• Skip to main content
  • Our Services
    • Pressure Garments for Burns
    • Plagiocephaly Cranial Bands
    • Upper Extremity Prosthesis
    • Lower Limb Prosthesis
    • Mastectomy
    • Pediatrics
    • Custom Orthotics
  • Who We Are
    • Meet the Team
    • Residency Program
    • Community Activities
  • Patient Resources
    • Accepted Insurance
    • Request An Appointment
    • FAQ’s
    • Blog
    • New Technology
    • Diabetic Shoe Update
  • Locations
    • Avondale, AZ
    • Chandler, AZ
    • Casa Grande, AZ
    • Gilbert / Mesa, AZ
    • Glendale, AZ
    • Phoenix (West), AZ
    • Phoenix, AZ
    • Scottsdale, AZ
    • Tucson, AZ – Grant
    • Tucson, AZ – Cholla
Call (602) 222-3032
Call (602) 222-3032
  • Our Services
    • Pressure Garments for Burns
    • Plagiocephaly Cranial Bands
    • Upper Extremity Prosthesis
    • Lower Limb Prosthesis
    • Mastectomy
    • Pediatrics
    • Custom Orthotics
  • Who We Are
    • Meet the Team
    • Residency Program
    • Community Activities
  • Patient Resources
    • Accepted Insurance
    • Request An Appointment
    • FAQ’s
    • Blog
    • New Technology
    • Diabetic Shoe Update
  • Locations
    • Avondale, AZ
    • Chandler, AZ
    • Casa Grande, AZ
    • Gilbert / Mesa, AZ
    • Glendale, AZ
    • Phoenix (West), AZ
    • Phoenix, AZ
    • Scottsdale, AZ
    • Tucson, AZ – Grant
    • Tucson, AZ – Cholla
Get a Second Opinion
Call (602) 222-3032
Home > Patient Resources > Blog > How to Care for a Cranial Band

How to Care for a Cranial Band

May 22, 2024

Cranial band care is essential for proper hygiene and comfort for your child. 

While getting used to the band can be an adjustment, your child will have an easier time in a fresh-smelling, sparkling-clean helmet!

  • How do you clean a cranial band?
  • What shampoo is good for a cranial band?
  • How do you take care of a cranial helmet?
  • How do you deodorize a cranial band?
  • How long does a cranial helmet last?
  • Can a cranial band get wet?

How do you clean a cranial band?

Frequently cleaning your child’s cranial band lowers the risk of infection and irritation. Dirt, sunscreen, sweat, and more can accumulate under the band throughout the day, creating irritation or a poor-smelling odor. 

You can easily care for your cranial band in four separate steps:

  1. Gather supplies. You’ll need mild soap (like soft soap or baby shampoo), water, clothes, and towels.
  2. Prep a cleaning solution. This one is simple! Just mix your soap with warm water until dissolved.
  3. Remove the band and clean it gently with a soft cloth in the cleaning solution.
  4. Wipe and rinse thoroughly with clean water and pat it dry with a towel. 

Don’t forget to follow a regular cleaning schedule. This will help maintain the hygiene and longevity of your child’s cranial band. 

Continue to follow up with a healthcare provider and regularly check for damages or accumulated dirt and sweat. 

What shampoo is good for a cranial helmet?

Cranial helmets can be best cared for with soft, gentle soaps. This includes shampoos such as Aveeno Sensitive Skin or Johnson & Johnson Baby shampoo. Make sure your soap is unscented, and don’t follow up with lotion or ointment to keep their skin dry. 

How do you take care of a cranial helmet?

A regular cleaning routine is the best way to care for your child’s cranial helmet. In addition to the previously listed steps, you can gently scrub the helmet with a soft-bristled toothbrush or 70% rubbing alcohol to remove stubborn stains. 

Drying can take up to 15 minutes, so ensure the helmet is completely dry before putting it back on your baby’s head. Another simple step is to wipe it down with unscented, clean baby wipes during your child’s changing time. 

How do you deodorize a cranial band?

Keeping up with scheduled cleanings will keep your child’s cranial band smelling fresh! You can also use baking soda to neutralize the odor. 

After letting it sit for 15-30 minutes, use a damp cloth to wipe away the excess or gently rinse it under water. Let it dry completely (air dry or with a hair dryer), then place it back onto your child’s head. 

How long does a cranial helmet last?

Cranial helmets are extremely durable and will last throughout your child’s treatment. With a success rate of 92.8%, cranial helmet treatment length varies from child to child. 

The average treatment lasts around three months, but it can be up to one year, depending on how quickly your child grows and how often they wear it. To maximize the helmet’s effectiveness, it’s strongly recommended that your child wear it for 23 hours each day. 

Can a cranial band get wet?

The cranial band can get wet during cleaning but should not be completely immersed in water. This is why it’s recommended to wipe down the band with a baby wipe or damp washcloth. 

Make sure that you remove the helmet for swimming and bath time and allow any dampness to dry completely before reapplying the helmet.

Custom-Designed Cranial Bands with Pongratz

We offer pediatric prosthetic and orthotic services that are tailored to your child’s unique developmental needs and journey. If you’re looking for a custom-fitted cranial helmet for your child, feel free to schedule an appointment with us today.

Categories: Orthotics, Pediatrics

Related Posts

How Do I Know If I Need Orthotics?
  • Orthotics

How Do I Know If I Need Orthotics?

Orthotics are a helpful solution to foot and ankle pain. Usually in the form of shoe inserts, these medical devices provide support and proper alignment of the foot. But how...

Read moremore about How Do I Know If I Need Orthotics?
Should I Wear Orthotics All the Time?
  • Orthotics

Should I Wear Orthotics All the Time?

Deciding whether to wear orthotics constantly can be confusing. Are they needed all day, or just for certain activities? How do you know if they’re helping or causing issues? We...

Read moremore about Should I Wear Orthotics All the Time?
At What Age Should Kids Get Orthotics?
  • Orthotics

At What Age Should Kids Get Orthotics?

While flat feet are common in children, not every case warrants orthotics. This guide will explore the key indicators, appropriate ages, and specific conditions that may suggest your child could...

Read moremore about At What Age Should Kids Get Orthotics?

Our Services

  • Pressure Garments for Burns
  • Plagiocephaly Cranial Bands
  • Upper Extremity Prosthesis
  • Lower Limb Prosthesis
  • Mastectomy
  • Pediatrics
  • Custom Orthotics

Our Locations

  • Avondale, AZ
  • Chandler, AZ
  • Casa Grande, AZ
  • Gilbert / Mesa, AZ
  • Glendale, AZ
  • Phoenix (West), AZ
  • Phoenix, AZ
  • Scottsdale, AZ
  • Tucson, AZ – Grant
  • Tucson, AZ – Cholla

Patient Resources

  • Accepted Insurance
  • Patient Forms
  • Request An Appointment
  • FAQ’s
  • New Technology
  • Diabetic Shoe Update
Contact Us
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • YouTube

Copyright © 2026 Pongratz Orthodontics & Prosthetics