Serkel helmet: a user guide

In the first few days, your child may seem a little unsettled or “out of sorts”. This is very common and usually just reflects the adjustment to something new on their head.

A change in behaviour early on does not automatically mean there is a problem with the helmet. Most children settle once they become familiar with wearing it.

Building up wear time

Our usual recommendation is to gradually build up to full-time wear (23 hours per day) over several days:

• Days 1–2: Helmet worn while awake only
• Day 3: Introduce day sleeps
• Day 4: Introduce night sleep
• Day 5: Aim for 23 hours per day

Some children are very relaxed in their helmet from the start. If your child is comfortable and settled, it is okay to move to full-time wear sooner — just remember to check the skin regularly in the first few days.

If you’re having difficulty building up wear time, please let us know. We can usually help, and it’s important to avoid long periods without the helmet during growth, as long term this might impact results, comfort or the fit of the helmet.

Helmet therapy comes with a few things that can surprise parents at first — all of which are usually completely normal.

Helmet movement

It’s normal for the helmet to move slightly during the day and sit a little differently depending on what your child is doing.

You may notice:

• A small gap at the top when your child lifts their head during tummy time
• Gapping near a cheek when lying on one side
• The helmet needing a quick adjustment after sleep or play

You don’t need to chase your child around adjusting the helmet constantly. Small changes in position are expected, and the helmet doesn’t need to sit in a “perfect” position to be effective.

Sitting close to the ears or cheeks

Helmets often sit close to the ears and may feel firmer on one cheek than the other. This is usually not a concern. Treat the ears like any other area of skin — check for red marks that don’t fade.

The “frowny face”

Some children look like they’re frowning when the helmet is done up, especially around the eyebrows. This happens because the helmet fits closely across the forehead and gently shifts the skin.

This:

• Is very common
• Does not hurt
• Does not affect facial development
• Does not mean your child is unhappy

It often takes a little practice to feel confident putting the helmet on — that’s completely normal.

Helpful tips

• A high chair is often the easiest place
• Two people can help, especially early on
• Avoid trying to put the helmet on while your child’s head is resting against a surface. It’s easiest to have space all around the head.

Step-by-step

1. Undo both Velcro straps fully
2. Hold the helmet with the opening facing you
3. Place your thumbs at the top near the opening and fingers in the ear space on the opening side
4. Gently stretch the helmet open (avoid putting hands inside the helmet)
5. Stand above your child and place the helmet down over the head, guiding the ear into position
6. Adjust the helmet (forward/back or side-to-side) before closing
7. Firmly close the straps

When closing:

• Squeeze the helmet firmly three times: once in the direction of each Velcro strap, then once to check the firmness
• Check that the opening doesn’t move much when you squeeze
• Minimal to no movement is ideal

If the helmet is loose despite correct fastening, please contact us.

Your child will wear their helmet for 23 hours per day, leaving one hour for skin checks, cleaning, and bathing.

Cleaning

• Wipe the helmet and liner daily with a wet wipe
• Liners are re-useable, removable and hand washable
• Allow liners to air dry (do not use a clothes dryer)
• Liners are usually changed every couple of weeks, or sooner if needed.
• Four sets of liners are provided with the helmet, which should be enough for the entire length of treatment

Skin and hair care

• Daily bathing and hair washing is common during helmet therapy
• Avoid heavy creams unless advised (eczema treatments are okay if needed)
• Many families remove the helmet during the evening meal to help keep it clean

Please get in touch if:

• You’re unsure about the fit or skin
• You’re struggling to build up wear time
• Something just doesn’t feel right

We recommend calling or emailing first — often we can help without you needing to come in. If needed, we’re always happy to organise:

• A face-to-face appointment
• A telehealth review
• A phone call

Extra appointments are never a problem if they’re needed.

Your first review usually happens around four weeks after starting therapy.

At this appointment we will:

• Repeat a scan and compare differences
• Check helmet fit and comfort
• Review wear time
• Talk through how things have been going

Some families see noticeable change at the first scan, while others don’t — both are completely normal. Helmet therapy depends on growth, and growth doesn’t always happen predictably.

It’s common to see:

• A month with good improvement
• Followed by a month with little visible change

What matters is the overall journey, not individual weeks or months. Even small changes over time can make a meaningful difference.