Take it Slow
When we see you to fit your baby’s TiMbandAir, we always go through how to start the routine, getting your baby used to starting with the helmet. Our protocols have been developed and improved over long years of experience and it’s good for Mums to know that they’re not on their own. We’re with you every step of the way. To help your baby to adjust to their new TiMbandAir helmet, we recommend that you build up wear over the first week so that your baby will be wearing the helmet for 23 hours a day, maximising improvements to their head shape. For the first few days it’s about helping your baby (and you) to adjust as quickly and effectively as possible.
For their first few nights of wearing it, check on your little one before you go to bed and see how they are doing. If they seem to be hot or unsettled in the first few nights, remove the helmet and allow them to sleep without it. If they are doing fine, leave them to sleep with their TiMbandAir on!
Keep Baby Cool
It usually takes 1 or 2 weeks for your baby’s body temperature to acclimatise to the TiMbandAir. Remember that your baby’s helmet is an extra layer that they aren’t used to wearing. So dress your baby in lighter clothing to help keep them cool. You’ll find that your baby might be a bit more sweaty than usual at first but this quickly settles down as your baby’s body adjusts.
Clean the TiMbandAir
Regular cleaning of the TimbandAir helmet is essential and you’ll start to notice that the helmet smells sweaty, particularly at the start of treatment. This can be easily settled with a good cleaning routine. We recommend the normal baby wipes, which are great for cleaning the inside of the TiMbandAir, followed by a damp cloth. For more detailed information on cleaning the TiMbandAir, check out our Plagiocephaly helmet cleaning guide!
Help Yourself to Adjust
Sometimes the helmet concerns the parent more than it does the baby! It is probably as much of an adjustment to you as a parent as it is for your little one. The vast majority of babies aren’t at all bothered by using a helmet but this doesn’t overcome the concern and guilt that some parents feel about their baby having to wear a helmet. It’s times like this that you need to remember why you chose the treatment in the first place. When you start to see results, you will feel reassured that you did the right thing. Don’t let the helmet be a barrier to the normal loving cuddles and play that you would do if it wasn’t there. Your baby wearing a helmet is certainly a lot easier than some parents have to deal with if their babies are poorly in the first weeks of life or, for example, if they’re wearing a hip brace. Be practical, even though it may not be easy, and you will find it even easier to help your baby to adjust.
Distractions
Distraction is great to help let your baby forget that there’s something new. Just like changing a nappy, if your baby is objecting to this new thing, distract them with play, cuddles, or toys that are interesting and fun. The simple art of distraction can be a great way of getting them to stop focusing on the new thing on their head. It does work wonders! Make helmet time as fun as possible by converting it into playtime. This really helps babies to adjust to the helmet in the long-term.
If you have any questions regarding your baby’s TiMbandAir, or would like to know more information about the treatment, please don’t hesitate to contact a member of our friendly team. If you are considering treatment, explore our Parent Stories to discover other families journeys with treatment.
