Having one or both of your babies fitted for a cranial band does not truly fall under the area of pregnancy complications, but it is a topic that frequently comes up with twins and can be a concern for parents.
Twins are often candidates for cranial bands because multiples typically are squished and crowded in the womb. In addition, it is recommended that to prevent SIDS newborns sleep on their back; this sleeping position may be linked to “flat-headedness.”
A cranial band in the simplest of terms is a custom cast designed to reshape a baby’s head by utilizing growth points advantageously. As the brain grows, the cast “holds” positions that do not need growth and redirects the growth into the more spacious areas of the cast where rounding out is desired.
As a dear friend once put it, “It’s akin to braces for your child’s head.” In many ways, that is a very good comparison. And thinking of it that way begs the question “Is it necessary?” For all but severe cases, a cranial band is generally considered cosmetic and because of that is rarely covered by insurance.
There is much to weigh when considering whether to use a cranial band. Often, your parental gut instincts will (and should) help you decide. It is also important to talk it over with your partner and discuss the pros and cons.
My daughter, Celeste, wore a cranial band for 14 weeks. Here is my advice:
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Please Note:
The information contained on The Twin Source is not intended for medical diagnosis. Any medical information found on this site should be discussed with your health care professional. Always consult your doctor for any medical advice.