As a parent, your child's health and development are always top of mind. If you've recently heard about cranial helmets for babies, you might have questions. What are they? When are they used? And how do they work? In this blog, we'll break down everything you need to know about cranial helmets so you can feel confident and informed.
What Are Cranial Helmets?
Cranial helmets — also called cranial remolding orthoses (CROs) — are custom-fitted helmets designed to gently reshape a baby's head over time. They work by applying gentle, consistent pressure to the prominent areas of the skull while leaving space for the flattened areas to grow. Despite how they may look, cranial helmets are not painful or uncomfortable for babies. Most infants adjust to wearing them within just a few days.
What Conditions Do Cranial Helmets Treat?
Cranial helmets are typically prescribed for positional head shape deformities, including:
Plagiocephaly: Flattening on one side of the back of the head, often causing asymmetry in the ears or forehead
Brachycephaly: A wide, short head shape with flattening across the entire back of the skull
Scaphocephaly: A long, narrow head shape
These conditions are usually caused by positioning — such as a baby spending extended time on their back — or by neck tightness (torticollis) that limits head movement.
When Should Treatment Start?
The ideal time to begin cranial helmet therapy is between 4 and 7 months of age, when the baby's skull is still soft and malleable. Treatment can be effective for babies between 3 and 18 months old, but earlier intervention generally leads to faster and more complete correction. If you notice flattening or asymmetry in your baby's head shape, it's a good idea to bring it up with your pediatrician sooner rather than later.
How the Process Works at Rebound
At Rebound Orthotics & Prosthetics, we make the scanning and fitting process as easy and stress-free as possible for both baby and parent.
Scanning: We use a white light 3D scanner to capture a precise image of your baby's head shape. Your baby simply sits on your lap during the scan — no molds or casts required.
Fitting: Once the helmet is fabricated, it must be fit within 14 days of the scan to ensure accuracy as your baby grows.
Wear Schedule: The helmet is worn 23 hours per day, removed only for bathing and cleaning.
Treatment Duration: The average treatment time is approximately 3 months, though this varies based on the severity of the condition and the age at which treatment begins.
Our Cranial Helmet: Talee by Invent Medical
We use the Talee cranial helmet by Invent Medical — a 3D-printed cranial remolding orthosis that is breathable, lightweight, and thin. Its advanced design provides excellent ventilation and comfort for your baby. The Talee is custom-made for your baby's unique head shape and is designed to provide gentle, effective correction.
What to Expect During Treatment
Break-In Period: When your baby first receives their helmet, we'll provide a gradual break-in schedule to help them adjust comfortably over the first few days.
Follow-Up Visits: You'll return to our clinic every two weeks for adjustments and measurements. These visits allow us to track your baby's progress and make any necessary modifications to ensure optimal results.
Daily Care: The helmet should be cleaned daily with mild soap and water. Your baby can continue all normal activities — playing, sleeping, and tummy time — while wearing the helmet.
Ready to Learn More?
If you think your baby may benefit from a cranial helmet, we're here to help. Schedule a cranial helmet consultation with our specialists to discuss your baby's needs and learn about your options.
Have more questions? Visit our Cranial Helmet FAQ page for answers to the most common questions parents ask about cranial remolding therapy.