Why do babies wear cranial bands?

Cranial band is a term that can be used interchangeably with cranial orthotic or baby helmet. Cranial banding reshapes the skull and improves an abnormal head shape and jaw alignment from common conditions like plagiocephaly, brachycephaly and torticollis.

Why does a baby have to wear a DOC band?

The DOC Band applies custom corrective pressure to redirect your baby’s natural head growth into a normal head shape. The band is worn 23 hours a day, every day, and can achieve visible improvement in as little as two weeks.

How long do babies wear a DOC band?

How does the DOC Band® work? The DOC Band applies gentle pressure to safely redirect your baby’s natural head growth into a more normal head shape. The band is worn 23 hours a day, usually for a few short months, and can achieve visible improvement in as little as two weeks.

How much does a cranial band cost?

Helmets to treat flattened skulls range in price from $1,300 to $3,000, and parents are told to make sure infants wear them around the clock.

How do you know if your baby needs to wear a helmet?

Your doctor will check your baby’s head size and shape at each well-child visit. These visits happen about every 2 months during infancy. If your baby has a large flat spot that isn’t getting better by about 4 months of age, your doctor may prescribe a helmet.

Is plagiocephaly the parents fault?

Whether a flat head shape has developed before, during, or after birth, some babies will still develop the condition. This is through no fault of the parent and really cannot be prevented.

Do cranial helmets hurt babies?

Helmet molding therapy is not painful or uncomfortable for your baby. Duration of treatment can vary based on your baby’s needs, but average treatment is 3 months. Helmet therapy is also known as cranial orthosis.

When is it too late for cranial helmet?

For a helmet to be effective, treatment should begin between 4 and 6 months of age. This will allow for the helmet to gently shape your baby’s skull as they grow. Treatment is generally considered ineffective after age 1 because the skull has started to fuse together.

Are helmets bad for babies?

Do not recommend helmet therapy for positional skull deformity in infants and children. Wearing a helmet causes adverse effects but does not alter the natural course of head growth.

Is 7 months too late for baby helmet?

Babies referred for helmets at a later age (e.g., after 8 months), or after position changes and physical therapy did not help can still get helmets. However, they may have to wear them for a longer time than if they had started at a younger age.