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View our privacy policyThe LOC Cranioband Lite is a 3D-printed cranial remoulding helmet, designed and made in the UK
When a baby has craniosynostosis, management is led by a specialist medical team and often involves surgery to reshape the skull.
Traditionally, this involved open surgery, but Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) also offers endoscopic strip craniectomy, a less invasive procedure in which the fused sutures are released using small incisions.
After surgery, some babies are referred for a specialist helmet to support head shape management as the skull continues to grow. This custom-made orthosis is designed to guide growth by holding the more prominent areas while allowing room in flatter areas.
This helmet is used after surgery to support head shape management and is similar to the helmets we provide for positional plagiocephaly, but with additional design features for babies following craniosynostosis surgery.
Improved ventilation means babies are less likely to become hot and uncomfortable while wearing it. This helps ensure they stay comfortable and tolerate wearing their helmet well, even during warmer nights and summer months.
We listened to parent’s needs for a cooler and more lightweight design. The LOC Cranioband Lite weighs approximately 40% less than traditional craniobands making it more comfortable to wear.
Each helmet is tailored from a precise 3D scan for an accurate and comfortable fit. Thinner foam walls allow for a sleeker design and improved comfort.
Babies who complete their helmet programme with us often show measurable improvement in head shape, including cranial index and asymmetry.
To support your baby throughout the process, your dedicated orthotist will provide regular follow-up appointments and ongoing support when needed.
Once you and your specialist team decide that endoscopic surgery is the right choice, a pre-surgery appointment will be arranged. This can be either in clinic or virtually. During this appointment, we’ll talk to you about the helmet therapy and take a scan if needed. This scan helps us understand your baby’s head shape before surgery.
Once your baby has recovered for about a week after surgery, we’ll take another 3D scan so we can design and model their custom LOC Cranioband Lite. This appointment takes around 90 minutes and also helps us monitor your baby’s head shape over time.
We will then 3D print their bespoke helmet in our in-house workshop.
Just one week after the scan, we’ll fit your baby’s LOC Cranioband Lite helmet. This appointment lasts 60 to 90 minutes, during which we’ll make any adjustments to ensure the helmet fits well.
We will also show you how to care for the helmet, as well as how to put it on and take it off.
You will gradually build up the time that the helmet is worn over a 5-day period, allowing your baby to gradually acclimatise and settle into wearing it. After this, they will continue with full-time wear of 22–23 hours per day.
You will have regular follow-up appointments to check on your baby’s progress and make adjustments to the helmet. These will happen every week at first, and then every two weeks, progressing to monthly as your baby grows.
If your baby’s head shape still needs more management as they grow, they may need a second or third Cranioband Lite, depending on their age and needs.
After the LOC Cranioband Lite, your baby may move to a different helmet called the LOCband Lite, which is more durable and adjustable as they grow. This helmet can last 4 to 8 months, depending on your baby’s age and needs.
We’re proud to receive referrals from Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust.
We’re happy to answer any questions you might have, with no commitment to proceed with treatment.
