--- title: What Are The Risks Associated With Using Baby Helmets? description: This post looks into where there are any risks associated with using baby helmets for flat head syndrome. Find out here. image: https://www.technologyinmotion.com/hubfs/Risks%20with%20using%20baby%20helmet.jpeg --- X #### This page will now redirect to our sister company's website 3dorthopro.com [Okay](https://3dorthopro.com/) No, thank you. 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[Previous](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/blog/4-indications-brachycephalic-head-shape) [Next](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/blog/plagiocephaly-facial-asymmetry) ![What Are The Risks Associated With Using Baby Helmets?](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/hubfs/Risks%20with%20using%20baby%20helmet.jpeg)   Parents are always concerned about the potential risk factors associated with [helmets for flat head syndrome.](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/cranial-remoulding-helmets/tim-band-air) Understandably, many have come to us asking *“What are the risks associated with using baby helmets?”* and *“Are **they dangerous, uncomfortable or harmful to my baby’s development?”* Helmets for flat head syndrome (also known as plagiocephaly helmets) are a method of gently correcting an infant’s head shape. They are only recommended for moderate to severe cases, and for babies aged between 4-14 months. Provided you choose a reputable clinic, flat head helmets are a safe, trouble free and pain free treatment, and pose absolutely no threat to your baby’s development. So where have all these misconceptions come from? #### **Two Common Misconceptions Relating to Baby Helmets** ##### **“The helmets are harmful.”** A number of parents who come to see us are worried that baby helmets might restrict growth, leading to developmental problems. This is not the case. The TiMbandAir helmets are designed to allow growth to continue at a normal rate. We need this growth, as it is directed where the baby needs it in order to bring about correction, resulting in a more even head shape. A study published in [Pediatric Neurosurgery (1999)](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10420129) confirms this. In addition, baby helmets are heavily regulated, as are the clinicians who provide treatment. The helmets are categorised as a custom made, non-invasive treatment by the [Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency](http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20141206090928/http://www.mhra.gov.uk/Howweregulate/Devices/Complyingwithlegislation/ActiveImplantableMedicalDevicesDirective/Manufacturersoforthosesandprostheses/index.htm) (MHRA), the UK medical products regulator. In other words, they are considered to present very little risk to the patient, and accordingly they are grouped in the same class as forceps, dressings and other orthotic devices such as knee bracing. ##### **“The helmets are uncomfortable.”** Contrary to the information on the NHS Choices website, which says “the device may be uncomfortable, and there’s a risk it will cause pressure sores on your baby’s head.” As we have discussed in this [post](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/blog/why-cant-get-plagiocephaly-helmet-nhs), this statement is a supposition. A well-fitting, correctly made helmet is more comfortable than a correctly fitted fracture or hip bracing cast – and will not give as many problems. As the helmet can be removed for short periods of time, issues such as mild skin irritation, sweating and odours are easily rectified. Problems with accepting the helmet, and feeling hindered in cuddling because of it, are minimised by allowing short times for bathing and playing with your baby. These minor issues are well known and easily remedied. There are several helmets and treatment providers available in the UK, and parents should research the background of each one before making a decision. To our knowledge, no helmet gives as poor a result as those highlighted in a recent study from the Netherlands, which was damning in its condemnation of the results achieved by the unusual type of helmet that they supplied. The study also had significant limitations, which have been highlighted by Ellie Bloomer, Chair of the Craniofacial Society at the American Academy of Orthotists & Prosthetists, and by the Plastic Surgery Executive Committee of the American Association of Pediatrics. The only other likely cause of an inadequate result is parental noncompliance. An earlier study in the Journal of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery (2012), [*Complications in Helmet Therapy*](http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S101051821100120X), concludes that: *“Helmet therapy represents a **safe** therapeutic tool for the correction of positional cranial deformity.” And: “most complications can easily be avoided or eliminated by proper instruction of the parents.”* ##### So, are there any risks associated with using baby helmets? In answer to the question: *“are there any risks?”* we can say with conviction that the answer is *“not to our knowledge”*. All the empirically sound research carried out to date indicates that baby helmets are a safe and pain free treatment that poses no risk to development – provided they are fitted correctly by qualified Orthotists, and parents follow treatment regimes to the letter. The side effects and complications experienced by parents are minimal and rare in the clinical and home environment, and certainly should not discourage parents from considering this kind of treatment. The risks of **not** using a helmet are that that your baby will grow up with an  lifelong cranial deformity, which will only be correctable by surgery once the baby is past 14 months of age. We regularly receive enquiries from parents of older children, and now young adults, asking if we can help. Sadly we cannot and if noticed, this is an issue which needs to be addressed earlier rather than later. If you think your baby could benefit from a helmet for flat head syndrome, Technology in Motion can help. All of our helmets are lined with foam for extra comfort, and with over 100 babies undergoing treatment at any one time, you can rest assured that we have the experience required to oversee a safe, effective and pain-free correction. Contact us to book your [free appointment](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/contact/book-a-free-pre-assessment) at your nearest clinic, or browse our website for more information on the service that we offer. [![Twitter Logo](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/hubfs/twitter-1.svg)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://www.technologyinmotion.com/blog/risks-associated-with-using-baby-helmets&text=What%20Are%20The%20Risks%20Associated%20With%20Using%20Baby%20Helmets) [![Facebook Logo](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/hubfs/fb.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.technologyinmotion.com/blog/risks-associated-with-using-baby-helmets) [![LinkedIn Logo](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/hubfs/LinkedIn%20Icon%20.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.technologyinmotion.com/blog/risks-associated-with-using-baby-helmets&title=What%20Are%20The%20Risks%20Associated%20With%20Using%20Baby%20Helmets) ## More from our community… ###### [![](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/hubfs/Pillow%20-%20Blog%20Header%20-%201200x630%20-%2002.webp) Blog post Sleeping Systems and Pillows There are sleeping systems and pillows on the market which may provide benefits but only up to the ages of 4 to 5 months, before your baby starts to roll over. Read more](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/blog/sleeping-systems-and-pillows) ###### [![](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/hubfs/Pillow%20-%20Blog%20Header%20-%201200x630%20-%2002.jpg) Blog post Can Pillows Correct a Flat Head Shape Wondering if pillows can help with flat head shape? Learn about safe options, alternative techniques, and when to consider helmet therapy. Read more](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/blog/can-pillows-correct-a-flat-head-shape) ###### [![Red Dot Award Winner: TiMbandAir](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/hubfs/TIM0016%20December%20Social%20and%20Blogs_Blog%20Header_1200x630.png) Blog post Red Dot award-winning triumph in product design excellence Discover the innovation behind Technology in Motion's TiMbandAir helmet, honoured with the prestigious Red Dot Award Best of the Best. Uncover the design excellence and groundbreaking features that set this helmet apart. Read more](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/blog/timbandair-red-dot-award) [View all articles](https://6887174.hs-sites.com/blog) #### Quick Links - [Contact](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/contact) - [TiMbandAir](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/cranial-remoulding-helmets/tim-band-air) - [Head Shape Difference](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/head-abnormalities) - [Pricing](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/about-us/pricing) #### Legal Links - [Terms and Conditions](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/terms-and-conditions) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/privacy-policy) - [Cookie Policy](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/cookie-policy) #### Get in touch [0330 100 1800](tel:03301001800) [info@technologyinmotion.com](mailto:info@technologyinmotion.com) Opening Hours Mon to Fri: 9am - 5pm Sat: Head Office closed, some clinics open Sun: Closed [Find a clinic](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/contact/our-clinics) [![](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/hubfs/TiM_Footer_logo.svg)](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/) Visit our sister company [3D Ortho Pro](https://3dorthopro.com/) to learn about our other 3D Orthotic Products [![Facebook Logo](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/hubfs/facebook.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/technoinmotion/?locale=en_GB) [![Instagram Logo](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/hubfs/instagram.svg)](https://www.instagram.com/technologyinmotion/) [![LinkedIn Logo](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/hubfs/linked_in.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/technology-in-motion) [![YouTube Logo](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/hubfs/youtube.svg)](https://www.youtube.com/@technologymotion) © 2023 Technology in Motion. 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