Tips and tricks for your cranial helmet journey!

 

The Ultimate Parent’s Guide to Surviving & Thriving with a Cranial Helmet

Welcome to the helmet journey! While the helmet is a temporary tool to help your baby’s head shape, we know the day-to-day can feel overwhelming at first. The most common challenges parents face are managing heat, keeping the helmet clean, and ensuring their baby stays comfortable.

Here are our top tips and tricks to make the experience breezy for you and your little one.

1. Be Cool During Playtime (The Game Changer)

Helmets act like a thick Styrofoam hat, trapping body heat and making babies sweaty and irritable. In the past, parents had to rely on air conditioning and stripping babies down to diapers.

  • Active Cooling for Active Babies: You don’t have to rely on passive cooling during the day. The Br-easy Baby active cooling fan is designed specifically for playtime, stroller walks, and tummy time. By attaching our rechargeable, silicone-housed fan to the center vent, you pull hot air out of the helmet. This keeps your baby cool, reduces sweat, and keeps them happier for longer stretches of awake time.

  • Reclaim the Cute Outfits: One of the biggest perks of using Br-easy Baby is that you aren't forced to keep your baby in just a diaper all day. The active airflow allows you to dress them in those cute onesies and outfits during the day without worrying about overheating.

2. Safety First: When to Power Down

While we want your baby cool, safety is our number one priority. There are specific times when the cooling fan should be removed.

  • Car Seat Safety: Do not use the Br-easy Baby attachment while your child is in a car seat. It is vital to ensure there is no interference with the car seat’s clearance or function in the event of a sudden stop.

  • Sleep Safe: The Br-easy Baby is designed for supervised use only. Please remove the device before putting your baby down for naps or nighttime sleep.

  • Managing Heat During Sleep: Since the fan comes off at night, keeping your baby cool while sleeping is about the environment. Keep the bedroom thermostat lower (68–70°F is usually recommended) and dress baby in light cotton or bamboo pajamas.

3. Managing the "Car Oven"

Since you shouldn't use the fan in the car seat, and car seats are notorious heat traps, you need a different strategy for travel.

  • Pre-Cool the Car: In the summer, run the AC for a few minutes before putting the baby in.

  • Dress Down for Travel: Even if it’s cold outside, the car seat + helmet combo gets hot. Remove heavy jackets (which aren't safe in car seats anyway) and stick to a light layer.

  • The "Neck Check": To see if your baby is overheating, touch the back of their neck or their chest. If it’s hot or sweaty, they are too warm. (Remember: Cool hands and feet are normal!).

4. Hygiene: Battling the "Helmet Funk"

A warm, moist environment is a playground for bacteria. The key to fighting the smell is consistency.

  • Prevent the Sweat: Using your Br-easy Baby cooling system consistently during the day minimizes the moisture buildup that causes odor in the first place.

  • The 91% Rule: When cleaning, use 91% Isopropyl Alcohol (rubbing alcohol). The 70% version contains too much water and takes longer to dry.

  • Scrub, Don't Just Wipe: Once a day, spray the alcohol and use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub the inside foam. This lifts dead skin cells that wiping misses.

  • Sunlight Sanitizer: During your baby's "helmet-free" break, place the helmet in direct sunlight near a window. UV rays are a natural deodorizer.

5. Comfort & Skin Care

It takes a few days for a baby to get used to the added weight and bulk.

  • Heat Rash Prevention: Heat rash is common on the forehead and neck. By keeping the air moving with Br-easy Baby during their active hours, you keep the skin drier, significantly reducing the chance of red, bumpy heat rashes.

  • Tummy Time Hacks: The helmet adds weight to the head, making tummy time a workout! Place a rolled-up towel or a nursing pillow under your baby's chest to give them a little lift and make it easier to look around.

  • Dry Hair is a Must: Never put the helmet back on a wet head (after a bath). It can soften the skin and lead to breakdown. Use a hair dryer on the COOL setting to dry their hair (and the helmet foam) quickly.

6. Handling the Public

You might get stares or questions. Having a plan makes social outings easier.

  • Decorate It!: Making the helmet look fun creates a positive conversation starter. Use specific cranial helmet decals (from sites like Etsy or Bling Your Band).

  • The Script: If strangers ask, keep it light. "It’s just fixing a flat spot—like braces for his head! He’ll be done in no time."

  • The "Pilot" Look: Since the Br-easy Baby sits on top, tell siblings or other kids it’s their "Pilot Gear" or "Space Helmet." It turns a medical device into a cool accessory.

Safety FAQ

Q: My baby gets hottest in the car seat. Why can’t I use Br-easy Baby while driving? A: We know the struggle—car seats are heat traps! However, safety is our absolute priority. In the event of a sudden stop or crash, any object not permanently attached or crash-tested with a car seat can become a projectile or interfere with the seat's protective functions. We recommend cooling the car down before you get in and using the Br-easy Baby immediately before and after the car ride to regulate their temperature.

Q: Can I leave the fan on while my baby sleeps at night? A: No. The Br-easy Baby is designed for supervised, active use only. While our device is secure, safe sleep guidelines recommend keeping the crib environment as simple as possible. Additionally, because you are asleep too, you cannot monitor the device or your baby's temperature.

Q: What if my baby falls asleep in the stroller while wearing it? A: If you are actively supervising your baby (watching them during a walk), it is generally fine to leave it on to prevent overheating. However, if you leave the stroller parked or step away, please turn off and remove the device.

Q: Is the battery safe near my baby’s head? A: Absolutely. We use a high-quality, low-voltage rechargeable battery encased in medical-grade silicone. It is designed specifically for close-proximity use, but like all electronic devices, it should only be used while you are there to supervise.

Disclaimer: The content provided in this guide is for general informational and educational purposes only and suggests tips based on common parent experiences. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, nor does it constitute legal advice. Always seek the advice of your pediatrician, certified orthotist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your child’s cranial helmet therapy or medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Please refer to the Br-easy Baby user manual for specific operating instructions and safety warnings regarding our product.