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Cranial Helmet Wear and Care Instructions
Wear and Care Instructions For Cranial Remolding Orthosis by Orthomerica
Your baby’s STARband® cranial remolding orthosis (helmet) has been custom-made to help gently reshape their head. To ensure the best outcome, please follow the wear and care instructions below.
Gradual Wear Schedule
| Day | Wear Time (ON) | Breaks (OFF) | Nap | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | 1 hour | 1 hour | No | No |
| Day 2 | 2 hours | 2 hours | No | No |
| Day 3 | 4 hours | 4 hours | Yes | Yes |
| Day 4 | 8 hours | 1 hour | Yes | Yes |
| Day 5+ | 23 hours/day | 1 hour/day | Yes | Yes |
This wear schedule provides a safe way for your child to acclimate to the helmet. The fifth day is considered full time wear and at this point the helmet should only be removed for one hour per day, usually at bath time.
With a little time and patience your child will adjust to the helmet and we’ll work together for a successful outcome. For any questions or concerns please call/text us at 575-532-5900.
Ongoing Wear Schedule
Ideally your child will be able to wear the helmet 23 hours/day, and until you and your provider determine that treatment is complete. However, sometimes the wear schedule may require adjustment to accommodate issues that arise.
Examples for adjusting the wear schedule:
- Sweating. Your child will probably perspire more while adjusting to the helmet and this is normal. Keep your child cool and dress in cool clothing; the helmet can be modified with more vent holes if needed. Remove the helmet for a few minutes throughout the day, dry the head and helmet with a towel and reapply helmet. Time out of the helmet should be less than 10 minutes.
- Fever. Remove the helmet if your child is ill with a fever until their temperature is normal.
- Skin or scalp concern. When there is a reddened area or skin breakdown, remove the helmet more often for observation and cleaning the skin and helmet. Call us with questions or text/email us a picture. See Skin & Scalp Check below.
- Swimming and bathing. Remove the helmet for baths and while swimming. Keep the helmet dry, do not immerse in water as the lining is foam. After swimming shampoo your child’s skin and hair to remove residue from chlorine, sunscreen, etc. to help avoid skin breakdown. Reapply the helmet when hair is completely dry.
- Physical therapy. If your therapist or PCP has prescribed neck exercises for torticollis, you may remove the helmet during exercise, and replace it when exercises are completed.
Resume full-time wear as soon as possible. If the helmet is off up to 48 hours, gradually increase wear again over several days. If unable to resume helmet wear after 48 hours, please call/text us at 575-532-5900.
Stopping Helmet Treatment
The decision to stop helmet treatment is determined by improvements of measurement data, cranial symmetry, and satisfaction with head shape. Stopping treatment early or continuing beyond recommendation can lead to poor outcomes. If there is any reason why you cannot continue with helmet therapy, please let us know.
Hair Care
- Shampoo baby’s hair daily with hypoallergenic shampoo to remove any residues that may irritate the scalp. Do not apply lotions, powders, or hair products which can irritate the skin.
- It is not recommended to shave the hair as regrowth may cause friction and irritation.
- Ensure hair and helmet are completely clean and dry before reapplying helmet.
Skin & Scalp Check
- Check baby's skin each time the helmet is removed. Your child may develop a heat rash, dry flaky skin, puffiness along the helmet edges, a sore or a scab. You may see red spots that should gradually fade after an hour.
- If redness does not start to fade after an hour or so, or if there is any skin breakdown, stop helmet use and call/text us at 575-532-5900. You may additionally text or email a picture of the area. We may ask you to come in to adjust the helmet. For skin concerns contact your Primary Care Physician.
Helmet Care
- Clean the helmet daily using 91% unscented rubbing alcohol applied with a clean cloth or soft toothbrush.
- Do not use soap, water, bleach, lotions, powder, perfumes, baby wipes, antiseptic wipes, or other product to clean helmet interior. They may leave a residue which can irritate the scalp, cause an allergic reaction or skin breakdown, or harm baby’s skin.
- After cleaning, allow the helmet to dry completely. Air-dry, use a fan or dry in the sun if needed as residual moisture can cause skin problems. For odors, drying in the sun may help alleviate them. Do not use a hot hair dryer on the foam lining as it can melt.
- Keep the helmet away from pets which may chew the plastic or foam.
Safety Reminders
- Check all of the helmet parts (chafe, strap, and foam insert) to be sure they are secure before each use. Loose components may pose choking hazards.
- Train all caregivers on helmet use, removal, cleaning, and the wear schedule.
Need Help?
- Check baby's skin each time the helmet is removed. Your child may develop a heat rash, dry flaky skin, puffiness along the helmet edges, a sore or a scab. You may see red spots that should gradually fade after an hour.
- If redness does not start to fade after an hour or so, or if there is any skin breakdown, stop helmet use and call/text us at 575-532-5900. You may additionally text or email a picture of the area. We may ask you to come in to adjust the helmet. For skin concerns contact your Primary Care Physician.
Helmet Care
- Clean the helmet daily using 91% unscented rubbing alcohol applied with a clean cloth or soft toothbrush.
- Do not use soap, water, bleach, lotions, powder, perfumes, baby wipes, antiseptic wipes, or other product to clean helmet interior. They may leave a residue which can irritate the scalp, cause an allergic reaction or skin breakdown, or harm baby’s skin.
- After cleaning, allow the helmet to dry completely. Air-dry, use a fan or dry in the sun if needed as residual moisture can cause skin problems. For odors, drying in the sun may help alleviate them. Do not use a hot hair dryer on the foam lining as it can melt.
- Keep the helmet away from pets which may chew the plastic or foam.
Safety Reminders
- Check all of the helmet parts (chafe, strap, and foam insert) to be sure they are secure before each use. Loose components may pose choking hazards.
- Train all caregivers on helmet use, removal, cleaning, and the wear schedule.
Need Help?
- Check all of the helmet parts (chafe, strap, and foam insert) to be sure they are secure before each use. Loose components may pose choking hazards.
- Train all caregivers on helmet use, removal, cleaning, and the wear schedule.
Need Help?
Call, email or text us with any concerns or issues at 575-532-5900. For additional resources, visit: www.Starbandkids.com.
Thank you for allowing us to be a partner in your baby’s care! Together, we’ll help shape a healthier future.
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