Congratulations, you’ve made it through cranial helmet treatment for your baby’s plagiocephaly or brachycephaly! Watching their head shape transform and achieve symmetry is incredibly rewarding. However, removing the helmet continues your child’s cranial reshaping journey. Ongoing monitoring and care can help ensure their new head shape remains stable as they continue growing. Here’s what to expect in the post-helmet treatment stage.
“Watching a baby’s head shape transform from asymmetry to symmetry is incredibly rewarding, but our role doesn’t end with just removing the helmet, says Stuart Weiner, CPO, LPO, and owner of Cranial Center. Weiner continues: Diligent monitoring and nurturing proper growth in the months afterward ensure these young patients retain their corrected head shapes for years to come, letting their confidence and development thrive.”
Initial Transition Period
You may notice some inevitable changes in the first few weeks after ending treatment from the cranial helmet. Your baby’s hair may appear sparse or patchy in areas due to being flattened by the helmet pressure. Their skin may look reddened or develop minor rashes where the helmet rested, but this will clear up quickly.
More notably, you’ll likely see an incredibly round, upright head shape that seems drastically different from their original asymmetry. Don’t worry; this is just an overcorrection phase. As new, unrestricted growth occurs, their head will begin normalizing to an egg-like shape over time.
Repositioning Practices
Without the helmet to guide your baby’s head position, it’s important to incorporate daily repositioning at home. Creating a positioning routine with strategies like varying sleep directional ties can discourage habits like reverting to their previous asymmetric head preferences.
Tummy time is also crucial for preventing further flattening once the helmet comes off. Aim for several brief tummy sessions throughout the day, rolling a towel under their chest for support. This encourages neck strengthening and upright head positioning.
Managing Hair and Skin Changes
One cosmetic concern many parents face is the appearance of bald spots or uneven hair growth lines across their baby’s head post-helmet. While deflating at first, rest assured the hair will eventually grow evenly. Using massaging brushes and keeping areas clean can help promote regrowth.
Rashes, dry skin, and acne may also appear in weight-bearing areas against the helmet’s surface. Keep these areas clean and use gentle moisturizers, allowing time for healing.
Support for Adjustments
Removing the cranial helmet marks a significant transition, and it’s normal for parents to feel mixed emotions. Find community support from others who’ve been through this journey. Share milestones and celebrate your child’s incredible head shape progress.
Your baby can retain their corrected head shape for years with patience, commitment to nurturing proper growth, and vigilance in watching for setbacks. The end of cranial helmet therapy is just the start of a lifetime journey of beauty, confidence, and developmental achievements.
The Cranial Center of New Jersey is one of the first and finest cranial centers on the East Coast, specializing in early intervention cranial and helmet therapy. Cranial Center was the first to offer the STARband™ scanner and helmets in New Jersey and the third company in the world with 3-D technology. Owned and operated by Stuart Weiner, CPO, the Cranial Center is certified by the American Board of Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Pedorthics. Our facilities are conveniently located across New Jersey: Hackensack, Hazlet, and Morristown. Contact us for a complimentary consultation at 800 685 9116 or at info AT cranial center dot com
