The first thing parents notice is shape. Not numbers. Not syndromes. Shape. A forehead that leans too far forward. A ridge that feels harder than it should when a hand moves absentmindedly across a baby’s scalp during a 3 a.m. feeding that blurs into morning. No alarm bells yet. Just a pause. Then another look. Craniosynostosis rarely announces itself with…
A mother steps into daycare, balancing a diaper bag and her six-month-old in her arms. The baby’s wide eyes take in the room from beneath a small, snug cranial helmet—a device meant to correct the gentle asymmetry of his growing skull. As she passes him to the caregiver, there’s a pause—a flicker of hesitation. “Does he have special needs?” the…
Flat head syndrome, or positional plagiocephaly, is a common condition where a baby’s head develops a flat spot due to sustained pressure on one part of the skull. While early intervention often leads to successful outcomes, treating older infants presents unique challenges and requires a tailored approach. This blog post delves into the specifics of cranial orthosis treatment for older…
Cranial orthosis, commonly known as helmet therapy, has been used for decades to treat abnormal head shapes in infants. While its use declined in the early 2000s due to questions about its effectiveness, recent research has renewed interest in this non-invasive approach for correcting skull deformities that can arise due to restricted movement, sleeping position, and other factors. The cranial…
Equipping an infant with a cranial helmet, often necessary for conditions like plagiocephaly, marks a commitment to the child’s health and developmental success. Yet, this choice can sometimes draw criticism and unsolicited advice, placing additional emotional burdens on parents. Stuart Weiner, CPO, LPO, and director of the Cranial Center in New Jersey, the goal of this article is to empower…
Navigating social situations with your baby’s cranial orthosis (a helmet used to reshape the skull) can be a sensitive topic for many parents. Here are some tips to help you manage these situations with confidence and empathy: Educate Yourself and Others: Understand the purpose and function of cranial orthosis. This knowledge will empower you to explain its importance to others…
We hope you all have a very Merry Christmas, from all of us at Cranial Center!
The staff at Cranial Center is pleased to say a happy goodbye to Jackson, Justin and Asher! You guys nailed this helmet thing!