Cranial Helmet Care: Sleep, Cleaning, Sweating and Skin Care

Is the helmet worn during sleep?

Yes. The helmet is usually worn 22–23 hours a day, including night sleep and naps, and most babies adapt within a few days. Safe sleep rules still apply: on the back, on a firm, flat surface, with no pillows or soft items. Avoid heavy clothing and thick blankets to reduce overheating. See how long a cranial helmet is worn.

What to expect in the first weeks

The first days are a wear-in period: a few hours at first, increasing gradually, with a skin check at every removal. Your baby may sweat more, take a little longer to settle at night and fiddle with the edges; this usually eases quickly. Noting or photographing any skin changes helps you discuss them at the first follow-up visit.

How do I clean the helmet?

• Clean the inside and edges at least once a day as instructed by your team; for many helmets lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap is enough.
• Some teams recommend an alcohol-based cleaner for the lining; let it dry completely before use.
• Towel-dry and air the helmet briefly. Never put it on while damp.
• Avoid hot hair dryers, radiators, direct sun or dishwashers; heat can distort the helmet.
• Do not use bleach, acetone or harsh chemicals.

Can my baby bathe with the helmet?

No. Remove the helmet for bathing and keep it away from water. Wash your baby's hair daily with a mild baby shampoo, dry the hair and scalp completely, and only then put the helmet back on. This is also a good time to check the skin.

Why does the helmet cause sweating and odour?

Babies sweat a lot from the head, and the helmet adds warmth. Sweating is often greater in the first weeks and tends to settle. Odour usually comes from sweat and oil building up inside. Clean the helmet and hair daily, dress your baby in one lighter layer, keep the room cool and ventilated, and if your baby is very sweaty, briefly remove the helmet to dry the scalp and lining.

What about hot weather?

Helmet use usually continues in summer. Keep your baby out of direct sun, in shade and cool rooms, and watch fluid intake. If your baby has a fever or seems unwell or very uncomfortable from heat, remove the helmet, contact your pediatrician and let your team know.

What if the helmet causes red marks?

• Usually normal: flat pink marks that fade within about an hour of removal.
• Call your team: redness that lasts longer or darkens, blisters, open sores, crusting, discharge or tender areas.

Often a small adjustment to the inner surface solves the problem.

Can I use creams or powder under the helmet?

Not unless your team or pediatrician specifically advises it. Creams, lotions, oils and powders can build up inside the helmet, increase sweating, irritate the skin and damage the lining.

When should you contact a specialist?

• Redness, blisters or sores that do not fade within about an hour
• The helmet slips, covers the eyes or seems too tight
• Foul-smelling discharge, swelling or warmth under the helmet
• Your baby is feverish, unwell or unusually unsettled
• The helmet is damaged

For helmet questions contact your team; for general health issues see your pediatrician. You can also book an appointment or read our step-by-step helmet process.

Frequently asked questions

How long can the helmet be off each day?

Usually about an hour in total, for bathing, skin checks and cleaning. Longer breaks for illness or skin irritation should be planned with your team.

Can I put a hat or cloth inside the helmet?

Not unless your team recommends it, as it can change the fit.

Will the odour go away?

Daily cleaning and thorough drying usually reduce it a lot. If it persists, ask your team about other cleaning methods.

Can we go out with the helmet?

Yes. Car seats and strollers can be used. In sunny weather keep your baby in the shade and watch for heavy sweating.