As a parent, navigating the world of baby helmet therapy for your baby can be overwhelming. Especially in the UK, where helmet therapy isn’t offered on the NHS, you may have been wondering if it’s the right path for your little one. In the US, your insurance provider may cover this cost. Once you’ve decided on the helmet, then some families may face additional challenges of both the helmet therapy and sleep.
Your baby helmet therapy may be aimed at addressing plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome) or brachycephaly, finding the right treatment is crucial for your child’s well-being.
I understand this journey first-hand, as my own son, Charlie, underwent helmet therapy (he had a TiMband, in the US you may have a Doc Band helmet) for severe brachycephaly over a six month period. He was rather late to the party, starting his treatment at 11 months.
Even as a child sleep specialist I was worried about the impact on Charlie’s sleep (which we’d only just managed to get right after a really long period of illness!).
Through this experience, I’ve learned valuable insights into how helmet therapy can affect a baby’s sleep and overall comfort. From my own parenting experience, and as a baby sleep expert, I’ll aim to explore the nuances of helmet therapy and its impact on your baby’s sleep patterns, along with practical tips for coping with any challenges that may arise.
Table of Contents
Understanding Helmet Therapy for Baby’s Head Shape
What is Helmet therapy? Helmet therapy, also known as cranial orthosis, is a non-invasive treatment aimed at reshaping a baby’s skull as it grows. You have have had concerned about the shape of your baby’s head or been told they have flat head syndrome. Typically this ‘treatment’ takes place in the first year of life as the baby’s head is growing rapidly. Most helmets are worn for 23 hours a day, including day and nighttime sleep periods.
Most commonly the helmet aims to address abnormalities with baby’s head such as plagiocephaly or brachycephaly. Helmets can also be used to support a baby with the rarer condition or craniosynostosis where the plates of the skull prematurely fuse together. Unlike plagiocephaly or brachycephaly, this requires treatment at a specialist centre like Great Ormond Street Hospital. Charlie was originally seen and assessed for this. A worrying experience all round.
Yes – the clean up job was as bad as you probably think it was. Oh my – all those little holes!!
Helmet therapy involves the use of a custom-fitted cranial helmet designed to gently apply pressure to specific areas of baby’s head, encouraging balanced growth and alignment. The idea is this helps to change the shape of the skull before it becomes too ‘firm’. Assessing a baby’s head shape is crucial for determining the need for a protective helmet.
Most babies with mild plagiocephaly or mild brachycephaly won’t need a helmet, just lots of positioning and ‘tummy time’. For those with more ‘severe’ head shapes, like Charlie’s brachycephaly, the helmet can help speed up or correct the process of reshaping. The treatment will take several months.
Most commonly the helmet aims to address abnormalities such as deformational plagiocephaly or brachycephaly. Helmets can also be used to support a baby with the rarer condition or craniosynostosis where the plates of the skull prematurely fuse together. Unlike deformational plagiocephaly or brachycephaly, this requires treatment at a specialist centre like Great Ormond Street Hospital. Charlie was originally seen and assessed for this. A worrying experience all round.
Common Challenges with Head Shape Correction
Correcting a baby’s head shape can be a challenging process, and there are several common obstacles that parents and healthcare professionals may encounter. Here are some of the most common challenges with head shape correction:
Limited Neck Rotation: Babies with positional plagiocephaly often have limited neck rotation on one side, which can make it difficult for them to turn their head to the unaffected side. They may have another diagnosis of Torticollis. This can lead to a perpetuation of the flat spot, making it harder to correct.
Tummy Time Resistance: Tummy time is an essential part of repositioning therapy, but some babies may resist or show discomfort when placed on their stomachs. This can make it challenging to encourage tummy time and promote head shape correction.
Sleep Positioning: The “Back to Sleep” campaign has been successful in reducing SIDS, but it has also contributed to the rise in positional plagiocephaly cases. Ensuring that babies sleep on their backs while also promoting head shape correction can be a delicate balance.
Helmet Therapy Compliance: Helmet therapy requires a significant commitment from parents, with helmets needing to be worn for 23 hours a day. Ensuring compliance and addressing any issues that may arise during treatment can be a challenge.
Physical Therapy Limitations: Physical therapy can be an effective way to address issues related to positional plagiocephaly, but it may not be enough to correct the head shape on its own. In some cases, helmet therapy or other treatments may be necessary.
Reconstructive Surgery: In severe cases of craniosynostosis (different to flat head syndrome), reconstructive surgery may be necessary to correct the head shape. This can be a daunting prospect for parents, and ensuring that they are prepared for the surgery and recovery process is essential.
Parental Anxiety: Correcting a baby’s head shape can be a stressful and anxiety-provoking experience for parents. Ensuring that they have access to support and resources throughout the process is crucial.
Helmet Fit and Comfort: Ensuring that the helmet fits comfortably and does not cause skin irritation or discomfort is essential. Regular adjustments and monitoring may be necessary to ensure a proper fit.
Treatment Duration: The duration of helmet therapy can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the age of the child. Ensuring that parents are prepared for the length of treatment and any potential setbacks is essential.
Follow-Up Care: Regular follow-up appointments with a healthcare professional are necessary to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan. Ensuring that parents understand the importance of follow-up care is crucial.
By understanding these common challenges, parents and healthcare professionals can work together to overcome obstacles and ensure successful head shape correction.
Effects of Helmet Therapy and Sleep
While helmet therapy is instrumental in correcting flat spots, it can also pose challenges, particularly when it comes to your baby’s sleep. Some common effects of helmet therapy on baby sleep include:
Helmet Therapy and Sleep Disturbance: The initial adjustment period to wearing a cranial helmet may disrupt your baby’s sleep patterns. They may experience discomfort or agitation as they acclimate to the sensation of wearing the helmet during sleep.
Discomfort and Irritation: Helmet therapy can sometimes cause discomfort or irritation for your baby, especially during the first few days or weeks of wearing the helmet. Sore spots can appear and this discomfort may lead to restless sleep or frequent waking throughout the night.
Changes in Sleep Patterns: Your baby’s sleep patterns may shift as they adapt to wearing the helmet. They may prefer certain sleeping positions over others or experience difficulty finding a comfortable sleeping position with the helmet on. Babies who consistently sleep in one position may also develop pressure points or discomfort.
Temperature Regulation: Some babies may have difficulty regulating their body temperature while wearing a cranial helmet, leading to potential overheating or discomfort during sleep.
Charlie at 12 months sleeping with his helmet
Helmet therapy and sleep: Coping Strategies for Parents
Navigating helmet therapy and its effects on your baby’s sleep can be challenging, but there are strategies you can employ to help ease the transition:
Gradual Introduction: Introduce the helmet gradually, allowing your baby time to adjust to wearing it during awake hours before incorporating it into their sleep routine. Your therapy provider should be able to recommend a gentle transition schedule for your child, slowly building on the amount of ‘wear time’ each day.
Comfort Measures: Ensure that the helmet fits properly and is comfortable for your baby. Padding the helmet with soft materials or adjusting the fit can help alleviate discomfort during sleep. However, make sure you discuss extra padding with your treatment provider. Especially if you feel your baby is uncomfortable or getting sore spots – ring your team straight away. Your provider may suggest using Vaseline or Sudocreme to protect the skin if there are red sore spots if they’ve been sleeping in a certain position. Refer to the guidance for your helmet from your provider to resolve the issue.
Monitor their temperature: Lot’s of babies will run ‘hotter’ when wearing a helmet. You may need to reduce their clothing layers, or reduce the tog rating of their sleep sack/sleeping bag (e.g. from 2.5 tog to 1.5 tog). In the summer they may need to sleep in just a nappy and you may want to consider using a rotating fan (not pointing directly on them) to help keep them cool. We want to avoid hot, sweaty babies!
Establishing a Consistent Bedtime Routine: Stick to a consistent bedtime routine to help your baby feel secure and relaxed before sleep. Incorporate calming activities such as a warm bath or gentle massage to promote relaxation. Check out many of my other blog posts on promoting good sleep hygiene, my sleep environment course and others. If you baby slept well prior to weaning a helmet then it’s likely they’ll adjust quickly.
Monitor Your Baby’s Comfort: Pay close attention to your baby’s cues and comfort level while wearing the helmet. If they seem agitated or restless during sleep, try adjusting the helmet (with the team) or providing additional comfort measures like a comforter, dummies/pacifier, or some extra cuddles.
Seek Support: Reach out to a healthcare professional or specialist for guidance and support throughout the helmet therapy process, especially if your baby is really struggling. They can offer personalised advice and address any concerns you may have about your baby’s sleep or overall well-being. Remember, they do this everyday!
Sleep support: You can absolutely work on sleep and improving sleeping patterns whilst your baby is wearing a helmet. You don’t have to wait until it’s finished. Reach out to someone like me who will really know what it’s like to have a baby going through this process.
Naps in motion are fine! Seriously, if this helps your baby sleep and catch up then let’s go with a pram/stroller, sling or contact nap.
What not to do for Positional Plagiocephaly
This is hard to write as I know parents often adopt or trial new things out of desperation. Having been part of a parents Facebook group since Charlie’s treatment 18 months ago I know all things are tried and advised by well meaning parents.
‘The towel trick’: Unfortunately I can’t advocate for changing the height of parts of the mattress with towels. The NHS and Lullaby Trust ask for babies to sleep on a firm, flat sleep surface to help prevent SIDS. Safe sleep absolutely has to come first and is more important than the skull shape.
Using props, sleep positioners or sleep ‘aids’: Again, the cot needs to be kept clear for safe sleep. If you’re looking for sleep aids that are safe and I rate, you can check them out here.
Add or remove any ‘pads’ applied by your fitting professional during the night
Keeping the helmet on if your baby has a fever (Temp above 38C or 100.4F). Check out my blog post on illness and sleep.
Managing during helmet therapy
Some babies will adjust like nothing ever happened, others may take a few days and others may take 2-3 weeks. Consistency and perseverance (as well as a LOT of practice) will get you to some better, less stressful nights.
Certainly self-care is important. If your baby is struggling then it may be a rough 2-3 weeks as they adjust to sleeping in a new way. Just like when they were a newborn, if you are able to ask for some help to catch up on your own sleep that’s great.
If they’re 6 months+ and already in their own room then consider moving a blow-up mattress into their nursery to you can support them more easily if they’re up a lot at night. Remember the helmet is temporary, they’ll adjust, with time, but you do need to try and look after yourself too.
Still struggling?
If you’re navigating helmet therapy for your baby and seeking personalised support and guidance, I’m here to help. As a Child Sleep Specialist also with first-hand parenting experience during helmet therapy, and obviously understanding helmet therapy and sleep (!) I offer tailored 1:1 consultations to assist parents in managing sleep-related challenges during this journey. Contact me to schedule a consultation and get things back on track.
Conclusion
Helmet therapy is a valuable treatment option for addressing head shape and flat head syndrome in babies, but it can also impact their sleep patterns and comfort.
By understanding the effects of helmet therapy on sleep and implementing practical coping strategies, parents can navigate this journey with confidence and support. Remember, you’re not alone, reach out for personalised guidance and assistance to ensure your baby thrives throughout the helmet therapy process.
If the generic advice on helmet therapy and sleep isn’t helping, I’m here to help! I can tailor advice and plans to your family and situation.
Still need some help?
I’m here to help! I can tailor advice and plans to your family and situation.
I can help establish good sleep bedtime habits and provide tips on how to cope with inevitable nighttime disruptions. I offer tried-and-tested sleep support solutions that are well worth the investment for your whole family.
Have a look at my sleep consultant packages or directly get in touch.
