Cranial Helmet Wear & Care Instructions
Proper application, break-in schedule, and essential care guidelines for cranial remolding orthosis
Your orthotist will provide guidance on how to properly use and maintain your child's cranial helmet during the fitting process. Here are some key points to remember:
Importance of Compliance
- • A Cranial Remolding Orthosis (CRO) is a medical device and should be treated as such.
- • Once the initial fitting is complete, the success of your child's treatment is entirely in your hands. The most critical factor in achieving the desired outcome is your adherence to the prescribed helmet-wearing schedule.
- • It is essential that the child wears the cranial remolding helmet for 23 hours each day.
Safety & Usage Instructions
- • Keep the orthosis away from pets and other children.
- • When putting on the helmet, always verify that the straps and apertures are securely fastened and that there are no loose parts.
- • If your child needs a haircut, avoid shaving the head entirely, as this could cause irritation.
- • Do not use the orthosis if the baby has a fever (temperature above 100.4°F). Regularly check the child's temperature, and resume the helmet-wearing schedule as soon as the temperature returns to normal and remains stable.
- • Limit the time the orthosis is not worn. Extended periods without use may affect the fit, since growth spurts are sudden and unpredictable.
- • When outdoors in excessively hot weather, closely monitor the child to prevent overheating. In such cases, you can remove the helmet for short periods of time.
- • Remove the orthosis during physical therapy sessions, but replace it as soon as possible afterward.
Skin Care & Cleaning
- • After removing the helmet, inspect the skin of the child's head carefully.
- • Redness is normal, however any red spot lasting longer than 1 hour may indicate the need for a modification.
- • If there is any skin damage, do not use the helmet. Contact your orthotist and remove the helmet until the skin has completely healed.
- • Excessive sweating can occur during the initial break-in period. If this happens, the orthosis may be removed to gently dry the child's head with a towel. Dressing the child in cooler clothes and using a fan can be helpful.
- • Wash the child's head daily using water and/or mild shampoo, ensuring the head is completely dry before putting the helmet back on.
- • Do not change any of the lotions, shampoos, or detergents, as this may trigger a skin reaction.
- • Remove the orthosis and clean it at least once a day - use this time to check their skin.
- • For cleaning the inner surface, use only a non-perfumed alcohol-based solution, such as a 70% alcohol solution, or CPAP wipes.
- • Only clean the inner foam layer (plastazote cushion).
- • Allow the helmet to air dry completely before reapplying it.
Break-In Schedule
It is important to adhere to the prescribed helmet-wearing schedule to allow for skin contact tolerance and body temperature adjustment.
| Day | On & Off Time | Naps | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 hour on / 1 hour off (repeat until bedtime) | No | No |
| 2 | 2 hours on / 1 hour off (repeat until bedtime) | No | No |
| 3 | 4 hours on / 1 hour off (repeat until bedtime) | Yes | No |
| 4 | 8 hours on / 1 hour off | Yes | Yes |
| 5+ | 23 hours on / 1 hour off | Yes | Yes |
The orthosis should be worn 23 hours a day to prevent further flattening. Wearing the orthosis for less than the recommended time could prevent optimal results or even cause problems with the skull's shape. Since babies' skulls grow rapidly, it is crucial to maximize the potential for redirecting cranial growth to areas of flattening.
Need Help?
If you have any questions or concerns about your child's cranial remolding orthosis, please contact your orthotist or call us at (763) 684-1010.
Ready to Get Started?
Schedule an evaluation appointment with our team today. We offer free evaluations, free consultations with your healthcare team, and free follow-up appointments.