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This guide is designed to help you understand what to expect, how to manage the Serkel helmet day to day, and when to reach out if you have questions.
Starting helmet therapy can feel like a big step. It’s normal to feel a little uncertain at first, especially in the early days. Most families find that, with a little time, helmet therapy becomes part of their routine — and we’re here to support you as you settle in.
The first few weeks are usually the adjustment period for both you and your baby. If you’re unsure about anything, please get in touch. We’re always happy to talk things through, review photos, or arrange an appointment if needed.
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.
Our usual recommendation is to gradually build up to full-time wear (23 hours per day) over several days:
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.
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:
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.
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.
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:
It often takes a little practice to feel confident putting the helmet on — that’s completely normal.
When closing:
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.
Serkel helmets treatment tends to go smoothly for most families, however there are a few important aspects parents and carers should be aware of. Here are some things to look out for and what to do if you have concerns.
Some movement of your child’s Serkel helmet is expected and is generally not a cause for concern. You may need to reposition the helmet several times during the day, particularly if your child is very active or has spent a long time lying on their back. Frequent movement is unlikely to affect their results or improvement.
To help keep the helmet in position, have your child look down while you gently twist the helmet down towards the lower neck, then make sure the straps are fastened firmly.
A little contact with the ears is also quite common. Check the skin around the ears regularly, just as you do with the rest of your child’s head.
If the helmet is moving excessively, such as tipping down over the eyes, coming off completely, or rotating enough to cover the ears, please take a photo and email it to us. We can check the fit and let you know if an adjustment is needed.
The Serkel helmet is lightweight and breathable, with ventilation through the outer shell and a soft cotton liner. This helps reduce heat and sweating, but some babies can still develop skin irritation or heat rash, particularly during warmer weather or when first adjusting to helmet therapy. Heat rash may appear as small red spots, bumps or blisters, and the skin may sometimes become weepy or uncomfortable.
Most skin irritation is manageable, and helmet therapy can usually continue once the skin improves. If a rash develops, remove the helmet and allow the skin to cool and dry. Keep your baby cool, wash their hair and hand wash the liner in mild soapy water, making sure it is completely dry before putting the helmet back on.
Babies with eczema may be more prone to irritation. Continue with their usual eczema care. It’s best to apply creams in the hour while the helmet is off, allowing for drying time before re-applying the helmet. Your GP or dermatologist can provide further advice.
If the skin is broken, weeping, blistered, very red or spreading, leave the helmet off and contact Orthokids. Please also seek medical advice if the rash is worsening, not improving, or your baby seems unwell.
Wearing a Serkel helmet can make your baby feel warmer than usual, particularly during warm weather. Dressing your baby in lighter clothing can help, and using lighter bedclothes or bedding at night may also help keep them comfortable.
Keep an eye out for signs that your baby is getting too warm, such as red or flushed skin, increased sweating or feeling unusually hot.
If this happens, remove the helmet, take off a layer of clothing and allow your baby to cool down. Once they are comfortable again, the helmet can usually be put back on and wear continued as normal.
Some red or contact marks are normal when your baby wears their Serkel helmet. You may notice these when the helmet is removed, particularly around the lower neck where the helmet holds in position. Normal marks should fade after the helmet has been off for a short time.
Occasionally, excessive pressure can cause more pronounced red marks or welts. If you are concerned, remove the helmet and check the skin again after 30 minutes. If an angry red mark remains, take a photo and email it to your clinic. Leave the helmet off until we have reviewed the area and advised you to resume wear. Sometimes a small adjustment to the helmet may be needed.
Always check that the helmet liner is smooth and not folded. Folded liners can cause pressure injuries.
If the skin is broken, remove the helmet and contact your clinic.
The Serkel helmet makes firm contact with the prominent areas of your baby’s forehead. With normal movement, this can sometimes push the skin down slightly, making one or both eyebrows look a little frowny. Sometimes this contact is unavoidable and isn’t a cause for concern. It doesn’t mean your baby is unhappy or uncomfortable.
If this happens, simply undo the strap and lift the helmet slightly away from the forehead to release the skin. The eyebrow should quickly return to its normal position.
This contact has no lasting impact and will not cause long-term changes to the skin or eyebrows.
There are a few times when it’s best to leave your child’s Serkel helmet off. Remove the helmet if your child has a fever, as it can make it harder for them to stay cool.
The helmet should also be left off if there is broken or weeping skin on your child’s head. Please contact us for advice before returning to normal helmet wear.
Please get in touch if:
We recommend calling or emailing first — often we can help without you needing to come in. If needed, we’re always happy to organise:
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:
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:
What matters is the overall journey, not individual weeks or months. Even small changes over time can make a meaningful difference.
If you need us at any point, please reach out. There’s no such thing as a silly question, especially in the early weeks. Most families find that once they’re through the initial adjustment period, helmet therapy becomes part of everyday life — and much easier than expected.
We look forward to seeing you at your first review and supporting you along the way.
With expert care and guidance, we’ll help you feel supported every step of the way.
