Treatment process cranial helmets
If you notice an abnormal head shape in your baby or if you are concerned about it, you can always call or email us. We only recommend cranial remolding helmet therapy when it is truly necessary. On this page, we discuss how the process works.
When does a cranial remolding helmet help?
Babies of three months old or younger often respond well to repositioning. As your baby gets older, you as a parent may consider using a cranial remolding helmet. Between the ages of four and seven months, cranial remolding helmet therapy is most effective.
If you are considering a cranial remolding helmet for your baby, the treatment process will proceed as discussed on this page.
Helmet therapy at Protec
How does the process work?
Intake
During the intake, we assess the severity of the situation. Based on this assessment, we will advise whether or not to proceed with cranial remolding helmet therapy. This advice depends on various factors, such as your baby’s age and the severity of the skull deformity. The severity of the deformity is determined through a 3D scan of your baby’s head.
Baby-friendly 3D scan
Using a baby-friendly and quick 3D scan, we capture an image of your baby’s head. The 3D images allow us to map out the skull deformity. If we recommend cranial remolding helmet therapy and you choose to proceed, we use the same 3D images to fit the helmet. Thanks to the 3D scan, the cranial remolding helmet is perfectly customized to your baby’s head.
Designing the cranial helmet
Next, it’s time to design the cranial remolding helmet! As parents, you can choose from various colors for both the inside and outside of the helmet. Additionally, you can personalize the helmet by selecting an icon and any text you’d like to include.
3D printing the cranial helmet
Using the 3D images, we begin creating a unique cranial remolding helmet for your baby. We use advanced and fast 3D printing technology, ensuring both quick delivery within two weeks and a precisely fitting helmet.
Delivery of the cranial helmet
After approximately two weeks, you will come in for the delivery of the helmet. We will discuss what to expect and provide instructions on how to use the helmet, gradually increase wearing time and clean it properly.
From this point, cranial remolding helmet therapy begins and you will gradually increase the wearing time until your baby wears the helmet for 23 hours a day. Once your baby is wearing the helmet for 23 hours a day, it should only be removed during bathing, if your baby has a fever or for short periods during treatment or physiotherapy.
Follow-up appointments
Your orthotist will stay in contact with you throughout the entire treatment process. We schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor your baby’s progress and make any necessary adjustments.
Each follow-up scan provides a report showing the results through a graph with 2D cross-sections and a 3D visualization of the improvement in head shape. This makes the results of the cranial remolding helmet therapy clear and understandable for you as parents.
As parents, you can always call us if you have any questions. Online appointments are also available if you prefer.
Customization of your baby’s helmet
We offer helmets in a variety of colors, and you can personalize them with icons and text. Choose the helmet that best suits your preferences.
More information
Do you want to know more about our cranial helmets? Read more on our general page.
Make an appointment
We are happy to assist you and your baby at Protec in Amsterdam or at one of our other locations in Rotterdam and Utrecht. Contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment.
Frequently asked questions about our helmet therapy
When does my baby need a cranial remolding helmet?
We recommend a cranial remolding helmet when there is a significant head shape deformity, physiotherapy alone has not been sufficiently effective, and your baby is between four and ten months old. We assess the severity of the deformity using a 3D scan.
If the deformity is very mild and/or we believe that there is limited growth potential remaining, we will honestly advise against starting helmet therapy. Schedule an intake appointment to have your child’s situation assessed and receive professional, honest advice.
How is the severity of the deformity determined?
During the intake appointment, we create a 3D scan of your baby’s head. This scan is simple, safe, and baby-friendly. Afterward, we review the 3D images together and discuss the report generated from the scan. The report shows the degree of asymmetry and proportional differences in your baby’s head shape. Based on these results and your consultation, our orthotist will provide a personalized recommendation for you and your child.
How long does it take for the helmet to be ready?
Approximately two weeks after the intake, you can return with your baby for the fitting appointment. If necessary, we will make minor adjustments to the helmet. We will then explain how to use and care for it, answer any questions you may have, and send you and your baby home with the helmet.
Can I personalize the cranial remolding helmet?
Yes, you can customize your baby’s helmet yourself. You can choose your preferred color, select a symbol for the side of the helmet, and optionally add a name or short text to the front. This makes your baby’s helmet unique and personal.
How many hours a day does my baby need to wear the helmet?
Your baby should wear the cranial remolding helmet for 23 hours a day. At the beginning of treatment, your baby will need some time to adjust. Therefore, we recommend gradually increasing wear time according to our schedule. Once the adjustment period is complete, your baby will wear the helmet day and night.
The helmet may only be removed during washing, bathing, physiotherapy sessions, visits to the beach, or when your baby has a fever.
To achieve the best possible results and prevent your baby from outgrowing the helmet, it is important that the helmet is worn for 23 hours per day.
How are follow-up appointments conducted?
During follow-up appointments, we check whether the helmet still fits properly and discuss any questions or concerns you may have. At approximately half of the follow-up appointments, we perform a new 3D scan to monitor progress and evaluate the results. We also encourage parents to regularly check whether the helmet continues to fit correctly.
What support is provided during therapy?
Throughout the helmet therapy process, you will have several follow-up appointments where we provide guidance, monitor progress, and answer your questions. You can also contact us by phone or email if you have questions or would like to schedule an additional appointment.
Who can I contact if I have questions during treatment?
You are always welcome to call or email us with any questions or to schedule an additional check-up appointment. We believe it is important that you receive prompt support whenever you need it.
At which locations is helmet therapy available?
Protec is located in Amsterdam. In addition, helmet therapy is available at our partner locations:
We would be happy to assist you at any of these locations.
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
