawbacks to consider, many parents and healthcare professionals have found it to be a safe and effective treatment option.
If you are concerned about your baby’s head shape or have questions about helmet therapy, it’s important to speak with your pediatrician or a specialist in infant head shape disorders. They can provide guidance on whether helmet therapy is necessary and answer any questions you may have about the treatment process.
Ultimately, the most important thing is to ensure that your baby is healthy and happy, whether that involves helmet therapy or other interventions.
