Helmet Therapy is passive moulding of the skull. A custom-made helmet holds gently against the parts of the head that are already full and leaves room over the flat areas, so that as the brain grows it directs the skull outward where it is needed. Nothing pushes on the head; growth does the work.
Dr Vybhav Deraje assesses every baby first and advises Helmet Therapy only when it is the right treatment. Most babies with mild positional flattening improve with repositioning and tummy time alone. The helmet programme in Bangalore runs through The Head Shape Clinic, Dr Vybhav's dedicated clinic for infant head-shape problems.
Who Helmet Therapy Is For
- Moderate to severe positional (deformational) Plagiocephaly — flattening on one side of the back of the head, often with the ear and forehead pushed forward on that side
- Moderate to severe positional Brachycephaly — symmetrical flattening of the whole back of the head
- Babies with single-suture Craniosynostosis after Endoscopic Strip Craniectomy, where the helmet completes the correction — usually starting about 10 days after surgery
Positional flattening is a shape problem, not a brain or developmental problem, and it is not the same as Craniosynostosis. Telling the two apart is the first job of the consultation.
How the Helmet Is Made and Fitted
An orthotist assesses the baby and captures the head shape with a handheld 3D scanner — no plaster casting and nothing uncomfortable for the baby. The scan goes to the manufacturing partner, Orthomerica (USA), which fabricates the helmet to that scan, and American Board certified orthotists at KARE Orthotics & Prosthetics complete the fitting in Bangalore.
As the baby grows, the helmet is adjusted at each orthotist visit; most babies need two or three helmets over the course of treatment.
What Treatment Involves
- The helmet is worn 23 hours a day; it comes off for bathing and cleaning
- Positional Plagiocephaly or Brachycephaly: typically 3 to 4 months of wear
- After endoscopic Craniosynostosis surgery: longer — continued until a good head shape is achieved, depending on severity and response
- Orthotist review every 3 weeks for adjustments
- Dr Vybhav reviews the baby and the scans every 3 months
Side Effects
Redness, rashes and, occasionally, pressure sores on the scalp are the common side effects; they are managed by adjusting the helmet and keeping it clean and dry. A temporary slowing of head-circumference growth and temporary thinning of hair under the helmet have been reported but are not proven effects.
Timing Matters
Helmets work by directing growth, so they are most effective while the skull is growing fastest — in the first year of life. For Craniosynostosis, the keyhole operation followed by a helmet is only possible in babies who present before about 6 months of age; after that, open cranial remodelling is the usual operation. If you are worried about your baby's head shape, an early assessment keeps every option open.
Watch Dr Vybhav Explain
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Need More Information?
Call +91 95355 81616, email connect@drvybhavderaje.com or book an appointment online .
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my baby need a helmet for a flat head?
Usually not. Mild positional flattening improves with repositioning, supervised tummy time and time. Helmet Therapy is advised for moderate to severe Positional Plagiocephaly or Brachycephaly, and after endoscopic Craniosynostosis surgery — always after assessment by a craniofacial surgeon.
How many hours a day is the helmet worn?
23 hours a day. It is removed for bathing and for cleaning the helmet.
How long does Helmet Therapy take?
About 3 to 4 months for Positional Plagiocephaly or Brachycephaly. After endoscopic Craniosynostosis surgery it is longer — from around 6 months and in some cases up to 1 to 2 years, depending on severity and how the skull responds. Most babies go through two or three helmets.
How is the helmet made?
From a handheld 3D scan of the baby's head, taken by an orthotist. The helmet is fabricated to that scan by Orthomerica (USA) and fitted by certified orthotists at KARE Orthotics & Prosthetics in Bangalore.
Is Helmet Therapy painful?
No. The helmet holds gently where the head is already full and leaves space over the flat areas; the baby's own growth does the correcting. Redness or a rash under the helmet is the common issue and is managed with adjustments.
Where is Helmet Therapy available in Bangalore?
Through The Head Shape Clinic, Dr Vybhav Deraje's clinic for infant head-shape problems at Docube Clinic, Koramangala, with orthotist fitting by KARE Orthotics & Prosthetics. KARE also fits in Delhi, Mumbai, Kochi, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata.
Is a consultation a commitment to surgery?
No. Use the consultation to understand your options, alternatives, limitations and recovery, then take the time you need to decide.
This page is general information written by Dr Vybhav Deraje for patients and families. It does not replace an individual consultation; treatment plans depend on clinical assessment.