Helmet Break-In
Schedule→

We recommend the following break-in schedule to allow time for your infant to adjust to the helmet. Do not accelerate this schedule, even if there are no skin problems. Be sure to monitor your infant’s skin whenever the helmet is removed during this break-in period. Throughout the rest of treatment remove the helmet and examine the skin in the morning and evening, or more often if needed.

Application

1. Open the helmet as wide as possible (don’t worry, you won’t break it).

2. Position the helmet so that the ears are in the ear openings.

3. Position the helmet so it is right above the eyebrows and is centered around the infant’s eyes.

4. Place the foam spacer in the opening and snugly secure the Velcro strap.

Skin Checks

Remove the helmet twice daily to examine the skin for irritation and redness. Chafed skin can be treated with a healing ointment. Any skin pinkness or redness should fade within 30 minutes once the helmet has been removed. If redness occurs, monitor over the course of the 30 minutes. The redness should fade completely, returning to normal skin color or with light pinkness remaining. Pinkness is common and normal. Persistent redness that does not fade or chafed skin may improve with a small amount of Aquaphor. This should be trialed before an adjustment. If redness with a blanched white spot occurs, remove the helmet and call our office to schedule a helmet adjustment.

Cleaning

The helmet should be cleaned daily to lessen a “gym bag” odor. You can expect the inside of the helmet to turn to a yellow or brown color in areas of heavier contact. Please follow the steps below to clean your child’s helmet:

1. During the hour out of the helmet, wipe the inside of the helmet using alcohol wipes or isopropyl alcohol from a bottle on a washcloth or rag.

2. Then scrub the inside of the helmet with hot water using a soft brush or washcloth. Some families also use a clothes steamer to further clean the inside.

3. Towel dry and air dry until completely dry inside.

4. Put back on your child’s head after the skin and hair are dry.

5. If needed, repeat step 2 twice a day.

6. Shampoo your child’s hair as you normally do but increase the frequency if needed due to odor.

Follow-Up Appointments

The frequency of the follow-up visits will vary depending on the age of your infant, as head growth is more rapid at a young age. Your infant will need to be seen every two, three, or four weeks to closely monitor the fit. At these visits, we will track growth through cranial measurements. We will also make any needed adjustments to accommodate or promote correction in the flattened areas of the head.

Additional Considerations

Bath & Swimming: Remove the helmet for water activities. Be sure to clean and dry the helmet and your infant’s head before reapplying the helmet.

Physical Therapy: If directed by your physical therapist, you may remove the helmet to properly perform prescribed exercises.

Excessive Sweating: It is very common for infants to perspire a lot during the first 2 to 3 weeks of helmet use. If this becomes a problem, remove the helmet for a couple of minutes, towel dry the helmet and your infant’s head, and then reapply the helmet. Dressing in cooler clothing may also help.

Illness: If your infant has a temperature of 100°F or higher, remove the helmet until the fever subsides.

Prescribed Medicinal Cream: A prescribed skin product may be applied in small amounts under the helmet to address chafing, eczema, and/or other diagnosed skin irritations.

Reasons to Contact Us

• Any irritation or redness that does not go away within 30 minutes once the helmet is removed.

• Irritation or redness with blanched whiteness.

• If your infant is irritable or seems to be in pain while wearing the helmet.

• If the helmet has not been worn for an extended period and persistent redness is present after returning to full-time wear.

• If a rash occurs, consult your pediatrician. Continued helmet use will worsen a heat rash. Remove the helmet until the rash clears up, and do not use any ointments on the rash unless prescribed by your doctor.