My almost 7 month old baby boy is in the process of getting fitted for an orthotic band for his head. I noticed his head was slightly flat in the back when he was around 4 1/2 months old. I discussed it with his doctor and he said it would resolve once he rolls around more as he gets older. It has improved some but still flatter on one side with the right side bulging out more. His ears are slightly uneven and some difference with his eyes. The difference is very subtle. Overall, it is not too noticeable unless you touch his head or when his hair is wet. My husband and I discussed the pros and cons and decided to proceed with the band for his head which he will wear for approx 2-3 mos. I wanted to see if anyone out there has had this experience and ask how your child tolerated the band/helmet. I also wanted to see if others saw a difference after wearing the band and happy with the end result. Were there any problems with the child wearing the band, any rashes or irritations? How did you handle people staring or making comments?
First of all, let me say you're brave to do it. My twins were a little flat on the back but my husband and I didn't want to put our kids in the helmets for the same reason you mentioned - other people's looks and comments. In the end it's just temporary and and it'll pay off. My girls are now 13 mo and their heads have naturally rounded off and are still getting better. Good luck to you!
I personally think most of these shape issues resolve on their own. But if having him wear one makes you feel better and your doctor recommends it, then go for it. It's just interesting to see more babies wearing them. Are there alternative therapies or treatments that are more natural than placing a headband that can disrupt their sleep and normal behavior/development?
I work as a nanny and the boy I cared for had one. I would like to encourage you, however, to seek cranial sacral therapy instead. It would be effective as well as better for him.
Hi V.,
We also put our son in the DOC band and it was the best things we could have done. Matthew did so well with the band, he was such a champ. I was worried that he wouldn't be able to sleep with it on, also worried of the staring and the comments. I won't lie , it wasn't easy in the beginning, but we painted it and put stickers on it, and it made things so much easier. You would be surprised just how many other kids I saw with one, once our son had one on. He didn't lose any hair with it also, like some might say. He did fantastic and had it off by his first birthday. I say good for you that you are doing this. We saw a WORLD of difference with it. It rounded out the back of his little head. If you would like, I can send you some pictures of Matthew. Let me know, and good luck, IT WILL BE WORTH IT!!! :)
My Son was also 7 months old. Similar issue, flat on back, head leaned to one side, ears uneven. After 2.5 months the difference was amazing - worth every penny. He had no problem wearing it and I had fun each week decorting the helmet with different stickers. It does tend to smell so must clean it regularly. He wore his helmet 23 hours a day, and we were very strict about that. The hardest part was having his head casted for the helmet mold, but it is over quickly (they do it once at the beginning and once at the end).
Good Luck!
Hi V.,
I am a pediatric physical therapist and I have had dozens of clients utilize the cranial band to address plagiocephally and brachiocephally. I have seen many parents agonize over the decision but in the past 12 years as a therapist I can think of only two families that were not happy with the results and both those cases were years ago before the new techniques were perfected.
As for adjustments there is adsolutely no research, biological or physical property that supports the idea that a spinal adjustment could change any boney structure especially the skull. I personnal treated a toddler at Blythedale Children's Hosiptal in NY about 8 yrs ago who was paralysed by a chiropractor adjusting an instable cervical spine. If you are a strong believer in spinal manipulation I would caution you get a cervical x-ray for any child under 12 years first.
Get him adjusted.
Dr. J. Kuty
Doctor of Chiropractic
www.kutychiropractic.com
