Why do toddlers wear helmets?

The most common cause for helmets today is to treat positional plagiocephaly, or flat head syndrome. A number of factors contribute to positional plagiocephaly. In most cases, the issue will fix itself by the time the child is 5 years old. But if a parent is concerned, a helmet can help properly shape the skull.

How do you know if your baby needs a helmet?

Your doctor will check your baby’s head size and shape at each well-child visit. These visits happen about every 2 months during infancy. If your baby has a large flat spot that isn’t getting better by about 4 months of age, your doctor may prescribe a helmet.

How long does a baby have to wear a helmet?

Depending on his condition, your baby may wear the helmet for a month or two to as long as six months. Most doctors will instruct you to leave the helmet on for 23 hours each day, removing it only for bathtime.

Are baby helmets really necessary?

“There are definitely cases of infants with mild to moderate skull deformation who are treated with helmet therapy, and this study confirms and reaffirms that this is not necessary,” said Dr. James J. Laughlin, an author of the policy statement on skull deformities for the American Academy of Pediatrics, AAP.

Do babies really need helmets for flat heads?

FRIDAY, May 2, 2014 (HealthDay News) — Some babies develop a flat area on their head from lying in the same position for long periods of time, but special helmets are ineffective in treating the condition, a new study finds.

Does insurance cover baby helmets?

There is a specific protocol that your infant must meet prior to the insurance company agreeing to reimbursement for a cranial helmet. The majority of insurance companies today consider the helmets as medically warranted.

Why do so many babies need helmets?

They’re likely doing helmet therapy (also known as cranial orthosis). … Over time, the bones in the skull fuse together. As a result of their softer skulls, babies can develop irregularly shaped heads. In some cases, they might need a helmet to correct the shape of the head and avoid future health issues.

Do cranial helmets hurt babies?

Helmet molding therapy is not painful or uncomfortable for your baby. Duration of treatment can vary based on your baby’s needs, but average treatment is 3 months. Helmet therapy is also known as cranial orthosis.

Should babies wear helmets when learning to walk?

Still, I’d be hard-pressed to say that falls leading to head trauma during the learning to walk stage are so common that a helmet is needed. Unless your baby has an official health issue, that seriously makes learning to walk a real problem, a helmet is, in my opinion, 100% unnecessary.

How do I prevent my baby from wearing a helmet?

In the helmet, the head can’t grow where it is already round. So it grows where it’s flatter. Helmets make the head rounder quicker than time and normal growth.
…
Try these tips:

1. Practice tummy time. …
2. Vary positions in the crib. …
3. Hold your baby more often. …
4. Change the head position while your baby sleeps.

How much does a helmet for a baby cost?

Helmets to treat flattened skulls range in price from $1,300 to $3,000, and parents are told to make sure infants wear them around the clock. Dr.

Can flat head cause developmental delays?

It’s important to remember that having a flattened head does not affect a child’s brain growth or cause developmental delays or brain damage.

How common is flat head syndrome?

It is more common now that babies sleep on their backs, as recommended by SIDS safety guidelines. While one in five children are affected by flat head syndrome, parents receive mixed messages about whether it has an impact on development, and clinicians don’t have good evidence to allay fears.

What happens if plagiocephaly is untreated?

If congenital plagiocephaly, which is caused by craniosynostosis, is left untreated, it can lead to serious complications, including: Head deformities, possibly severe and permanent. Increased pressure inside the head. Seizures.

How long does it take for baby’s head to round out?

It can take 9-18 months before a baby’s skull is fully formed. During this time some babies develop positional plagiocephaly.

How long does it take for plagiocephaly to correct itself?

When treatment starts at the optimum age of 3-6 months, it usually can be completed within 12 weeks. Correction is still possible in babies up to age 18 months, but will take longer.