Daily Care of the Hanger Cranial Band 

Once your baby is fit with the Hanger Cranial Band it is up to you to provide day-to-day care along with unconditional love and support. The Hanger Cranial Band is used to help reduce the effects of deformational plagiocephaly and will NOT fit snuggly in all places. By design, there are areas of total contact and relief areas strategically planned into the orthosis. This encourages more symmetrical and/or proportional skull growth during the treatment program.

A few important points to remember:

• Understand the goals of the treatment program—be sure to ask questions if there is any part that is unclear to you
• For the first seven days, follow the instructions given by your orthotist. This introduction period to the orthosis will minimize any discomfort and maximize ease of wear and your infant’s acceptance of the orthosis
• Carefully evaluate your infant’s skin each time the orthosis is removed
• Report any areas of lasting redness or skin irritation to the orthotist immediately

Wearing Instructions

The orthosis may seem a bit ‘loose’ at initial fitting, this is OK.

It is normal to see blanching or pink areas over the regions that growth is being constrained or limited; however, if you observe any other sort of skin irritation or abrasion, discontinue use of the orthosis and contact your orthotist immediately for a follow-up appointment.

Excessive perspiration during the initial wearing period is normal and should taper off by the end of weeks 2 or 3.

Clean the orthosis each day as instructed by your orthotist. Take special care to clean the orthosis during the initial wearing period. If your infant has excessive perspiration, the orthosis may require two or more cleanings per day.

Carefully follow the wearing schedule provided by your orthotist.

If you have any concern regarding the fit or function of the orthosis—remove the orthosis and contact your orthotist.

Caring for your Hanger Cranial Band

Keeping the Hanger Cranial Band clean is as important as any other part of this orthotic treatment program. Daily cleaning will help to prevent potential skin irritation, gives your infant a chance to play without the orthosis, and gives you a chance to snuggle your baby’s little head!

The Hanger Cranial Band must be cleaned at least once per day; however it may require more frequent cleaning during the first 2—3 weeks of wear. Factors that would encourage additional daily cleaning are: a warm climate, increased daily activity levels, outside play, or if your infant tends to perspire a bit more than others.

Try arranging for an earlier bath time. This allows more time for a thorough, relaxing shampooing of the head and the opportunity to really focus on cleaning the orthosis. Be sure to rinse the Hanger Cranial Band well and then towel dry the inner surface. Allowing the orthosis to continue to air dry for the next hour ensures that both the orthosis and your infant’s head are completely dry before reapplying.

HELPFUL HINTS:

• Shampoo and/or rinse your baby’s hair each day at bath time.
• Clean the orthosis each day with a slightly diluted rubbing alcohol (78—99%).
• Rinse well … and then rinse again!
• Wipe the orthosis dry with a towel; if possible, place the orthosis in front of a sunny window.
• To help speed the drying process, you may use a hair dryer set on ‘COOL’.
• Allow the orthosis and your baby’s head to dry completely before reapplying.
• NEVER use harsh household cleaners.