https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 18 May 2026 04:35:10 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/doc-band#post-714922 Sun, 14 Apr 2013 19:39:18 +0000 gardenvariety 714922@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I just went through this, and opted not to get the DOC band. I am currently pleased with my decision to not get it, but coming to that decision was very hard and emotional.</p> <p>I noticed my at-the-time three month old girl's head was a little flat on one side, but my partner dismissed my observation. I brought it up at her four month pediatrician visit, and the pediatrician confirmed that she had plagiocephaly and was a little stiff on one side of the neck and preferred to turn her head in one direction (tortincolis). She recommended physical therapy.</p> <p>We went to physical therapy once a week for a month to try stretching and strengthening the neck muscles, as well as repositioning her head at home. After the month was up, we assessed her progress to try to determine if we wanted to go the band route. Her neck muscles were less stiff and stronger, but not perfect. I was freaking out, wanting to get her in a band asap so as not to have a child with a deformed head for the rest of her life. My partner wanted more research evidence and medical opinions before proceeding. </p> <p>His pediatrician uncle said that in his opinion the bands are overkill unless the head flattening is severe, and in time the head will flatten out with growth and when the babies get older and off their heads more. We went back to our pediatrician for her recommendation, and she said that looking at our daughter's head she would not do the band. We went to the place that measures and makes the bands to get concrete numbers on her head flattening, and they put her just barely over level 3 into level 4 (1 is the least flat, 5 is the most), which definitely recommend cranial remolding orthosis. Our physical therapist was on the fence about the band in our case, saying that she sees great results with orthosis and minimal to moderate results with therapy and repositioning.</p> <p>I was all hung-ho (and very sad) for a band, until our pediatrician examined her after a month of therapy and told us she would not do it if it were her child, since she didn't have any facial asymmetries and no one but us could tell her head was a little flat on one side. I was so relieved after that pediatrician visit, and decided to let time take it's course with her head. </p> <p>Our daughter just turned 7 months, and it has now been two and a half months of physical therapy (really just involves neck stretches and working on physical milestones like rolling and crawling), and her torticollis is gone, she holds her head up just fine, and turns it to both sides well. Her head is still a little flat on one side, but it has improved. Really, no one would look at her head and say it is flat. I am so glad I waited for medical opinions and for therapy to work, instead of crying every night at the sight of my little girl in a helmet (I know they are not painful and some children do need them, but these sorts of things make mamas cry). </p> <p>It is such a hard decision to make because you want the best for your child, and they tell you that you have to catch it early or they will have a flat head for life. No pressure! You might want to wait a month and see if there is any change with repositioning or physical therapy to get her off that side of her head (not sure if physical therapy is appropriate in your case, though, since I'm unclear as to how her plagiocephaly developed.) Since we started therapy, she also learned how to roll, sit, and sleep on her tummy - something that only comes with time, but greatly helps heads round out when they get off of it for so many hours a day. </p> <p>Of course, if you feel it's right, go on and do it. I saw a baby today with a band while I was out to eat and he was perfectly happy. I know it is becoming more and more common now with the back to sleep campaign, so if you do decide to do it you are not alone. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/doc-band#post-713792 Sat, 13 Apr 2013 22:34:11 +0000 Weagle 713792@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have two friends whose children have had them. They had a good experience, and the babies weren't phased at all by it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/doc-band#post-713784 Sat, 13 Apr 2013 22:28:19 +0000 mrs. 64 713784@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Erin at blueeyedbride.com wrote some posts about her son's doc band. She had a positive experience. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/doc-band#post-713571 Sat, 13 Apr 2013 19:45:00 +0000 wheres_c 713571@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've been researching as DS has mild plagio and we will be discussing it with the pediatrician on Monday. I read the average time in a helmet is about 3 months...<br /> I would probably go for it if I were you, and fight insurance to try to get it covered.<br /> Let us know what you decide! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/doc-band#post-713521 Sat, 13 Apr 2013 19:13:38 +0000 AprilK 713521@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Just saw this... My son had a doc band for moderate plagiocephaly. The staff at cranial tech was amazing and he only had it for 7 weeks. I am soooo glad we did it. The sooner you get her in it, the faster she will be done with it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/doc-band#post-666923 Mon, 25 Mar 2013 20:54:50 +0000 Mrs. Bee 666923@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>sorry i have no advice because i'm not familiar with it. how long would your lo have to wear it? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/doc-band#post-666847 Mon, 25 Mar 2013 20:13:38 +0000 googly-eyes 666847@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Anyone out there have any experience with the DOC band? We've been told our LO's head could be helped by the DOC band but since it's not severe (plagio/brachy combo) and it's totally cosmetic, it's up to us. (She's a girl so her hair will likely cover up her head shape at least partially...) I can't decide what to do and I'm not even sure if the insurance will cover it. (It'll be $3800 without any insurance help.) I think we are leaning toward getting it although I too have a flat head and didn't even know about it until they started looking at LO's... (Part of hers is genetic and won't go away no matter what.)</p> <p>I'm so sad about this. Booo! :(</p> <p>But is there anyone out there who can tell me their story?</p> <p>Did LO get used to it quickly? </p> <p>Did you decorate?</p> <p>How old was LO and how long did LO wear it? </p>