UNDERSTANDING CRANIAL HELMETS: SUPPORTING HEALTHY HEAD GROWTH IN BABIES

bionicpo
Dec 2
2 min read

Every baby grows at their own pace learning to roll, sit, smile, and interact with the world in beautiful little ways. But during early development, babies’ skulls are soft and flexible, which is a natural and important part of growth.

Sometimes, this flexibility can lead to flat spots or uneven shaping of the head. This is known as plagiocephaly, and it’s more common than many parents realize. The good news? With the right guidance and gentle treatment, the head shape can often be corrected.

One of the most effective treatments is a cranial remolding helmet, also known as a cranial orthosis, a safe, lightweight device that gently encourages the baby’s skull to grow into a more symmetrical shape.

At Bionic Prosthetics & Orthotics, we work closely with families to support this process with care, clarity, and compassion.

What is Plagiocephaly?

Plagiocephaly simply means asymmetry or flatness in a baby’s head shape.

Common forms include:

Because a baby’s skull bones are still forming, they can change shape based on consistent pressure in one area.

Why Does This Happen?

Babies naturally spend a lot of time:

Sleeping on their backs (as recommended for safe sleep)
Sitting in carriers or strollers
Resting before they develop muscle control to roll over

Additionally, some babies prefer turning their head to one side or may have tight neck muscles (torticollis), which makes looking to one side easier than the other.

None of this means you’ve done something wrong.

What is a Cranial Helmet (Cranial Remolding Orthosis)?

A cranial helmet is a custom-made, lightweight orthotic helmet designed to help guide growth of the baby’s skull.

It does not squeeze the head.It does not hurt the baby.It simply provides a supportive structure that encourages growth where it’s needed, and holds shape where growth is already sufficient.

Think of it like gently shaping clay while it’s still soft.

How Does It Work?

The helmet:

Provides room for growth in flatter areas
Limits growth slightly in rounded areas
Helps the skull shape balance itself over time

Babies typically wear the helmet for:

18–23 hours per day
3–6 months on average (depends on age, severity, and growth)

The younger the baby is when treatment begins, the faster and more effective the results typically are.

"Cranial helmets are most effective between 4–12 months of age when skull growth is fastest."- Bionic Po Clinical Team

Will My Baby Be Uncomfortable?

Most babies:

Adjust within the first 2–3 days
Continue to play, sleep, and smile just like always
Treat the helmet like a normal part of their routine

Parents often share that the adjustment is harder for adults than for babies.

What About Child Development?

Correcting head shape early:

Supports better symmetry in facial and skull development
Can reduce strain on jaw alignment
Helps ensure space for normal brain growth (the helmet does not restrict brain development, it only helps shape bone growth patterns)