Why are so many babies wearing helmets now?

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.

Why do babies need helmets sometimes?

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 helmets actually help babies?

Sometimes, helmet therapy can help. Slight imperfections in a baby’s head are normal after birth, but as babies grow, a misshapen head could be a sign of something else. Sometimes, helmet therapy can help correct a baby’s misshapen head.

Why do American babies wear helmets?

The USA’s Recognition of Helmet Therapy. Unlike its British neighbours, the USA’s medical professions have recently recognised and positively endorsed helmet therapy as the treatment of choice for infants who have moderate to severe levels of positional skull flattening.

How do I prevent my baby from wearing a helmet?

Try these tips:

1. Practice tummy time. Provide plenty of supervised time for your baby to lie on the stomach while awake during the day.
2. Vary positions in the crib. Consider how you lay your baby down in the crib.
3. Hold your baby more often.
4. Change the head position while your baby sleeps.

Is Flat Head Syndrome bad?

Flat head syndrome is not dangerous and doesn’t affect brain development, and as long as they’re doing tummy time, most little ones grow out of it on their own by around six months, when they’re rolling over and starting to sit up.

How much does helmet therapy 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.

How is plagiocephaly prevented?

When can you stop worrying about flat head?

When does flat head syndrome go away? Flat head syndrome is most common between the ages of 6 weeks and 2 months old, and almost always resolve completely by age 2, particularly if parents and caregivers regularly work on varying baby’s positions when he’s awake.

How long do babies with flat heads wear helmets?

They’re usually made of plastic with a foam lining, and they look similar to a kid’s bicycle 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.

What if plagiocephaly is left 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.