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If your baby has been diagnosed with plagiocephaly, or flat head syndrome, there are different treatment options you can take, depending on:

  • how severe it is
  • their age

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 effective treatment for both moderate and severe flat head syndrome. It involves your baby wearing a custom LOCband Lite helmet (or orthosis) that gently holds the prominent areas of your baby’s skull while allowing for growth in the flatter areas.

How cranial remoulding therapy works

Cranial remoulding helmets are designed to support your baby’s natural growth, guiding their head into a more symmetrical and balanced shape.

The process is comfortable and pain-free, allowing your baby to go about their daily activities while their head shape improves.

Most babies wear the helmet for about 22 to 23 hours a day to achieve noticeable results and the treatment process typically lasts from three to six months.

A dedicated clinician will be there with you to support you every step of the way with regular check-in appointments and progress reports.

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

The LOCband Lite

Our most advanced, 3D-printed cranial remoulding helmet for treating flat head syndrome
  • 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.

  • Clinically proven results

    Babies that complete their helmet therapy with us achieve excellent outcomes. Check out the before and after scans below that demonstrate the typical improvements you can expect in both your baby’s cranial index and asymmetry.

  • Expert care and support

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

Book a free online consultation now

The best age to start helmet therapy treatment

Treatment is most effective in babies between 4 and 7 months and takes between 3 and 6 months to complete, depending on severity.

We’ve successfully treated babies up to the age of 16 months with helmet therapy, but treatment may take longer, and results will be limited by growth compared to younger babies.

Stages of helmet therapy treatment

You can either send us photos of your baby’s head shape or contact us directly for a free virtual consultation.

  1. Book an initial assessment with one of our clinicians
  2. We take 3D scans and measurements of your baby’s head
  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 check-in appointments to monitor progress*
  6. Follow-up support
  7. Discharge and final scans

*We usually recommend review appointments with your clinician every 2 to 4 weeks, dependent 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
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

Plagiocephaly patient success stories

View all patient stories
  • "We are so pleased with the treatment and brilliant results; Saeed always managed to see us for face-to-face review appointments when we wanted one. You cannot fault the 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
  • “When we went for our initial assessment, the treatment was clearly explained and all our questions were answered without hesitation, which was very reassuring. Our orthotist George was very honest and upfront and when Rosie was diagnosed with 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, the London Orthotic Consultancy is a leading provider of cranial remoulding treatment in the UK.

  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 clinician treating your baby.

  3. No pressure to proceed

    Our clinicians follow strict assessment protocols to make sure helmet therapy is only recommended when necessary. We never prescribe a helmet when repositioning therapy is still an option.

  4. Ongoing support

    Your dedicated clinician is here to support you every step of the way. Our patient-first approach ensures that every baby receives the highest standard of care, leading to excellent long-term results.

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 assessment consultation

    Free
  • LOCBand Lite treatment package

    £2,560
    • 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
    • clinical 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 £730 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 £250.

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.

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.

  • Torticollis is usually linked to the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle. Some common causes include:
    • Positioning in the womb – The baby’s position before birth can tighten the SCM muscle.
    • Muscle development issues – The SCM muscle might not develop normally, leading to tightness and tilt.
    • Birth trauma – Injury to the SCM muscle during birth can also result in torticollis.
    You might not notice signs right away. It usually becomes clearer when your baby is around six to eight weeks old, as they start to control their head and neck movements.

  • Use the cleaning fluid we provide or mild soap and water. Keeping the helmet clean ensures it’s hygienic and comfortable for your baby.

  • 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.

  • Absolutely. The helmet won’t interfere with breastfeeding, and most babies adapt to wearing it during feeding and other activities.

Get in touch for a free online consultation

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

020 8974 9989
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