Winter fades, spring steps in, and parents navigating cranial helmet therapy for their little ones suddenly face a new set of hurdles. The weather flips back and forth, outdoor time increases, and those tiny heads trapped in helmets start sweating in ways that weren’t a problem just a month ago.
Adjusting to these seasonal shifts is crucial for comfort and keeping helmet therapy on track. The good news is that a few tweaks can make all the difference.
Underestimating How Heat Affects Helmet Fit & Comfort
Spring’s sneaky like that—one day it’s breezy, the next it feels like summer showed up uninvited. And here’s the catch: that extra warmth means more sweating, and more sweating means an increased risk of skin irritation. Some babies even develop rashes under their helmets because of trapped moisture.
How to stay ahead of this:
Check your baby’s skin often, do you notice any redness or irritation? Time to adjust.
Keep rooms cool with fans or air conditioning, especially during sleep.
Ask your orthotist about moisture-wicking helmet liners. These can help soak up sweat before it becomes a problem.
Dressing Baby Like It’s Still Winter
Layering up was necessary in the colder months, but now? Too much clothing can trap heat, making the helmet feel like a sauna. Babies overheat faster than adults, and a few extra layers can make them fussy fast.
How to keep them comfy:
Switching to lightweight, breathable fabric cotton is a great choice.
Indoors? Keep layers minimal. If you’re warm, they’re roasting.
Spot excessive sweating? Some short, supervised cooling-off breaks, as advised by your doctor, may be beneficial.
Forgetting to Step Up Helmet Cleaning
Sweat, heat, bacteria—it’s messy if you’re not keeping up with helmet hygiene. A little neglect, and suddenly, that helmet smells terrible or causes skin irritation.
Simple ways to keep it fresh:
Wipe it down daily with mild soap and warm water. Avoid harsh cleaners, as they can exacerbate the issue.
Ensure it is fully dry before putting it back on.
Lingering odor? Ask your orthotist about safe disinfectants for your helmet.
Not Adjusting for More Outdoor Time
Warmer weather means more time outside, which is excellent—but direct sun and helmet therapy don’t always mix well. Sun-heated helmets can become uncomfortably warm, and airborne allergens may cause unexpected skin irritation.
What to keep in mind:
Avoid direct sunlight on the helmet; use a stroller sunshade or seek shade.
Hydration matters! More sweat means more lost fluids, so keep the baby drinking.
Pollen and dust can stick to the helmet; a quick wipe-down after outdoor adventures is recommended.
Missing Crucial Follow-Up Appointments
Between spring activities and everyday chaos, it’s easy to postpone a follow-up appointment; however, minor delays can lead to significant setbacks. Babies grow fast, and seasonal changes might alter how the helmet fits.
Stay on top of it by:
Scheduling follow-ups ahead of time (and setting reminders).
Watch for pressure marks, looseness, or unusual redness. If you see anything, don’t wait—call your orthotist.
Remember that spring growth spurts are a thing! Adjustments might be needed sooner than expected.
Wrapping It Up: Spring’s Here—Make It Work for You
The transition from winter to spring doesn’t have to throw a wrench in your baby’s helmet therapy. A little planning—more extraordinary outfits, consistent cleaning, smart outdoor habits, and regular check-ups—goes a long way. These slight changes can keep your baby comfortable, help the helmet do its job, and make the season much smoother for everyone.
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@cranialcenter.com