Cranial remolding helmets can sometimes be necessary for babies experiencing flat spots on their heads. These flat spots can form in the womb but might also relate to their sleep positions from the tender newborn age.
During this time, your baby’s doctor might recommend that they wear a helmet for 23 hours a day for several months to correct the issue and allow for adequate skull development.
However, not all babies adjust to helmet wear right away. If your baby is experiencing sleeping woes due to discomfort, you might like to try some of the following things.
Keep the Bedroom Cool
When your infant has to wear a baby head shape helmet, temperature regulation can be a challenging problem to combat. These helmets feature foam liners and plastic shells and might alter your baby’s body temperature, leading to sleep discomfort.
Talk to your baby’s doctor about the best room temperature adjustments to make, such as a fan or pre-set heater. They might even be able to create ventilation holes in the helmet to help your baby drift off to sleep easier.
Remove Clothing Layers
The Sleep Foundation recommends choosing sleepwear for a baby that reflects the room temperature. Babies might need one more layer than an adult, but they don’t recommend piling on additional layers or covering their head or face area with clothing or blankets.
Take note of your room temperature and adjust layers accordingly. According to the Sleep Foundation, babies tend to sleep better in a comfortably cool room.
Make Rest a Priority
Babies can take a significant amount of time to adjust to wearing a helmet, and their regular sleep schedule might be impacted for several days. On the first day or two of wearing the helmet, you might notice that their naps are shorter or less restful. Make up for this sleep shortfall at night by allowing an earlier bedtime.
Be Patient
Most adults would find it hard to adjust to wearing a helmet to bed, and babies are no different. It can be a significant adjustment, and your baby needs a chance to learn how to sleep with something new and unfamiliar on their head.
Allow plenty of time for them to discover a sleep position that works for them, and don’t be afraid to rely on friends and family for support if you’re experiencing distress through the adjustment process.
Talk to a Healthcare Professional
You might be new to the world of cranial remolding helmets, but healthcare professionals aren’t. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, your baby isn’t adjusting in the way you thought they would, or you simply have questions about achieving quality sleep and comfort, talk to your baby’s doctor.
They can provide helpful advice and answer any questions you might have for complete peace of mind while you adjust to this new normal for you and your family.
Adjusting to a cranial remolding helmet is not an overnight process, and the idea of your baby wearing it for 23 hours a day can be a daunting prospect. However, with a support network, patience, and a comfortable sleep environment, your baby might adjust much quicker than you anticipated.
