Newborn Head Shaping Helmets: Between Medical Necessity and Aesthetic Purpose
Recently, head-shaping helmets have gained significant attention among parents of newborns.
According to the Korea Daily on the 12th, Choi (38) decided to use a corrective helmet for her child, who was 6 months old at the time, due to concerns about "plagiocephaly," where the symmetry of the head is not right.
Although the price of this custom-made helmet was 2.7 million won, she decided to purchase it, thinking that if she missed the correction period, it would be difficult to see results.
Choi stated to the media, "The plagiocephaly was not serious enough to worry about," but added, "I heard from those around me that the earlier you start, the better the effect, so I began treatment." As such, more parents are seeking head-shaping helmets for aesthetic reasons rather than medical necessity.
Newborn babies have soft skulls, making it easy for the shape of their heads to change. Wearing a helmet during this period can treat conditions like plagiocephaly or "brachycephaly," where the back of the head becomes flat.
Helmet therapy typically involves the baby wearing the helmet for over 20 hours a day for about 3 to 6 months to correct the head shape.
Increase in Aesthetic Use and Expert Concerns
In a parenting café with 3.5 million members, one can easily find posts from parents contemplating the purchase of a corrective helmet.
From posts about "considering helmet use to make my child's head look nice" to shared experiences like "I corrected my child's head for aesthetic purposes even though the measurements didn't indicate plagiocephaly," there are many discussions.
A professor from the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine noted, "Many come for consultations even when the symptoms are not serious, and most of these cases are for aesthetic reasons," explaining, "Essentially, it is up to the parents to decide."
However, experts worry that as head-shaping helmets become known for aesthetic purposes, their associated risks are being overlooked. Though a doctor's diagnosis is required to order a helmet, there are concerns that diagnosis certificates are being issued too easily.
Choi mentioned, "I received a doctor's note before getting the helmet, but most are willing to write it if you ask."
Professor Jeong Soo-jin from Hallym University Dongtan Sacred Heart Hospital's Department of Rehabilitation Medicine warned, "During the newborn period, the size of the head keeps growing, so regular monitoring of helmet wear is necessary," adding, "Excessive pressure on the head can lead to issues."
Image source: Reference photos for understanding the article / gettyimagesbank, it is advisable to start head-shaping treatment after a specialist's diagnosis / Hallym University Dongtan Sacred Heart Hospital.
