Does My Baby Need a Helmet?
As a parent, you will face many decisions during your munchkin’s early years. For some families, head shape and the question of “Does my baby need a helmet?” becomes a big component of that decision making. The idea of helmet therapy can be overwhelming, and it’s natural to have questions. As a pediatric physical therapist, I’m here to help you navigate this important decision with confidence and clarity.
Helmet therapy, also known as cranial orthosis, is a treatment used to correct conditions causing a flattened skull. These conditions are called plagiocephaly, brachycephaly, and scaphocephaly.
These conditions occur when a baby’s head develops a flat spot, often due to spending a lot of time lying on one part of their skull. This can be on one side or straight across the back. The helmet is custom-made to gently shape the baby’s skull as they grow, guiding it into a more rounded and symmetrical shape.
The need for helmet therapy depends on the severity of the flat spot, how old your munchkin is, and how your baby’s head shape continues to change over time. In most cases, mild flattening can resolve with physical therapy services and a helmet is not warranted. However, there are situations where helmet therapy may be indicated.
Many parents come to me with questions about what they can try at home before even considering using a helmet. The first stop is to see a pediatric physical therapist. A physical therapist will be able to treat the root cause. Most commonly the root cause for head shape concerns is the lack of mobility, strength, endurance, and coordination somewhere in the body. Please see my blog post on head shape here for more details. Typically the longer you wait to initiate physical therapy, the more severe the head shape gets.
If you are concerned about your baby’s head shape, two immediate takeaways you can start applying today are:
Alternate the direction you lay your baby down in their crib or bassinet. This will encourage your munchkin to turn their head in different directions in response to your voice and/or visual stimuli.
Reduce the amount of time your baby spends in car seats, swings, or bouncers, as these can contribute to excessive pressure on the back of the head or on the same side of their head.
If helmet therapy is recommended, rest assured that it’s a safe and well-established treatment. The helmet is custom-fitted to your baby’s head and will be adjusted regularly as your baby grows. Most babies adapt quickly to wearing the helmet and continue to meet their developmental milestones.
If you notice that your baby’s head is flattening or if you’re concerned about their head shape, it’s important to get an assessment by a pediatric physical therapist. Early assessment and intervention can make a significant difference and can oftentimes prevent the need for a helmet altogether. Your physical therapist will assess your baby’s head shape, whole-body mobility, strength and milestone development to determine the best course of action.
Good intentioned pediatricians often advise concerned parents to “wait and see” how the head shape progresses until the next wellness visit. If this is you, advocate for early physical therapy referral or go straight to a physical therapist. You do not need a referral from your pediatrician to get a physical therapy evaluation. Deciding whether your baby needs a helmet can be daunting, but remember that you’re not alone. Together with the care from your pediatric physical therapist, you will make the best decision for your munchkin.
If you’re concerned about your baby’s head shape, trust your instincts and seek professional advice early. With the right guidance and intervention, you can help ensure your baby’s head develops healthily and symmetrically.
If you have any questions or need further information, don’t hesitate to reach out to a pediatric physical therapist. Your baby’s health and well-being are our top priority!
