NEW YORK -- Luke Colonno is 7 months old. For the past month he's been sporting this half helmet, officially known as a DOC band. It's helping reshape his developing skull. He was born with a bruise to his head that cause it to bulge.

Left untreated, as an adult, Luke could have suffered vision problems and jaw pain. So his folks took action, with the help of Dr. Giombetti. They took Luke to New Jersey for an evaluation and fitting for the DOC band. It slowly helps reshape his still forming skull. In 4 weeks the Colonno's are already seeing a difference.

The cost of the DOC band plus weekly visits cost about 4-thousand dollars which insurance doesn't cover. It weighs just 6 ounces. Adjustments are made as Luke grows. Treatment will end by the time he's 18 months, if not before, because that's when the skull is no longer soft enough to mold.

While Luke's situation was considered severe, many more baby's are developing flattened heads because of all the time they spend on their backs to prevent SIDS. So Dr. Giambotti says there's a new mantra to keep in mind.

WNYT