Helmet Therapy
At Ability Prosthetics and Orthotics, helmet therapy can help improve the shape of a baby’s flat head by gently supporting and guiding natural skull growth. Each cranial remoulding helmet is custom-made for your child and is typically worn for up to 23 hours per day. Treatment works by redirecting growth in a controlled and pain-free way as your child develops.
A flat head can develop when pressure is placed on a baby’s developing skull and may be associated with conditions such as plagiocephaly or brachycephaly. Whether helmet therapy is appropriate depends on your child’s individual head shape, age, growth and the degree of cranial asymmetry.
Assessment for Flat Heads and Asymmetrical Head Shapes
Our assessment process includes a comprehensive clinical evaluation supported by an advanced 3D scan using the latest technology. This allows our clinicians to accurately assess your child’s head shape and growth patterns.
We use this information to understand the nature and severity of your child’s head shape difference and determine whether helmet therapy may be beneficial. Families are provided with clear, evidence-based information so they can make an informed decision about treatment.
In younger infants, we can also offer cranial monitoring appointments to track changes in head shape over time. This may allow positioning strategies or other interventions to be trialled before helmet therapy is considered.
Talee® Cranial Helmet
At Ability Prosthetics and Orthotics, we use the Talee® Helmet from Invent Medical for cranial remoulding therapy.
Talee® incorporates a two-stage treatment design, allowing controlled growth and head shape improvement through a single orthosis. The helmet is designed to provide comfort and stability while gently guiding your child’s natural skull growth.
Talee® helmets are 3D printed and individually designed for each child based on their clinical assessment and 3D scan. Talee® is used to support the treatment of infants with head shape differences in countries around the world.
Will My Baby Need Helmet Therapy?
We understand that considering helmet therapy can feel like a big decision. Parents often have questions about whether their baby needs a helmet, how treatment works and what other options may be available.
Whether helmet therapy is recommended depends on your child’s individual presentation, age and the degree of cranial asymmetry. Not every baby with a flat head will require helmet therapy.
For younger infants, cranial monitoring may be appropriate. This allows your child’s head shape to be assessed over time while positioning strategies or alternative interventions are trialled before helmet therapy is considered.
If you are considering helmet therapy, we also recommend obtaining a referral from your GP or paediatrician before your appointment.
What Is the Ideal Age for Flat Head Helmet Therapy?
Helmet therapy is generally most effective between 4 and 7 months of age, when rapid skull growth allows for more efficient reshaping.
In some cases, treatment may still be beneficial up to around 12 months of age. As children grow, skull growth gradually slows and the flexibility of the skull decreases, which can reduce the potential for change with helmet therapy.
Early assessment can therefore be helpful if you are concerned about your baby’s head shape. An assessment allows our team to monitor your child’s growth and discuss whether helmet therapy or another approach may be appropriate.
Common Head Shapes We Assess
At Ability Prosthetics and Orthotics, we commonly assess and manage a range of cranial shape variations, including:
- Plagiocephaly – an asymmetrical or flattened appearance of the back or side of the head.
- Brachycephaly – a wider, shorter head shape associated with flattening across the back of the head.
- Asymmetrical brachycephaly – a combination of widening and asymmetry of the head shape.
- Scaphocephaly – a long, narrow head shape.
- Protective helmets – adolescents and adults
Our clinicians will assess your child’s individual head shape and discuss the most appropriate options with you.
Why Choose Ability Prosthetics and Orthotics?
Families choose Ability Prosthetics and Orthotics for our combination of clinical experience, personalised care and advanced technology.
- Experienced qualified prosthetists and orthotists
- Specialist assessment of infant head shape
- Advanced 3D scanning technology
- Custom-designed cranial remoulding helmets
- Individualised treatment planning
- Ongoing monitoring throughout treatment
- Clear, evidence-based information for parents
- Collaboration with your child’s GP, paediatrician and healthcare team where appropriate
- Clinics conveniently located in Brisbane and Toowoomba
We understand that choosing helmet therapy for your baby is an important decision. Our role is to give you accurate information, explain your options clearly and support you throughout your child’s treatment.
Helmet Therapy FAQs
Helmet therapy, also known as cranial remoulding therapy, uses a custom-made helmet to gently guide the growth of a baby’s skull and improve head shape over time. The helmet is designed to work with your baby’s natural skull growth by providing gentle contact in some areas and allowing room for growth in others. Helmet therapy may be recommended for babies with head shape differences such as plagiocephaly, brachycephaly or asymmetrical brachycephaly. Not every baby with a flat head needs helmet therapy. Whether helmet therapy is appropriate depends on your baby’s age, head shape, severity of the asymmetry and rate of skull growth. For some younger babies, monitoring and positioning strategies may be appropriate before considering a helmet. Our clinicians will assess your baby’s individual head shape and provide clear information about whether helmet therapy or another approach may be suitable. Helmet therapy is generally most effective between 4 and 7 months of age, when babies have rapid skull growth and the skull is still developing significantly. In some cases, treatment may still be beneficial up to around 12 months of age. As babies get older, skull growth slows and the potential for reshaping generally decreases. If you are concerned about your baby’s head shape, an early assessment can help determine what options may be appropriate. Helmet therapy should not be painful. Your baby may take some time to become accustomed to wearing the helmet, particularly during the first few days. A correctly fitted helmet should not cause persistent pain or significant pressure. If you notice ongoing redness, irritation or pressure areas, contact our team so the helmet can be assessed and adjusted if required. Helmet therapy is typically prescribed for up to 23 hours per day, depending on your baby’s individual treatment plan. The helmet is generally worn during the day and night, with time allocated for bathing, cleaning the helmet and caring for your baby’s skin. Your clinician will provide specific instructions for introducing the helmet and caring for your baby during treatment. Treatment time varies from child to child and depends on factors including your baby’s age when treatment begins, the severity and type of head shape difference, skull growth and how your baby’s head shape responds to treatment. Some babies may require only a few months of treatment, while others may need longer. Your clinician will monitor your baby’s progress throughout treatment. Your first appointment involves a comprehensive clinical assessment of your baby’s head shape and development. We use an advanced 3D scanning system to capture detailed information about your baby’s head shape. This helps our clinicians assess the degree and pattern of cranial asymmetry and determine whether helmet therapy may be appropriate. If treatment is recommended, the 3D scan can also be used to help design your baby’s custom cranial helmet. At Ability Prosthetics and Orthotics, we use the Talee® Helmet from Invent Medical for cranial remoulding therapy. Talee® is a custom 3D-printed cranial orthosis designed around each baby’s individual head shape. It incorporates a two-stage treatment design intended to accommodate growth and support controlled improvement in head shape. Your clinician will discuss whether the Talee® helmet is appropriate for your baby following their assessment. The cost of helmet therapy depends on your baby’s individual treatment requirements and the type of cranial orthosis prescribed. During your assessment, our team can explain the costs associated with assessment, 3D scanning, custom helmet manufacture, fitting and follow-up care. Helmet therapy for positional plagiocephaly and brachycephaly is generally considered a cosmetic treatment. As a result, the cost of cranial helmet therapy is not covered by the NDIS or private health insurance. We recommend discussing the costs of treatment with our team before proceeding, so you have a clear understanding of the fees involved. You may notice that the back or side of your baby’s head appears flatter than expected, or that there is some asymmetry when looking at their head from above. Plagiocephaly typically involves flattening and asymmetry, while brachycephaly is associated with a wider, shorter head shape and flattening across the back. If you are concerned about your baby’s head shape, a professional assessment can provide a clearer understanding of what you are seeing and whether treatment may be appropriate. Ability Prosthetics and Orthotics provides assessment and helmet therapy for babies with head shape differences, including plagiocephaly and brachycephaly. Our experienced prosthetics and orthotics team combines clinical assessment, advanced 3D scanning and custom cranial orthoses to provide individualised care for each child. We have clinics in Brisbane and Toowoomba and support families throughout their child’s helmet therapy journey.What Is Helmet Therapy?
Does My Baby Need a Helmet for a Flat Head?
What Age Is Best for Helmet Therapy?
Does Helmet Therapy Hurt?
How Many Hours a Day Does My Baby Wear the Helmet?
How Long Does Helmet Therapy Take?
What Happens at a Helmet Therapy Assessment?
What Type of Helmet Do You Use?
How Much Does Baby Helmet Therapy Cost?
How Do I Know If My Baby Has a Flat Head?
Where Can I Get Flat Head Helmet Therapy in Queensland?