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Plagiocephaly treatment with the LOCband Lite

A lightweight, bespoke cranial remoulding helmet with ongoing orthotic support

Our LOCband Lite is a lightweight, custom-made cranial remoulding helmet for babies with plagiocephaly. It is designed and made in the UK, with specialist orthotic support and a free photo review.

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Baby wearing a custom helmet while playing in a garden with bubbles
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If your baby has been diagnosed with plagiocephaly, or flat head syndrome, there are different treatment options depending on:

  • how severe it is
  • their age

If you’re concerned about your baby’s head shape, you can use our free flat head photo assessment form. Our orthotic team can review the photos and advise whether an in-person orthotic assessment may be helpful. We do not diagnose plagiocephaly or rule out other conditions from photos alone.

Repositioning techniques

If your baby has a flat head, often the first option is to try repositioning. This means actively moving your baby’s head so they don’t rest for too long on the already-flattened area. You can also try tummy time.

Helmet therapy

Cranial remoulding therapy, or helmet therapy, is an orthotic treatment option for babies with moderate to severe plagiocephaly. It involves your baby wearing a custom LOCband Lite helmet, also called an orthosis, which gently supports growth by holding the more prominent areas of the skull while allowing room in the flatter areas.

How cranial remoulding therapy works

Cranial remoulding helmets are designed to support your baby’s natural growth, helping guide head shape development over time.

The helmet is designed to be comfortable for daily wear, so your baby can continue with their usual activities during treatment.

Most babies wear the helmet for around 22 to 23 hours a day. Treatment often lasts between three and six months, depending on your baby’s age, head shape and growth.

Your dedicated orthotist will support you throughout treatment with regular review appointments and adjustments where needed.

Before and after results of baby treated with flat head syndrome
LOcband Lite cranial remoulding helmet for a baby

The LOCband Lite

Our 3D-printed cranial remoulding helmet for plagiocephaly.

  • Comfortable, lightweight design

    We listened to parents’ needs for a cooler and more lightweight design. The LOCband Lite weighs approximately 40% less than the original LOCband, making it more comfortable to wear.

  • Better ventilation

    Improved ventilation means babies are less likely to get hot and bothered while wearing it for the 22 to 23 hours required daily. This can be a source of comfort for patients, especially during the warmer summer months.

  • Custom 3D fit

    There’s nothing standard about our helmets. Every helmet is 100% bespoke and designed from a precise 3D scan to offer the best possible correction for their unique head shape.

  • Backed by clinical research

    Babies who complete helmet therapy with us often show improvement in head shape. The before and after scans below show examples of changes in cranial index and asymmetry seen during treatment, although outcomes vary from baby to baby.

  • Expert care and support

    To get the best results for your baby, your dedicated orthotist is here to support you through the process with regular contact and review meetings when you need them.

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The best age to start helmet therapy treatment

Helmet therapy is usually most effective when started between four and seven months of age, although suitability depends on your baby’s age, head shape and clinical history.

Free online booking is available for plagiocephaly consultations for babies aged four to 16 months. We offer plagiocephaly consultations in Kingston upon Thames, Romford, Cambridge, Manchester and Belfast*

We have also treated older babies, up to 16 months. In older babies, treatment may take longer and the amount of change may be more limited because growth slows with age.

We provide orthotic assessment, helmet design, fitting and follow-up for plagiocephaly. We do not provide a medical diagnosis or rule out other conditions from photos or scans. If a diagnosis or medical assessment is needed, please speak with your GP, paediatrician or another appropriate medical professional.

Stages of helmet therapy treatment

You can either send us photos of your baby’s head shape or contact us directly for a free online cranial helmet assessment.

  1. Book an initial orthotic assessment with one of our orthotists
  2. We take 3D scans and measurements of your baby’s head for orthotic assessment and treatment planning
  3. We design and manufacture your baby’s helmet
  4. We fit your baby’s helmet and check if any adjustments are needed
  5. We arrange review appointments to monitor fit and progress*
  6. Follow-up support
  7. Discharge and final scans

*We usually recommend review appointments with your orthotist every 2 to 4 weeks, depending on your baby’s age and rate of growth.

During these appointments, we monitor your baby’s progress and make any necessary adjustments to the helmet. We can arrange for check-in appointments to be over phone or video call.

Baby during head scanning appointment

One published study of 4,378 babies found that 94.4% of babies treated with helmet therapy achieved complete correction, compared with 77.1% treated with conservative treatment alone.

Read the plagiocephaly clinical research summary.

A baby
One of our LOCband Lite patient's head shape results in just over four months of helmet therapy treatment

Before and after results from our patients

Scan of a baby's head shape before and after helmet therapy for flat head syndrome Scan of a baby's head shape before and after helmet therapy for flat head syndrome Scan of a baby's head shape before and after helmet therapy for flat head syndrome Scan of a baby's head shape before and after helmet therapy for flat head syndrome Scan of a baby's head shape before and after helmet therapy for flat head syndrome Scan of a baby's head shape before and after helmet therapy for flat head syndrome Scan of a baby's head shape before and after helmet therapy for flat head syndrome Scan of a baby's head shape before and after helmet therapy for flat head syndrome Scan of a baby's head shape before and after helmet therapy for flat head syndrome Scan of a baby's head shape before and after helmet therapy for flat head syndrome Scan of a baby's head shape before and after helmet therapy for flat head syndrome Scan of a baby's head shape before and after helmet therapy for flat head syndrome Scan of a baby's head shape before and after helmet therapy for flat head syndrome Scan of a baby's head shape before and after helmet therapy for flat head syndrome

Plagiocephaly patient success stories

View all patient stories
  • "We are so pleased with the helmet treatment and brilliant results; Saeed always managed to see us for face-to-face review appointments when we wanted one. You cannot fault the orthotic treatment or the service provided by LOC."
    View patient story
  • “Connor was really careful to explain everything about the helmet therapy treatment to me and was wonderful with Iyad. He didn’t over-promise either. He told me that because of the severity of the asymmetry, treatment could take up to 8 months.”
    View patient story
  • “At our initial orthotic assessment, everything was clearly explained and all our questions were answered, which was very reassuring. When Rosie was assessed as having severe plagiocephaly, there was absolutely no pressure.”
    View patient story
  • "Bonnie didn’t care about wearing a helmet; she wasn’t fazed at all; indeed, she relished being able to fall about with impunity."
    View patient story
  • "Ada’s severe brachycephaly has been resolved thanks to LOC’s cranial remoulding helmet therapy."
    View patient story

Why parents choose us:

  1. Expertise you can trust

    With over 20 years of experience, we have supported families across the UK with cranial remoulding treatment.

  2. In-house design and manufacture

    Each LOCband Lite is designed and manufactured by us. That means quicker turnaround times for you if any tweaks are needed and better quality control for the orthotist treating your baby.

  3. No pressure to proceed

    Our orthotists follow clear assessment protocols to help decide whether helmet therapy is appropriate. Families can also use our free flat head photo assessment form before booking. We do not recommend a helmet where repositioning remains a suitable option.

  4. Ongoing support

    Your dedicated orthotist is here to support you throughout your orthotic treatment. Our patient-first approach means your baby receives regular follow-up, fit checks and adjustments as they grow.

Plagiocephaly treatment pricing

We’re committed to always being as transparent as possible with our treatment costs. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.

  • Initial orthotic consultation

    Free

  • LOCBand Lite treatment package

    £2,799
    • pre and post-treatment scans and photographs of your baby’s head
    • a bespoke LOCband Lite cranial remoulding helmet*
    • all your baby’s required review appointments
    • orthotists support (by phone, email or WhatsApp)
    • appropriate cleaning fluid for the helmet

    *While most patients do not require a second LOCband Lite orthosis, in some rare cases, your baby may need one to finish their treatment. In these circumstances, there will be an extra charge of £798 for the second helmet.

Please note that if you choose our express, one-week turnaround service at our Kingston clinic, there is an additional cost of £273.

The LOC Promise

We believe in the power of bespoke orthotics to change lives. That’s why we’re committed to providing the best possible treatments for our patients.

 

Funding assistance

Tree of Hope is a charity that helps families raise funds for medical treatment, surgery, and equipment for children with special needs. They assist with fundraising efforts on a case-by-case basis.

Headstart4Babies is a UK charity that offers support and advice to families struggling with treatment costs. They help with fundraising through platforms like JustGiving.

Just4Children is a UK charity that helps families raise funds for treatment, therapies, and specialist equipment for children with disabilities and complex health needs. They provide support with fundraising to help cover these costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

View some of the most asked questions about Plagiocephaly treatment here, or search below for a question you might have.

Don’t forget you can always send us a message or give us a call on 020 8974 9989 if you’d prefer.

 

  • Flat head syndrome, medically known as positional plagiocephaly, occurs when a baby’s head develops a flat area due to consistent pressure on one part of the skull. This can happen if a baby spends a lot of time lying on their back or in one position. It does not usually cause pain, but an early orthotic review can help you understand possible next steps, including whether repositioning may still be appropriate or whether helmet therapy may be an orthotic treatment option.

  • Early signs of plagiocephaly include:

    • A noticeable flat spot on the back or side of the head
    • Uneven positioning of the ears
    • Facial asymmetry
    • A bulging forehead on one side

    If you notice any of these signs and feel concerned, our orthotic team can help you understand the possible next steps. Head shape often responds best to orthotic treatment while babies are still growing quickly, which is why families often seek advice between four and seven months of age. We offer a free flat head photo assessment form, where an orthotist can review your baby’s head shape and advise whether an in-person orthotic assessment may be helpful.

  • To keep your baby’s LOCband helmet clean and comfortable:

    •  use the cleaning fluid provided or a mild soap with water.
    • gently wipe the inside and outside surfaces with a soft cloth.
    • ensure the helmet is completely dry before placing it back on your baby’s head.

    Regular cleaning helps maintain hygiene and ensures your baby’s comfort during treatment.

  • Yes, your baby should wear the helmet during sleep. Consistent wear is key to getting the best results. The helmets are designed for comfort and safety during all activities, including sleep.

  • Side effects are rare. Some babies might have mild skin irritation or discomfort at first, but this usually settles quickly. Regular follow-ups help us address any concerns

  • This depends on your baby’s age and the severity of their condition. On average, treatment lasts three to six months, but every case is different.

Get in touch for a free online orthotic consultation

We’re happy to answer any questions you might have, with no commitment to proceed with treatment.

 

020 8974 9989

  • You can book a range of assessment and review appointments online, depending on the service and location that you require. If a specific appointment type is unavailable online, please contact LOC directly on [email protected] or you can call us. Unfortunately we are unable to offer fittings online at the moment.

     

  • Yes, if your previous orthotist offers online booking and has availability, you can choose to book with them again.

     

  • Please check your spam or junk folder first. If you still haven’t received a confirmation within 10 minutes, contact LOC Admin to confirm your booking via [email protected]

     

  • Yes. You can book on behalf of someone else. Please ensure the registration form includes the details of the person attending the appointment.

     

  • No account is required. Our booking process allows you to book as a guest. However, you will be asked to enter key details and complete required forms.

     

  • Most orthotic treatments are available online. If the treatment you’re looking for is not listed, please contact us directly and LOC Admin will assist you.

     

Our orthotic clinics across the UK

Map of London Orthotics locations