Click here for photo creditFor plagiocephaly both helmet therapy and repositioning are commonly recommended by pediatricians. The best treatment option depends on the severity and cause of the condition.
Repositioning involves regularly changing the position of the baby’s head to prevent pressure on certain areas, promoting an even distribution of pressure on the skull. This is often the first line of treatment for mild cases of plagiocephaly.
If repositioning alone is not effective, a helmet (sometimes called cranial molding helmets) may be prescribed to help correct the shape of the head. The helmet helps to reshape the head by applying gentle pressure to the flat or irregular areas. It's usually worn for several hours each day and gradually reduced over time as the head's shape improves.
If you’re a parent who is considering a helmet for your baby, here’s 5 things to keep in mind:
1. There are other options besides a helmet.
As already mentioned, helmet use is not the only option to treat plagiocephaly. You can try physical or occupational theory to treat the asymmetry. Depending on your baby’s age a therapist might be able to suggest certain positions or ways to hold your baby that will help to address the asymmetry. If that doesn't address the asymmetry, then the next course of action may be helmet use.
2. Don’t wait and see!
This just seems to be a recurring theme for me on this blog! The earlier you can intervene the better the results. Typically, the rule of thumb is to try and intervene before 6 months of age, however if your baby is older than 6 months it’s not the end of the world, the results might just take longer. The younger we can intervene the better the results.
3. Stick with the plan!
The helmet is only going to be effective if you follow the directions. It will be tempting to remove it during family gatherings or other social events but, just like with any prescription medication, it is much more effective if you wear it as directed. The timing and duration of helmet use varies depending on the severity of the condition. Consistent and proper use of the helmet is crucial for success, as is following any other recommendations made by the healthcare team.
4. Helmets are expensive.
Insurance companies may not cover the cost of the helmet. Unfortunately, many insurance companies deem helmet use as cosmetic and will not cover it. It’s important to check with them beforehand so you have an understanding of your out-of-pocket cost. Some helmet companies offer helmets at a discounted price if you do not have insurance coverage so be sure to shop around.
5. You didn't do anything wrong!
There's lots of discussion about babies and head shape and the amount of time they spend in containers, but the reality is that it’s probably much more complicated than that. It could be the time in containers, but it could also be the positioning in the womb, the type of mattress, or even be that their skull is just more malleable. The point is…it's almost impossible to determine what contributed to the asymmetry of the skull and there is no point trying to figure out the ”cause” or trying to lay blame.
It is important to remember that every child is unique, and the best course of action should be determined in consultation with a healthcare professional. The decision to use a helmet versus repositioning techniques should be made in consultation with healthcare professionals. At the end of the day the time your baby spends in a helmet might feel like an eternity, but it's really just a small part of their life and it will probably be harder on you then them!
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