Babies’ skulls are soft, making it easy for them to pass through the birth canal. Because of this softness, some may have abnormally shaped heads and jaw alignment, commonly from conditions such as plagiocephaly, brachycephaly, and torticollis.
Fortunately, this softness also means that this can be treated with cranial remolding orthoses (CRO), also known as a cranial band.
- What is the purpose of a cranial band?
- How long do babies have to wear a cranial helmet?
- What age is a cranial band for?
- Does insurance cover cranial helmets?
- At what age is plagiocephaly permanent?
- Does my baby really need a helmet?
What is the purpose of a cranial band?
A cranial band is an orthotic design that acts as a mold to correct abnormally shaped heads of babies, guiding and rounding out the flat areas of his or her head to fill out the space of the helmet.
How long do babies have to wear a cranial helmet?
The length of time a baby must wear a cranial band or helmet depends on the particular case, but some may have to wear it for as long as 3 months.
What age is a cranial band for?
An infant anywhere from 3 to 18 months can wear a cranial band, although 4-6 months is the most effective time to begin treatment.
Does insurance cover cranial helmets?
Yes, some insurances do cover cranial helmets, so long as they are deemed “medically necessary” prior to coverage. Medical necessity can be determined by your doctor, providing a letter of diagnosis that you’ll provide to your insurance company.
At what age is plagiocephaly permanent?
Plagiocephaly treatment is typically limited to up to 2 years old, at which point any treatment will be limited and insignificant.
Does my baby really need a helmet?
Although your child may exhibit flatness in areas of their head, this doesn’t necessarily mean your child needs a cranial helmet. In many cases, your child’s skull will naturally grow into a normal shape. Consult your pediatrician for advice on whether or not your child should wear a helmet.
Quality Cranial Helmets with Pongratz
At Pongratz, we care for the whole family–including your infant! Our state-of-the-art cranial orthotics are custom-fitted to your child to ensure the best possible treatment for conditions such as plagiocephaly.
Our pediatric services include:
Contact us today to learn how we can serve you and your loved ones.
