As an employee working at Cranial Center in New Jersey, watching an infant undergo treatment for positional plagiocephaly, commonly known as flat head syndrome, offers a profound insight into the challenges and triumphs faced by families dealing with this condition. Observing one family’s journey as they navigated the complexities of diagnosing and treating their baby’s plagiocephaly with the use of a Starband™ Cranial Helmet has been eye-opening.

Positional plagiocephaly occurs when a baby’s head develops a flat spot due to prolonged pressure on one part of the skull. This can happen for various reasons, including the baby’s preferred sleeping position, time spent in car seats, swings, or strollers, or even due to limited space in the womb during pregnancy. In the case of the infant I followed, the flat head syndrome was a result of a combination of these factors.

The parents, like many others, were initially filled with concern and questions upon learning of the diagnosis.  They wondered how this happened, what they could have done differently, and, most importantly, how to fix it. Their pediatrician recommended a cranial remolding helmet, specifically the Starband™ Cranial Helmet, which is designed to gently shape a baby’s head as they grow, applying mild pressure to prominent areas while leaving room for growth in flattened regions.

The family started helmet therapy when the baby was just four months old, a critical period when the skull is still soft and malleable. They were advised to keep the helmet on for 23 hours a day, removing it only for cleaning and bathing. Initially, the adjustment was tough, but the infant quickly adapted, and the helmet became just another part of their daily routine.

In addition to helmet therapy, the parents were diligent about repositioning techniques. They encouraged their baby to turn their head to the non-flat side during sleep and play, and tummy time was incorporated to strengthen neck muscles and reduce time spent lying on the back.

Regular follow-ups with our orthotist ensured that the helmet was fitting correctly and making the necessary adjustments. The progress was gradual but noticeable. Over the months, the improvement in the baby’s head shape was significant.

This journey was a testament to the resilience and patience of the family. They also found support in a community of parents undergoing similar experiences, which provided much-needed reassurance. The transformation in the baby’s head shape was remarkable, and today, the results are evident.

Stuart Weiner, CPO and owner of Cranial Center, shared his thoughts on the process: “There’s nothing more fulfilling than seeing the joy on parents’ faces when they see the positive results. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that we can make such a significant difference in these children’s lives.”

For any parent dealing with positional plagiocephaly, it’s important to know that they are not alone and that effective treatments are available. Seeing the before and after photos of this baby’s head shape underscores the positive impact of the Starband™ Cranial Helmet.

Here is the before and after photos.

  See more Before and After Photos.

The Cranial Center of New Jersey is one of the first and finest cranial centers on the East Coast, specializing in early intervention cranial and helmet therapy. Cranial Center was the first to offer the STARband™ scanner and helmets in New Jersey and the third company in the world with 3-D technology. Owned and operated by Stuart Weiner, CPO, the Cranial Center is certified by the American Board of Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Pedorthics. Our facilities are conveniently located across New Jersey: Hackensack, Hazlet, and Morristown. Contact us for a complimentary consultation at 800 685 9116 or at info AT cranial center dot com

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