Frequently Asked Questions
Will my child mind the helmet?
Most babies adjust surprisingly quickly. While there may be a brief adjustment period, most infants adapt to wearing their helmet within just a few days and continue to eat, sleep, play, and reach developmental milestones as usual.
How long will they wear the helmet?
Every baby's treatment journey is unique. Most infants wear their cranial remolding helmet for 3–5 months, depending on their age, diagnosis, and individual growth. To achieve the best possible correction, the helmet is typically worn 22–23 hours each day, with short breaks for bathing, cleaning, and skin checks.
What is the best age to start wearing a helmet?
The ideal time to begin cranial remolding treatment is between 4 and 6 months of age. During this period, a baby's head is growing rapidly, making treatment highly effective. While helmets can still be beneficial for older infants, starting earlier often leads to shorter treatment times and excellent results.
How do I wash it?
Clean your baby's helmet once a day using rubbing alcohol (70% isopropyl alcohol) and a soft cloth or paper towel to remove oils and bacteria. Allow the helmet to air dry completely before placing it back on your baby. During your baby's daily break from the helmet, also wash their hair and gently clean their scalp to help prevent irritation and keep both your baby and the helmet fresh.
My child has some flatness; will it resolve on its own?
It depends on your baby's age and the severity of the flattening. Many newborns have temporary molding from the birthing process that improves within the first few weeks of life. However, deformational head shape typically develops during the first few months when the skull is very soft. Mild cases may improve with repositioning, especially before 4 months of age. After that, as babies become more mobile, repositioning is often less effective and additional treatment may be recommended.
Will my baby need more than one helmet?
In most cases, no. Over 98% of our patients complete their cranial remolding treatment with just ONE helmet. Through personalized treatment planning, advanced 3D scanning, and regular follow-up adjustments, our team works to maximize the effectiveness of each helmet. Completing treatment with a single helmet not only reduces costs for families, but also means fewer appointments and a shorter overall treatment journey.
Will the helmet be covered by my insurance?
Insurance coverage for cranial remolding helmets varies by insurance plan and policy. Most insurance companies have specific medical criteria that must be met, such as the severity of your child's head shape asymmetry and, in some cases, documentation of repositioning or other conservative treatment. Some private insurance plans may also exclude coverage for cranial remolding therapy altogether.
After evaluating your child, our team will determine whether they meet their insurance company's medical criteria. We work to verify benefits, obtain prior authorizations when required, and explain any expected out-of-pocket costs before treatment begins. Our experienced staff will guide you through the insurance process and help answer any questions every step of the way.
Will it cause hair loss?
No. Cranial remolding helmets do not cause permanent hair loss. During treatment, you may notice areas where your baby's hair appears thinner or grows differently due to friction or pressure from the helmet. This is temporary, and normal hair growth typically returns after treatment is complete.
What is torticollis?
Torticollis is a condition in which the muscles on one side of a baby's neck are tight, causing the head to tilt or turn more to one side. Because babies tend to rest in the same position, torticollis can contribute to the development of head shape flattening (plagiocephaly). When identified early, torticollis can often be successfully treated with stretching exercises and physical therapy.
Is the helmet safe for my baby?
Yes. Cranial remolding helmets are FDA-cleared medical devices that have been safely used to treat infants with head shape asymmetry for many years. They are designed to be gentle, comfortable, and well tolerated by babies.
The helmet does not restrict brain growth or development. Instead, it works by guiding your baby's natural head growth in a carefully controlled way, allowing the skull to grow into the areas where additional growth is needed.
The helmet does not apply force to reshape the skull—it simply provides room for growth where correction is needed while gently contacting the more prominent areas. Most babies adjust to wearing their helmet within just a few days and continue to eat, sleep, play, and reach developmental milestones as usual.
Can my baby still swim?
Yes! Little splashes, playing with water, and sprinkler time are perfectly fine while wearing the helmet. If you plan to submerge your child in a pool, lake, or other body of water, we recommend removing the helmet and incorporating that time into your baby's daily break from helmet wear. Once swimming is finished, make sure your baby's hair is clean and completely dry before putting the helmet back on.