Nursery World - Corrective baby helmets have virtually no effect on head shape

A new study discourages the use of baby helmets to correct skull deformation in babies.

The research into the effectiveness of the helmets for children with moderate to severe skull deformation, carried out by the University of Twente in the Netherlands, suggests that using corrective helmets are not much better than no treatment, because of their high cost and side-effects.

According to researchers, the helmets, which can cost around £2,000, may cause side-effects, such as skin irritation, pain and sweating. They also hinder parents from cuddling their baby.

Children with persistent skull deformation, where the skull is slightly flattened on one side or at the back of the head, at six months of age may be prescribed with corrective helmets.

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