Anyone have any experience with Cranial Bands? My son WILL NOT sleep in it. He likes to sleep on his belly but in his sleep he will turn his face to get the pressure off the side of his head and will end up buried.
Just wanted to let you guys know that my son is now sleeping in his cranial band!! Thanks so much for all of your advice, it really helped me to not be so nervous about him sleeping in it.
My son just graduated from his helmet. He used to look like he was sleeping on his face. But it seems he really wasn't. I just made sure to keep his crib clear of excess items such as too much stuffed animals and thick blankets. Fortunately for me, most of the time he was fine and adapted quickly to the helmet. I heard some people try those egg crate foam in the crib. How long as your son had the band and how old is he?
My son wore one for several months. He didn't seem to have to many problems with it. At first it seemed like a nightmare, but it got better. Just don't take it off. He will get use to it and it is such a benefit!!! It is well worth it. I wish you the best of luck and you are more than welcome to email me with any questions.
How old is your son? Mine had his band from 6-9 months. He didn't have any problems sleeping in it (that was my worst fear). He, too, slept with his face sort of buried in the mattress. I worried at first, then realized that he slightly tilted his head enough so air could get in and out of his nose. If he's still small enough, have you considered letting him sleep in his swing? We did that for a while too.
Good luck - the band wasn't nearly as traumatic (for me) as I thought it would be!
Hi J.,
How old is your son and how long has he had his band on? It does take time for them to get used to it. Especially if they are used to sleeping on the side that the helmet strap is on. Something you can do is get a baby wedge and prop him up so that he doesnt turn to his stomache. If your son is old enough that he turns on his own, just make sure that you have a firm mattress and very little bedding in the crib. If he's turning back and forth well and he turns to his tummy/face to sleep, he should quickly figure out on his own how to adjust his head so he can breath easy.
Which band do you use? We used a DOC band from Cranial Tech. My son took a while to get used to wearing it. He was about 6 mos old when he got banded. His head sweat like crazy for a while, but he did adjust and the sweating let up.
There is a plagiocephaly site on Yahoogroups.com. http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Plagiocephaly/?yguid...
And also cappskids.org
Both sites were wonderful resources for plagiocephaly and banding information.
Hi J.,
Yes, I have had a lot of experience with the cranial bands. My older son had to wear it and currently my 7 mos. old wears one, too. I have not had much trouble with either of my children wearing the band at night. My 7 mos old does sleep on his belly and will turn his head from side to side or I have found him with his face in the mattress. It is scary to see that, I'm sure! But even when my son is sleeping with his face down, there still is air for him to breathe. Have you talked with your orthodist about what is happening? I know they want the kids to wear them usually 23 hrs. per day. I wish I had some better advice for you. I would definitely talk to the orthodist and see if they have any recommendations for you.
Best of luck,
L.
