Shaping the Future: Harris’s Cranial Helmet Journey with Hanger Clinic and Sprout3D™
Abby and Tyler discovered a flat spot on their infant son Harris’s head. With guidance from their care team, the family began treatment at Hanger Clinic. After trying repositioning techniques, they chose a lightweight Sprout3D™ cranial helmet, which quickly improved Harris’s asymmetry while fitting easily into daily routines.
When Abby and Tyler first noticed a small flat spot on the back of their son Harris’s head at just two months old, they weren’t sure what to expect. “We brought it up to our pediatrician, and he confirmed we were seeing plagiocephaly,” Abby recalled. The family was referred to a plastic surgeon, who then connected them with the Cranial Asymmetry Remolding Experts (CARE Network) at the Hanger Clinic in Elizabethtown, Kentucky.
Early Guidance and a Clear Plan
At their first visit, Abby and Tyler met Hanger Clinic Pediatric Specialist Michael McCauley, L/CPO, who walked them through what would happen step by step.
“He walked us through what we could expect, trying to correct Harris’s flat spot. Before recommending a cranial helmet, he gave us repositioning techniques to try at home,” Abby said. Over two follow-up visits, they saw some improvement, but not enough to reach their goals. By five months old, Abby and Tyler decided with Michael it was time to begin treatment with a cranial remolding orthosis.
Choosing a Sprout3D Cranial Helmet
When it came time to select a helmet style, Abby appreciated having options.
“Michael talked through the appropriate options for Harris and let us choose. Both a traditional and 3D-printed helmet were suitable, but we chose the Sprout3D-printed helmet because it is less bulky, provides better ventilation, and is custom-made based on your baby’s unique head shape.
I was nervous at first, especially about daycare and sleep, but I knew the limited time in the cranial helmet would be worth it in the end,” Abby admitted. “Harris was a great sleeper before wearing his helmet, and I didn’t want to lose that. By day four, we were increasing his wear time, and he wasn’t bothered by his helmet at all. We did not experience changes in his sleep or personality.
After one month, his asymmetry improved from 13mm to 8mm, and after two months, he reached 5mm. The experience has been easy for something that originally felt like it would be a big deal.”
Clinical Study Reviews Effectiveness of Sprout3D
A recent outcomes study from the Hanger Institute for Clinical Research and Education found that babies treated with Sprout3D experienced about 10% greater improvement in head shape symmetry compared to those treated with traditional helmets.
Support at Every Step
What stood out most to Abby was compassionate care.
“The staff at Hanger Clinic is wonderful. I reach out to Michael about any redness or concerns, and he always responds and talks me through it.”
Scheduling was also flexible, with late-afternoon appointments that fit the family’s routine. Even the daycare transition went smoothly. “I didn’t want to add more to their plate, but they were great and quickly adapted to Harris’s helmet being part of his day.”
At home, the whole family embraced the journey. His big sisters, Madeline (4) and Poppy (3), make sure that Harris has his helmet on and continue to help him grow and reach new milestones.
Easy to Use and Clean
One of Abby’s biggest surprises was how easy it is to manage the Sprout3D helmet.
“I was prepared to give a whole training session to his grandparents on how to put it on and take it off,” she laughed. “But it is very easy to use, opening widely to fit Harris’s head and easily snapping in place. Push the button, and it’s off. It doesn’t get in the way of changing shirts or bath time.”
Cleaning was just as easy. “We remove it during nighttime routine, wash it with baby soap, and let it dry in front of a fan,” Abby shared.
Most importantly, the helmet hasn’t slowed her son down one bit.
“Harris still does tummy time, started crawling, and has let nothing hinder his development,” said Abby.
A Short Experience with a Lifetime of Impact
Looking back, Abby feels grateful for the support she received.
“I was first introduced to cranial remolding helmets when my nephew received one,” she said. “Then once we started this process, more people at work and in our lives shared their child’s cranial helmet experiences. Those I spoke with said it’s just a short time frame, and then you’re done. I’m thankful for Michael’s support, the team at Hanger Clinic, and the advances in cranial technology helping to shape my son’s head as he grows.”
Request a Free Evaluation
Every baby is unique. Your clinician will recommend the best approach for your child. Request a free evaluation with a CARE Network Specialist in your area.
Abby and Tyler discovered a flat spot on their infant son Harris’s head. With guidance from their care team, the family began treatment at Hanger Clinic. After trying repositioning techniques, they chose a lightweight Sprout3D cranial helmet™ which quickly improved Harris’s asymmetry while fitting easily into daily routines.
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