RE: hard time with STAR band

[Guest guest]

My baby also got the STARband at 7 months (on 12/19/01) and

had a hard time adjusting. I am glad to hear it is already going

better for Asher.

It seems like it took about a month for to adjust. I think

the helmet was too heavy for his neck muscles, especially at first

when it hadn't been trimmed back. The orthotist and the plastic

surgeon had no idea why he seemed less happy with the helmet on; it

was his physical therapist who suggested it was the weight of the

helmet. He did not support the weight of his head a couple of times

(i.e., let his head fall back) when we first got it. I think the

warmth

also bothered him.

I wish I had let him ease into the helmet more. He had a week of

wearing it on and off, then we went to 23 hours a day. (We have seen

great correction already.)

I have found it helpful to cuddle with all of him when he has the

helmet on. Where I used to put my hand on his head, I put both hands

on his body and give him lots of contact, which is good for both of

us. Also I hold him higher so that his face meets my shoulder better.

We all found adjusting took longer than others on this board. I just

wanted to share my experience, and hope things go very well for you.