Cranial helmets
Are you concerned about the shape of your baby’s head? You’re not alone. Many parents wonder whether a flattening will correct itself or if additional support is needed. With our cranial remolding helmet, we guide the growth of your baby’s head in a gentle and safe way. Especially during the stage when it is most effective.
Schedule an intake appointment for helmet therapy in Amsterdam and get immediate clarity. You are also welcome at one of our other locations for helmet therapy in Utrecht or Rotterdam.
Are you a referrer? Read information for referrers
When does a cranial remolding helmet help?
If your baby has a flattened side or back of the head, you can schedule an intake appointment for a cranial remolding helmet in Amsterdam. During the intake, we use a 3D scan to determine the severity of the deviation. Based on this, you will receive clear and honest advice, even if a helmet is not necessary. This way, you can make a confident decision for your baby.
Benefits of our cranial helmets
Unique design through 3D printing
Reduced skin irritation and sweat due to ventilation holes
Comfortable to wear due to an extremely light and thin fit
Modern look with various design and color options
Baby-friendly 3D scanning for precise fitting of the helmet
A cranial helmet of Protec
Everything you need to know
Treatment time
Because our helmet is so light, your baby can start treatment as early as four months. And that’s great, because the earlier your baby starts, the better the results. The most progress can be made between four and seven months old, but treatment can begin up to ten months old. We can continue treating your baby until they are around one and a half years old. Every baby grows differently, but the key to success is an early start with helmet therapy and following the wearing schedule correctly.
Treatment process
The helmet is fitted using a baby-friendly 3D scan. After two weeks, the helmet is delivered and the wearing time can gradually be increased. The results are clearly presented and discussed during follow-up appointments.
Brachycephaly and plagiocephaly
Plagiocephaly and brachycephaly are both skull deformities in babies. In plagiocephaly, there is a flattened side of the head. This is often caused by a preferred sleeping position where babies lie on one side of their head. In brachycephaly, the back of the head is flattened and wide, which typically results from prolonged lying on the back.
No referral needed, just medical assurance
A referral from a doctor or physical therapist is not required to have a cranial remolding helmet fitted. However, we do ask for medical information from the preliminary phase, provided by your general practitioner, pediatrician, or physical therapist.
This is because we want to rule out craniosynostosis. That is a condition in which the skull sutures close too early. In cases of craniosynostosis, a cranial helmet will not help, and a different treatment is usually necessary. That’s why it’s important to always seek proper medical advice from a doctor or physical therapist. Click here to read more about craniosynostosis. We want your baby to receive the right care from the very beginning.
Reimbursements
Unfortunately, cranial remolding helmets are usually not covered by health insurance. We believe it’s important that you don’t face unexpected costs during your baby’s helmet therapy. For this reason, we don’t require a second cranial remolding helmet (as is common with traditional helmets), allowing us to keep the costs for the helmet as low as possible.
In exceptional cases, the costs of a cranial remolding helmet may be partially reimbursed by a specific health insurer. If the costs can be reimbursed, a referral from a pediatrician is required.
Based on research
Scientific studies support the success of cranial remolding helmet therapy. For example, research published in the prestigious medical journal Pediatrics shows that significant improvements in skull symmetry were observed in babies who underwent helmet therapy, compared to those who did not receive treatment. Read also the study of prof. Lipina et al. (z.d.) and the study of prof. Choi et al (2020) about the effects of the helmet therapy. You can also read the study of Invent Medical about Talee.
Based on experience
Worldwide, 25,000 babies have successfully been treated with this type of cranial remolding helmet, the Talee. Our Talee cranial remolding helmet is the most comfortable and advanced 3D-printed helmet on the market, providing effective yet gentle care.
Lighter, thinner and more breathable
Our 3D-printed cranial remolding helmets are lighter, thinner and more breathable compared to other helmets. As a result, our helmets are more comfortable to wear and have a modern look. See the difference in the photo.
Postoperative cranial helmets
We also offer postoperative helmets. After cranial surgery in an infant, a post-op cranial remolding helmet can be used to guide the shape and growth of the head in a controlled way. At Protec, we work with the Talee post-op helmet. This helmet is specifically designed for infants who have undergone surgery for craniosynostosis or another cranial shape abnormality.
Before and after cranial remolding helmet
In the photo below, you can see one of our clients with the cranial deformities brachycephaly and plagiocephaly, whose head shape became nicely rounded after wearing our cranial remolding helmet. You see a before-and-after image of the helmet therapy.
Two orthoses in one
Our cranial remolding helmet is a combination of two helmets in one device. This allows your baby’s head to be corrected in phases, eliminating the need for a second helmet.
More about the Talee helmet
Make an appointment
You and your baby can visit Protec in Amsterdam for a cranial remolding helmet. We also have two other locations in Rotterdam and Utrecht, where we offer helmet therapy as well. Feel free to make an appointment for helmet therapy in Amsterdam, Rotterdam or Utrecht.
Frequently asked questions about cranial helmets
What is a cranial remolding helmet?
A cranial remolding helmet is a specially designed helmet for babies with an abnormal head shape. It helps guide the growth of the head, allowing the shape to gradually improve over time.
At what age can my baby start wearing a cranial remolding helmet?
At Protec, a cranial remolding helmet can be fitted from as early as four months of age. Thanks to 3D printing technology, our helmets are lightweight, allowing babies to wear them at a younger age. Heavier helmets are often introduced later, as a baby’s neck muscles may not yet be strong enough. The maximum age to start treatment is ten months.
How long does my baby need to wear the helmet?
On average, babies wear a cranial remolding helmet for four to six months. The exact duration depends on the growth of the head and the severity of the condition. The helmet can be worn up to a maximum age of eighteen months.
Does wearing a cranial remolding helmet hurt my baby?
No, wearing a cranial remolding helmet does not cause pain. The helmet does not apply pressure to the head; instead, it creates space in areas where growth is needed.
Can my baby sleep while wearing the helmet?
Yes, your baby can sleep while wearing the helmet. It may take some time to adjust at first, but most babies quickly get used to it and experience no discomfort.
When can the cranial remolding helmet be taken off?
The helmet is worn day and night, with the wearing schedule gradually built up at the start. There are certain situations in which the helmet can be removed temporarily, such as during bathing, swimming, at the beach, or if your baby has a fever. During playtime, it is important that the helmet is worn. These situations will be clearly explained at the start of the treatment.
How often are check-ups or adjustments needed?
After the helmet is delivered, a follow-up appointment is scheduled after two weeks to assess progress and make any necessary adjustments. During the treatment, check-ups take place approximately once a month. These can be done at our location or online.
Are there any risks or side effects?
The risks associated with a cranial remolding helmet are very low, provided it is worn according to instructions. In some cases, a pressure spot may develop. If identified early and adjusted, this will resolve without further issues.
Some babies may experience skin irritation, especially if they already have sensitive skin. Due to the excellent ventilation of our helmet, this risk is lower compared to other helmets. If irritation does occur, we often recommend wearing a thin cap under the helmet to help soothe the skin.
What happens if my baby does not wear a cranial remolding helmet?
This depends on the individual situation and the severity of the head shape condition. During an intake consultation, we assess your baby’s situation and provide honest and realistic advice.
Is a cranial remolding helmet covered by insurance?
In most cases, a cranial remolding helmet is not covered by insurance. Only two insurers offer partial reimbursement through supplementary insurance plans.
What do parents think?
"Our son Lucas has been wearing the Talee helmet for over two months now, and so far, the experience has been amazing! Lucas loves seeing his orthotist every time we have a check-up. We would definitely recommend this helmet to any parent who is about to start using a correction helmet for their child."
Read Lucas's story
