If you're staring at that flat spot on your baby's head and wondering about helmets, you're not alone.

Tons of little ones deal with plagiocephaly or brachycephaly these days, and two big names keep popping up are the Doc Band from Cranial Technologies and the STARband from Orthomerica (often through places like Hanger Clinic).

Both are custom-made to gently guide your baby's skull into a rounder shape while it grows.

They're super effective when started early, but they aren't identical.

In this post, we’ll compare Doc Band vs STARband to help you decide what to get for your kid.

#1 Design

The Doc Band looks more like a sleek band that wraps around the head instead of a full helmet.

It leaves a good chunk of the top and sides open, which gives your baby's head plenty of breathing room. You can often pick fun prints or colors too, so it feels a bit less "medical."

The STARband covers way more of the head - it's basically a complete helmet with a big round hole cut out on top for heat to escape.

That full coverage makes it look bulkier at first glance, but some families love how it controls everything in one go.

That said, the design really comes down to personal preferences: lighter and open versus more enclosed and comprehensive.

#2 Weight And Comfort

Weight makes a huge difference for wiggly babies.

The Doc Band clocks in super light (often under 6 ounces) and parents rave about how their little ones barely notice it's there.

With all that open space, it stays cooler, and babies seem less fussy or sweaty during wear.

STARband weighs a bit more (usually 6-10 ounces depending on size), so it can feel heavier and warmer right away. Some babies adjust quickly and do great, but others take longer to get comfy or complain more at the start.

If your baby hates anything on their head, the lighter feel of the Doc Band often wins big points for everyday comfort.

#3 How It Works

This is where things get a little technical, but we’ll keep it simple.

The DOC Band uses what they call "active pressure." The helmet is designed to apply a tiny bit of constant pressure on the parts of the head that are sticking out too much.

This pressure encourages the brain and skull to grow into the "empty" spaces of the helmet where the flat spots are.

It’s a very proactive way to guide growth, which is why they usually require more frequent check-ups to make sure the nudge is still pointing in the right direction.

The STARband takes a "passive" approach.

Instead of pushing on the bumps, it creates a rigid boundary that represents the "ideal" head shape. It leaves a hollow space (a "void") over the flat area.

When your baby’s head grows it naturally takes the path of least resistance and fills up that empty space.

So both of these helmets get the job done, but the approach feels more focused with Doc Band and more all-over with STARband.

#4 The Fitting Process

The way your baby gets measured for these is actually pretty cool.

With the STARband, most clinics use something called a STARscanner.

It’s basically a high-tech camera system where you hold your baby inside a specialized booth, and in about two seconds, it takes a full 3D digital map of their head.

It’s totally painless and super fast, which is great if you have a "wiggler" who won't sit still for even a second.

Cranial Technologies (the DOC Band people) used to be famous for using plaster casts (messy, wet strips of gauze that had to sit on the baby's head) but they’ve largely moved into the digital age now too. They use their own 3D imaging system called the DSi.

Regardless of the brand, the days of the messy plaster cast are mostly behind us.

Once those digital images are sent off, the helmet is custom-made to fit your baby’s specific "lumps and bumps" perfectly.

#5 Treatment Time

Time in the helmet depends on age, severity, and how consistently it's worn.

Doc Band often wraps up quicker and many families see solid results in 2-4 months, sometimes even less if caught early. STARband typically runs 3-6 months, but a lot of cases finish with just one helmet thanks to the built-in growth room.

Starting before 6-7 months helps both go faster.

Either way, it's temporary - just a few months in the big picture of your baby's life.

#6 Cost (Without Insurance)

If your insurance company decides to be difficult, you might be looking at paying out of pocket.

On average, you can expect to pay the following:

Doc Band often lands higher, sometimes $2,500 or more per helmet, and a small number of babies need a second one if growth outpaces adjustments (though rare with early starts).

STARband usually costs a bit less per helmet (around $1,500-$2,500 range) and one-and-done is common, so total can end up lower.

Prices vary by location and clinic, and some places offer payment plans or discounts for upfront cash. So always check both for exact quotes in your area.

Also Read: Graco Vs Chicco Infant Car Seats

#7 Adjustability

Adjustments keep the helmet growing with your baby.

Doc Band gets tweaked by shaving foam or minor changes at frequent visits (every 1-2 weeks early on). It's precise for targeted spots.

STARband allows carving out more foam inside over time, giving extra room as the head grows.

Both need regular check-ins, but STARband's fuller design often means fewer major tweaks since it anticipates growth broadly.

Your clinician handles it all super hands-on either route.

#8 Ease Of Cleaning

These things can get pretty stinky. Your baby is wearing a plastic bucket for 23 hours a day, so sweat and skin oils build up fast.

The DOC Band has a foam liner that is relatively easy to wipe down with 70% rubbing alcohol.

Since it has the open top, it stays a little fresher, but you still have to be diligent. If you skip a day of cleaning, you’ll know the moment you take it off!

The STARband requires the same level of care.

You’ll need to scrub the inside with alcohol every day during that one hour of "off time." Because the STARband has more foam and more coverage, some parents find it holds onto odors a bit more stubbornly than the DOC Band.

Should I Get STARband Or Doc Band?

Choosing between these two often comes down to who is providing the service.

The DOC Band is only available at Cranial Technologies centers. If there isn't one within an hour of your house, the weekly appointments are going to become a major chore.

STARbands are sold to many different independent orthotics clinics and hospitals, so you might find a provider much closer to home.

You should also look at your baby’s head shape. If the flat spot is really severe or if the head is very wide, some specialists feel the "active" pressure of the DOC Band is more effective at "forcing" the head into a better shape quickly.

If the case is mild to moderate, the passive STARband is often more than enough to get a perfect result with fewer trips to the doctor.

Bottom Line

The main difference between Doc Band and STARband is that Doc Band is lighter, more comfortable, offers quicker treatment times in many cases, and a more open, breathable design. Plus it frequently feels less noticeable during daily life.

STARband, on the other hand, is better at providing full-head coverage for more even and comprehensive reshaping, handling moderate-to-severe cases (especially brachycephaly) with strong control over all directions of growth, and usually completing treatment with just one helmet.

Doc Band Vs STARband (Compared)