Re: New to the Group, interested in general info?

[Guest guest]

Hi Marina-

Welcome to the group! There really is no difference between a helmet

and a band. The general term for them is helmet, but their brand

names are STARBand and DOCBand (to name a couple), so we tend to use

the names helmet and band interchangeably. Babies wear the bands for

23 hours a day, with an hour off each day for cleaning the band and

bathing, and some band-less snuggles. Depending on which band you

get, the adjustment process differs, so it could take 2 days or up

to a week to get to 23 hours a day, but that is the ultimate goal.

You're right, it does depend on the age of the baby and the severity

of the plagio/brachy as to how long they wear it. Babies who are

younger, grow faster, so they tend to need less time in the band (or

if it is severe, they can grow out of the first band quickly, and

could possibly need a second one). The DOCBand can last 4 months,

and the STAR and Hanger bands can last 6 months.

It's great that you're trying repo. You may be able to have

additional success with it up until about 6 months of age, but then

it can become even more difficult to control the way they lay.

Please ask any more questions you may have along the way! We're

happy to help!

Jake-19m (tort resolved/rt plagio/DOCBand 7 weeks)

Jordan-4

>

> Hi

> My 4 month old son definitely has flat head in the back and I

think its

> a little bit lopsided - he favours his right side. I had a look

at the

> photo gallery and I can see a lot of similarities with other

babies.

> I've also read some posts and can see that repositioninbg seems to

have

> limited success (this is what I've been trying to do for the last

month

> or so). Its so hard to control how they lay their head when

they're

> sleeping. I bought the repositioning pillow from Toys R Us but he

> would still turn to the right - he's so stubborn!

> I am curious to know what is the difference between a DOC band and

a

> Helmut? Also, do these devices have to be worn 24/7? and

typically

> for how long - is it weeks or months or I guess maybe it depends

on age

> and severity of flatness - is that right?

> thanks for any help - I'm just begining to gather info

> Marina

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Marina & welcome to the group. I think answered most of your

questions. If your son has a strong preference for one side he should

be evaluated for torticollis (tort). This is when the neck muscles

are shorter on one side, so the child is more comfortable favoring

that side. Physical Therapy is usually needed to resolve it. The PT

will show you stretches to do at home so you have to do most of the

work.

If you do need to band it is good to start early, since growth is

quicker. If you're still trying to repo I would take picture every

week to see if it is improving. Good luck & let us know what you

decide to do next.

-christine

sydney 2 yrs starband grad

> >

> > Hi

> > My 4 month old son definitely has flat head in the back and I

> think its

> > a little bit lopsided - he favours his right side. I had a look

> at the

> > photo gallery and I can see a lot of similarities with other

> babies.

> > I've also read some posts and can see that repositioninbg seems to

> have

> > limited success (this is what I've been trying to do for the last

> month

> > or so). Its so hard to control how they lay their head when

> they're

> > sleeping. I bought the repositioning pillow from Toys R Us but he

> > would still turn to the right - he's so stubborn!

> > I am curious to know what is the difference between a DOC band and

> a

> > Helmut? Also, do these devices have to be worn 24/7? and

> typically

> > for how long - is it weeks or months or I guess maybe it depends

> on age

> > and severity of flatness - is that right?

> > thanks for any help - I'm just begining to gather info

> > Marina

> >

>