why do some babies wear helmets

Some babies wear helmets as part of "helmet therapy" to treat unusual head shapes. This happens because a baby's skull is soft and made of flexible plates that haven't fused yet, allowing head shape to be molded. Conditions like positional plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome) or craniosynostosis (premature fusion of skull bones) may cause irregular head shapes. Helmets gently shape the skull over time to help it grow into a more typical round shape, avoiding potential future health or social issues. Helmets are often recommended when repositioning and physical therapy don't improve the head shape adequately and are typically worn for about 23 hours a day during early infancy (4 to 12 months) when the skull is most moldable. This treatment does not affect brain development but helps with cosmetic and functional head shape results. Flat head syndrome became more common after safe sleep campaigns recommending babies sleep on their backs, leading to increased helmet use for therapy. Helmets are custom-fitted and must be closely monitored by specialists for comfort and effectiveness. In summary, babies wear helmets mainly to correct abnormal head shapes caused by skull malleability and positional pressure, with helmet therapy helping the skull to grow into a healthier shape safely and effectively.