Cranial Remolding Helmet

How to Use a Cranial Remolding Helmet

A cranial remolding helmet is designed to provide gentle, consistent guidance as an infant’s head grows. Properly positioning the helmet, following the recommended wearing schedule, keeping the device clean, and regularly checking your child’s skin are important parts of treatment.
Follow the instructional video on this page along with the PDF wear and care instructions provided by Comprehensive Prosthetics and Orthotics. Always follow any individualized wearing or care instructions provided by your child’s medical provider or orthotist.

How to Put On and Attach a Cranial Remolding Helmet

Seat your child securely on a firm surface.
Make sure your child’s head is clean and completely dry.
Undo the Velcro strap on the helmet.
Place your thumbs or index fingers in the ear cutouts on both sides of the helmet opening.
Gently open the helmet wide enough to place it over your child’s head.
Slip the helmet over your child’s head while gently scooping the back of the head into the helmet.
Position the bottom rear portion of the helmet at the base of your child’s head.
Check the front of the helmet. It should rest just above your child’s eyebrows.
Make sure both ears are properly positioned within the helmet’s ear cutouts.
Once the helmet is positioned correctly, secure the Velcro strap.
If your child’s helmet includes a foam wedge, make sure it is attached to the strap and positioned between the plastic helmet seam.

Check the helmet's position each time you put it on rather than relying only on the strap. The front, back, and ear openings should all be properly positioned before securing the helmet.

How to Remove and Detach a Cranial Remolding Helmet

Undo the Velcro strap.
Place your thumbs or index fingers into the ear cutouts on both sides of the helmet opening.
Gently open the helmet wide, using the same method used when putting it on.
Tilt the front of the helmet toward the back of your child’s head.
Carefully lift the helmet up and off the head.
Check your child’s skin every time you remove the helmet.

Some temporary redness can be normal after removing the helmet, but it should fade within approximately 15 to 20 minutes. If you notice deep or persistent redness, sores, or signs that your child is particularly distressed, take pictures of the affected areas and contact Comprehensive Prosthetics and Orthotics promptly.

How to Clean a Cranial Remolding Helmet

Clean the helmet during one of the scheduled breaks when your child is not wearing it. Keeping both the helmet and your child’s head clean and dry can help support comfort throughout treatment.

Use a soft cloth to clean the inside of the helmet.
Clean it using the same shampoo you use to wash your child’s hair.
Rinse the inside of the helmet thoroughly to remove the shampoo.
Wipe the inside with rubbing alcohol.
Rinse the helmet thoroughly again.
Allow the helmet to dry completely before putting it back on your child.

Do not use harsh chemicals, lotions, or baby wipes inside the helmet.

Cranial Remolding Helmet Break-In Schedule

Cranial remolding helmets are typically worn for 23 hours per day, with approximately one hour off for bathing and cleaning. Your child will generally work up to this schedule gradually so they have time to adjust to wearing the helmet. Follow the specific schedule provided by your child's care team if it differs from the general schedule below.

Day 1:Wear the helmet for 1 hour, followed by 1 hour off throughout the day. Do not use it during naps or overnight.
Day 2:Increase to 2 hours on and 1 hour off throughout the day. Do not use it during naps or overnight.
Day 3:Increase to 4 hours on and 1 hour off. Begin using the helmet during naps, but not overnight.
Day 4:Increase to 6 hours on and 1 hour off. Continue using it during naps, but not overnight.
Day 5:Increase to 6–8 hours on and 1 hour off. Use the helmet during naps, but not overnight.
Day 6:Increase to 8 hours on and 1 hour off. The helmet can now be worn during naps and overnight.
Day 7:Begin full-time wear of approximately 23 hours per day, with 1 hour off to wash your child’s head and clean the helmet

Caring for Your Child During Helmet Treatment

It is normal for your child to sweat more during the first few weeks of wearing a cranial remolding helmet. Lightweight clothing can help keep your child comfortable. If your child becomes sweaty, you can remove the helmet briefly to dry both their head and the inside of the helmet. Make sure both are completely dry before putting the helmet back on.
If your child develops a fever, remove the helmet and leave it off until 24 hours after the fever has broken. Once your child has recovered, gradually return to the recommended wearing schedule over the next few days to help them readjust.
Hair length can also affect helmet fit. If your child needs a haircut during treatment, avoid shaving their head completely. Maintaining a consistent hair length can help preserve the helmet’s fit and reduce the potential for scalp irritation.

Check Your Child’s Skin Every Day

Inspect your child’s skin every time you remove the helmet. Pay particular attention to areas where the helmet contacts the head. Temporary redness can occur, but it should normally disappear within 15 to 20 minutes after the helmet is removed.
Contact Comprehensive Prosthetics and Orthotics if redness does not resolve as expected or if you notice deep redness, sores, skin irritation, or unusual discomfort. Do not attempt to modify or adjust the helmet yourself unless instructed to do so by your child’s care team.

Cranial Remolding Helmet Wear and Care Instructions

Watch the instructional video on this page for a visual demonstration of how to properly put on and remove your child’s cranial remolding helmet. The accompanying PDF wear and care instructions provide additional guidance about helmet positioning, cleaning, skin checks, the break-in schedule, and everyday use.
Following the video and written instructions together can make it easier to establish a consistent routine while helping your child safely adjust to wearing the helmet. Always follow any additional recommendations provided by your child’s orthotist or medical provider.

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