Pediatric Cranial Remolding Helmets: The Basics 

What is a Pediatric Cranial Remolding Helmet?

A pediatric Cranial Remolding helmet, also called a cranial band or cranial remolding orthosis, is a custom-made helmet designed to correct abnormalities in an infant's skull growth.

What conditions are treated with Cranial Remolding Helmet?

Several conditions can lead a doctor to prescribe a cranial remolding helmet. An infant wears this helmet to assist in healthy skull growth. A pediatrician might also recommend this intervention to correct certain positional skull deformities.

When an infant is born, their skull is still soft and unfused so that it can grow as the baby grows. Positional skull deformities, such as plagiocephaly, occur when a baby spends a lot of time in one position and their skull develops an uneven shape. For example, some flattening may occur when infants sleep on their back. This is not uncommon, particularly since the start of the "back to sleep" movement, which advises parents to put babies to sleep on their backs.

Here are some common indicators for cranial remolding helmets:

• Plagiocephaly (unilateral flattening)
• Brachycephaly (bilateral flattening)
• Scaphocephaly
• Other cranial asymmetries
  

How does a Cranial Remolding Helmet work?

Intervention with a cranial remolding helmet is best administered when a child is between 3-8 months old. Before we fit a baby for a helmet, we ensure that repositioning techniques and physical therapy options have been addressed. In some cases, repositioning resolves the flattening without using a helmet.

Will my baby be uncomfortable?

Typically, when a baby is prescribed a cranial remolding helmet, it is meant to be worn around 23 hours per day. The helmet's purpose is to encourage skull growth in a healthy shape. The baby wears the helmet most of the day, but it can be removed for bathing. The helmet has a hard outer shell, but the inside is lined with a soft cushion to maximize the baby’s comfort. You can read more about cranial remodeling helmets here.

Inclusivity

We try to encourage an inclusive environment for our patients and their families. On our website, you can find a variety of resources. We have book recommendations for kids to help them see children represented with orthotics in an accessible way.

About Kenney Orthopedics

We offer exceptional prosthetic and orthotic care across Kentucky, Indiana, and North Carolina. Our team of professional practitioners can help you with the care you need. For more information, contact us by filling out this online form, emailing us, or calling (866) 853-1492. If you are interested in learning more about us and connecting with your local community, check out our Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube page. 

Locations

We have offices in KY, IN, and NC. To find the contact information for the office nearest to you, click here for more information.