So much! Not only is the program developed and executed by Callie Huft, an occupational therapist with over a decade of experience, but it is offered at the only cranial clinic in Northeastern Wisconsin that solely focuses on head shapes. The founder of Baby Bear, Cassie Mathis, is an orthotist who has created an excellent reputation in the area by working with hundreds of families to help correct head shape. As moms of young kiddos, Callie and Cassie are passionate about offering the most current evidence-based support and resources and delivering help in simple, realistic, and effective ways for families of all sizes and situations.

The program is custom designed for your baby primarily depending on age. The first session is dedicated to a thorough assessment of your baby’s entire body (not just head), as well as a discussion with you to best understand your day-to-day life and routines. Together, this information will help develop a simple, but effective plan for tackling head shape concerns.

The evaulation process includes visual assessment, developmental milestone screen, hand measurements of the head, and a 3D scan that will offer highly accurate data regarding the head shape and severity of asymmetry. This is the same technology we use during our cranial consultations.

Sessions will cover a variety of elements that can contribute to the improvement or worsening of head shape deformity, including: daily routines, tummy time, environmental modifications, sleep and play space, product recommendations, corrective exercises and so much more.

Every session will include photos and measurements to monitor progress. A final 3D scan will be taken in the last session to compare results from the initial session and help determine next steps.

Early intervention is the most effective way to correct head shape using conservative measures. The program is intended to start when babies are between two and four months (adjusted if premature), but we’d love to see your baby as soon as you notice any head shape concerns!

Somewhat! There are more similarities than not, but the main difference is that the program is predetermined to be four sessions and does not give as much hands-on manual treatment as a traditional therapy setting does (although there will be some of that!).

One major benefit of this program versus traditional therapy is access to our scanning technology and having both a cranial expert and a therapist executing the program. If we feel that your baby would benefit from a more intensive, traditional therapy setting, we will absolutely offer that recommendation.

The Baby Bear Head Shape Program costs $165 for the first appointment for the initial head shape consultation. This includes all scanning and measurements, evaluation, and additional educational resources you will receive to ensure success with the program. The amount of sessions and frequency will be recommended after the initial evaluation. The HSP sessions will be billed at $55/30 minutes.

No, the program is cash-based. If you have an HSA, you are able to utilize that as a form of payment.

Many factors contribute to how much correction is achievable without a helmet, including severity level, tolerance to repositioning, and lifestyle factors. The goal of the program is to either prevent the need for a Cranial Remolding Orthosis entirely or to reduce the amount of time needed in one if you choose to pursue one.