What is a doc band?

A doc band, also known as a cranial molding helmet, is a custom-made helmet that is used to treat infants with plagiocephaly, or flat head syndrome. Plagiocephaly occurs when a baby's head develops a flat spot due to factors such as sleeping position, tight neck muscles, or positioning in the womb.

The doc band is made of a lightweight, plastic material and is worn for 23 hours a day for several months to help reshape and mold the baby's head into a more symmetrical shape. The helmet is custom-made for each baby based on a 3D scan of their head and is adjusted every few weeks as the baby's head grows and changes shape.

Doc bands are most effective when started early, usually between 3 and 6 months of age, when the baby's skull is still growing and malleable. The goal of the doc band is to improve the shape of the baby's head and prevent long-term issues such as facial asymmetry and developmental delays.

While some parents may feel hesitant about using a doc band, it is a safe and effective treatment option for plagiocephaly and has been shown to improve head shape in the majority of infants who use it. It is important to work with a pediatrician or pediatric specialist to determine if a doc band is the right treatment option for your baby.