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View our privacy policyBarney’s journey: treating severe plagiocephaly with the LOCband Lite
Barney’s mother, Ellie, first noticed he had a preference for turning his head to the left at around six weeks old. This led to a slight flattening on the left side of his head. A physiotherapist diagnosed Barney with torticollis and potential scoliosis. By two months, his head shape had noticeably deteriorated, but a paediatrician reassured Ellie that it would resolve naturally. With other health issues to manage, Barney’s head shape seemed less of a priority.
At four months, it was confirmed that Barney had postural scoliosis, which influenced his preference to sleep on his left side. Repositioning techniques were ineffective due to the spinal curvature, making it uncomfortable for him to rest on his right side. An NHS physiotherapist suggested cranial remoulding therapy before Barney became too old for effective intervention and recommended contacting LOC.
Ellie researched LOC and was reassured by positive reviews. Barney was assessed in February 2023 by Jo Drake, LOC’s Lead plagiocephaly orthotist.. Jo measured Barney’s head asymmetry at 27mm, categorising it as very severe.
Ellie recalls: “Jo was massively reassuring that treatment with the LOCband Lite would work, even though Barney was a bit older (8 months) than the norm in starting treatment. I was really impressed by how easy it was to communicate with Jo directly. I never felt on my own, and with all the other issues Barney was dealing with, Jo was incredibly supportive.”
The LOCband Lite is a custom-made cranial remoulding helmet designed to gently guide a baby’s head into a more natural shape. Worn for approximately 23 hours a day, the helmet is adjusted regularly to accommodate growth. Treatment typically lasts between three to six months, depending on the severity of the condition.
Regular reviews showed consistent improvement in Barney’s head shape. Ellie appreciated the ongoing support; “The regular reviews were very helpful as far as I am concerned, particularly as I could see his head shape was improving all the time. The end result is amazing, a huge reduction in asymmetry; I would definitely recommend LOC to anybody who finds their baby’s head is misshapen.”
On discharge in April, Barney’s asymmetry had reduced to 11mm a nearly 60% improvement. Ellie also found comfort in connecting with other parents:
“We found we were not alone; when out with Barney, we were stopped by parents who said, ‘Oh, I recognise that helmet. That’s a LOCband. Our child’s head shape was sorted out by one of those years ago!’”
If you have concerns about your baby’s head shape, early assessment can help you explore the options available. The LOCband Lite is a non-invasive cranial remoulding helmet for babies with moderate to severe plagiocephaly. Complete our free flat head photo assessment form or contact us to arrange a free orthotic consultation with an orthotist.
Backed by clinical research, LOCband Lite is a non-invasive cranial remoulding helmet designed to support a more balanced head shape over time. Results vary depending on age, severity and daily wear time.
“From the very start, everyone at the London Orthotic Consultancy was professional and friendly. Every step of the way was well-explained and the fitting was quick. It only took Magnus one day to get used to the band, and after that, he wasn’t bothered by it at all. And, most importantly, it worked!”
Maria, Magnus’s mother – Plagiocephaly patient
Speak to our team about your options, with no obligation to begin treatment.
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