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Patient Questions  /  Helmets for flat head

Kids & Babies

Does My Baby Need a Helmet for a Flat Head?

Many babies with a flat spot don't need a helmet. Mild and moderate flat spots often improve with repositioning, tummy time and treating any neck tightness. A helmet may be considered when a flat spot is more severe or isn't improving, and that decision is made by your baby's doctor or a specialist, not by a physical therapist.

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What is usually tried first

  • Repositioning. Change your baby's position often while awake, and switch which end of the crib their head is at. Always place your baby on their back to sleep.
  • Tummy time several times a day, while awake and watched.
  • Less time in seats, like car seats outside the car, swings and bouncers.
  • Treating a tight neck. If your baby has torticollis, physical therapy for the neck is an important part of the plan.

Medical guidelines support repositioning, and physical therapy when a baby has neck tightness, as first steps for many babies.

How a helmet decision is made

Your pediatrician watches your baby's head shape at checkups. If the flat spot is more severe or isn't getting better, they may refer you to a specialist, who decides whether a helmet makes sense.

Timing matters. A baby's skull grows fastest early in life, and a helmet works by guiding that growth. That's why it helps to start repositioning early and to bring up a flat spot at your next checkup rather than waiting.

ARI does not make or fit helmets. If your baby gets one, we can keep working on neck movement, strength and milestones alongside it.

When to see a doctor

Talk with your pediatrician if:

  • The flat spot is getting worse, even with position changes
  • One ear, one side of the forehead or one side of the face looks pushed forward
  • You feel a hard ridge along the skull, or the soft spot seems to have closed early
  • Your baby has a head tilt or always turns their head one way

How physical therapy at ARI can help

A pediatric physical therapist treats the neck tightness and movement habits that often keep a baby resting on the same spot, and teaches you positioning and play for home. You are part of every visit, and we coordinate with your pediatrician and any specialist involved.

At ARI Physical Therapy in Bakersfield, every visit is one-on-one and in person with a licensed physical therapist, and our clinic director, Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, is a board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist. We accept most private insurance plans and Medicare, and we have staff who speak Spanish and Hindi. We can usually see new pediatric patients within 1–2 weeks.

Read our full guide: Flat head (plagiocephaly) →

No referral needed to start. In California, you can see a physical therapist directly for up to 12 visits or 45 days, whichever comes first. Some insurance plans still require a referral for coverage; call us at (661) 282-8584 and we'll help you check.

Related questions

Ready to feel better?

Talk to a licensed physical therapist at ARI, one-on-one. Request an evaluation and we'll get back to you, usually within one business day.

Request an EvaluationCall (661) 282-8584

This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you have symptoms, a licensed clinician should evaluate you.

Clinically reviewed by Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist · Reviewed October 2026