{"id":778,"date":"2021-01-18T09:26:28","date_gmt":"2021-01-18T09:26:28","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/kidsaversnetwork.com\/?p=778"},"modified":"2021-03-04T22:52:36","modified_gmt":"2021-03-04T22:52:36","slug":"flat-head-baby-helmet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kidsaversnetwork.com\/newborn\/flat-head-baby-helmet\/","title":{"rendered":"What is a Flat Head Baby Helmet?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Flat head baby syndrome (or more technically known as &#8220;Positional Plagiocephaly&#8221;) is a condition that affects a surprising number of babies. You might have heard a&nbsp;flat head baby helmet can correct the condition &#8211; and it costs several thousands of dollars!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/kidsaversnetwork.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/flatheadhelmets-min-300x113.webp 300w,https:\/\/kidsaversnetwork.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/flatheadhelmets-min-20x8.webp 20w,https:\/\/kidsaversnetwork.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/flatheadhelmets-min.webp 690w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img src=\"https:\/\/kidsaversnetwork.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/flatheadhelmets-min-300x113.jpg\" height=\"113\" width=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kidsaversnetwork.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/flatheadhelmets-min-300x113.jpg 300w, https:\/\/kidsaversnetwork.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/flatheadhelmets-min-20x8.jpg 20w, https:\/\/kidsaversnetwork.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/flatheadhelmets-min.jpg 690w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" class=\"wp-image-779 sp-no-webp\" alt=\"flat head baby helmet\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"  > <\/picture><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><br>\nIn this article, we&#8217;ll try and shed some light on what it is and is it really something to worry about (like us parents don&#8217;t have enough!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Flat_Head_Baby_Syndrome\"><\/span>Flat Head Baby Syndrome<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-white ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-662e535e4098e\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-662e535e4098e\" checked aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/kidsaversnetwork.com\/newborn\/flat-head-baby-helmet\/#Flat_Head_Baby_Syndrome\" title=\"Flat Head Baby Syndrome\">Flat Head Baby Syndrome<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/kidsaversnetwork.com\/newborn\/flat-head-baby-helmet\/#Flat_head_controversy\" title=\"Flat head controversy\">Flat head controversy<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/kidsaversnetwork.com\/newborn\/flat-head-baby-helmet\/#What_is_a_flat_head_baby_Helmet\" title=\"What is a flat head baby Helmet?\">What is a flat head baby Helmet?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/kidsaversnetwork.com\/newborn\/flat-head-baby-helmet\/#How_much_does_the_helmet_cost\" title=\"How much does the helmet cost?\">How much does the helmet cost?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/kidsaversnetwork.com\/newborn\/flat-head-baby-helmet\/#Is_it_covered_by_medical_insurance\" title=\"Is it covered by medical insurance?\">Is it covered by medical insurance?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/kidsaversnetwork.com\/newborn\/flat-head-baby-helmet\/#Does_it_need_to_be_specially_fitted\" title=\"Does it need to be specially fitted?\">Does it need to be specially fitted?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/kidsaversnetwork.com\/newborn\/flat-head-baby-helmet\/#What_issues_will_the_helmet_correct\" title=\"What issues will the helmet correct?\">What issues will the helmet correct?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/kidsaversnetwork.com\/newborn\/flat-head-baby-helmet\/#How_is_it_made\" title=\"How is it made?\">How is it made?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/kidsaversnetwork.com\/newborn\/flat-head-baby-helmet\/#Will_the_helmet_harm_my_baby\" title=\"Will the helmet harm&nbsp;my baby?\">Will the helmet harm&nbsp;my baby?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/kidsaversnetwork.com\/newborn\/flat-head-baby-helmet\/#When_should_we_use_a_Flat_Head_Helmet\" title=\"When should we use a Flat Head Helmet?\">When should we use a Flat Head Helmet?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/kidsaversnetwork.com\/newborn\/flat-head-baby-helmet\/#Are_there_any_alternatives\" title=\"Are there any alternatives?\">Are there any alternatives?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p>Babies are born with soft heads which allow for brain growth during the first year of life. As a result of having a soft head, it can be easily molded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Positional Plagiocephaly is a condition that causes a baby to have a flat spot on his head. It is usually caused by the baby sleeping in the same position all the time, but can have other causes such as the way the baby was positioned in the mother\u2019s womb.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Flat_head_controversy\"><\/span>Flat head controversy<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Some experts believe that forcing infants to sleep on their back (like the Government&#8217;s &#8220;Back to Sleep Campaign&#8221;) has helped cause the issue. Other believe it&#8217;s a&nbsp;temporary issue and&nbsp;a baby&#8217;s head remolds and corrects itself after the first year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, sometimes the condition seems severe, and your pediatric neurologist might recommend a Flat Head Baby Helmet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_a_flat_head_baby_Helmet\"><\/span>What is a flat head baby Helmet?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A flat head baby helmet is used to reshape the baby\u2019s head. The helmet is usually made out of plastic and can look a lot like a bicycle helmet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Depending on the severity of the flat head, your baby might need to wear&nbsp;it anywhere from a month to up to 6 months, round-the-clock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_much_does_the_helmet_cost\"><\/span>How much does the helmet cost?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The&nbsp;&nbsp;cost can be anywhere from $2300 to $4000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_it_covered_by_medical_insurance\"><\/span>Is it covered by medical insurance?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Insurance companies do not have the best track record when it comes to positional plagiocephaly&nbsp;. This is because some insurance companies do not recognize it&nbsp;as a medical condition yet, and not much research has been done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is better to ask your insurance company about coverage beforehand. Your insurance company might only cover some of the costs, or none at all. &nbsp;If you find that your insurance will not cover the cost of the helmet, ask your Orthotist if paying in full, in advance, will result in a discount as opposed to making long term payments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_it_need_to_be_specially_fitted\"><\/span>Does it need to be specially fitted?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, your Orthotist will carefully measure the shape of your child&#8217;s head and construct a plastic helmet. This is why the costs for these helmets are so high. The helmet will be custom fitted for your baby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_issues_will_the_helmet_correct\"><\/span>What issues will the helmet correct?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>First, it will act as a cushion to prevent undue pressure on one side of the head and allow for better pressure distribution along the bones of the skull.<br>\nSecondly, it will be fitted in such a way as to permit the expansion of the bones of the skull back into the flat area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_is_it_made\"><\/span>How is it made?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>First, your child\u2019s head will be measured with a cloth measuring tape. Then a plaster of Paris casting of your child\u2019s head will be made. This should take about twenty minutes during the visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The construction of the Helmet will take about two weeks. When construction is finished, you and your baby can return for a fitting. If the fitting is correct, you will be able to begin using the helmet. Proper instructions for use will be given to you by your Orthotist at this time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Will_the_helmet_harm_my_baby\"><\/span>Will the helmet harm&nbsp;my baby?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>No, the use of the Helmet is not harmful to your baby as long as you follow the instructions given by your Doctor. You also need to keep it clean. Cleaning instructions and necessary care for the Helmet will also be provided to you by your Doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Wearing the Helmet will cause perspiration, so it is important to keep your child\u2019s head and hair clean too. Washing the head and hair area, and helmet, with a mild soap, will help reduce the growth of any harmful bacteria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Inspect the baby\u2019s skin often to check for redness or rashes. If you notice this, seek the advice of your Doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_should_we_use_a_Flat_Head_Helmet\"><\/span>When should we use a Flat Head Helmet?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Your baby\u2019s brain grows the most during the first year of life. For the helmet to be effective, it should be used before the first year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ideally, the best time for use is between six to seven months, but this is dependent on your baby. Usually, the Helmet will only be worn until twelve months of age. Your Doctor will decide if it must be worn longer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The following page is useful as it provides advice on performing an &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cranialtech.com\/online-assessment\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">At Home Assessment<\/a>&#8220;.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_there_any_alternatives\"><\/span>Are there any alternatives?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As outlined above, you can take a \u201cWait and See\u201d approach as baby flat head can correct itself over&nbsp;time. More tummy-time and making sure your baby isn&#8217;t always resting on the same spot is definitely an option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There was <a href=\"https:\/\/well.blogs.nytimes.com\/2014\/05\/01\/helmets-do-little-to-help-moderate-infant-skull-flattening-study-finds\/?_r=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">an article in The NY Times<\/a> that highlighted a &#8220;rigorous study&#8221; which concluded the helmets had &#8220;<em>virtually no treatment effect<\/em>&#8220;.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some parents have reported great success with <a href=\"https:\/\/kidsaversnetwork.com\/newborn\/the-best-baby-pillow-for-flat-head-syndrome\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">flat head baby pillows<\/a>, though currently there&#8217;s no also scientific backing to their effectiveness.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Flat head baby syndrome (or more technically known as &#8220;Positional Plagiocephaly&#8221;) is a condition that affects a surprising number of babies. You might have heard a&nbsp;flat head baby helmet can correct the condition &#8211; and it costs several thousands of dollars! In this article, we&#8217;ll try and shed some light on what it is and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":779,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"So you have a newborn, congratulations! So what&#039;s this about a baby flat head helmet?  Do you really need to prevent a baby flat head? Find the answers now.","_seopress_robots_index":"","_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"default","ast-site-content-layout":"","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"default","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/kidsaversnetwork.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/flatheadhelmets-min.jpg",690,260,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/kidsaversnetwork.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/flatheadhelmets-min-200x200.jpg",200,200,true],"medium":["https:\/\/kidsaversnetwork.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/flatheadhelmets-min-300x113.jpg",300,113,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/kidsaversnetwork.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/flatheadhelmets-min.jpg",690,260,false],"large":["https:\/\/kidsaversnetwork.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/flatheadhelmets-min.jpg",690,260,false],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/kidsaversnetwork.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/flatheadhelmets-min.jpg",690,260,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/kidsaversnetwork.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/flatheadhelmets-min.jpg",690,260,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Sandy","author_link":"https:\/\/kidsaversnetwork.com\/author\/sandy\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"Flat head baby syndrome (or more technically known as &#8220;Positional Plagiocephaly&#8221;) is a condition that affects a surprising number of babies. You might have heard a&nbsp;flat head baby helmet can correct the condition &#8211; and it costs several thousands of dollars! In this article, we&#8217;ll try and shed some light on what it is and&hellip;","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kidsaversnetwork.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/778"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kidsaversnetwork.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kidsaversnetwork.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kidsaversnetwork.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kidsaversnetwork.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=778"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/kidsaversnetwork.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/778\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kidsaversnetwork.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/779"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kidsaversnetwork.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=778"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kidsaversnetwork.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=778"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kidsaversnetwork.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=778"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}