Torticollis in Babies

Many parents notice that their baby seems to prefer looking one way, struggles to turn their head equally in both directions, or develops a head tilt.

These signs may indicate torticollis, a condition involving reduced neck movement or imbalance in the muscles of the neck.

The good news is that early recognition often provides more opportunities to support normal movement and development.

What Is Torticollis?

Torticollis is a relatively common condition in babies that affects the way the neck moves. Parents often notice that their baby prefers looking in one direction, has difficulty turning their head equally to both sides, or develops a noticeable head tilt.

In many cases, torticollis is related to tightness, imbalance or reduced movement in the muscles and joints of the neck. Sometimes it may be present from birth, while in other cases it becomes more noticeable during the first few weeks or months of life.

Although the name sounds alarming, torticollis is not usually a serious condition. However, it can sometimes influence feeding, tummy time, head shape and early motor development if left unaddressed.

Torticollis is surprisingly common. Many parents first become aware of it during the first few months of life; when they notice their baby consistently looking towards one side of the cot, preferring one breast during feeding, or developing a flat spot on one side of the head.

Early recognition is helpful because it allows parents to better understand what may be contributing to their baby’s preferences and seek appropriate advice if needed.

It’s important to remember that every baby develops differently. A preference for one side does not automatically mean a baby has torticollis. However, if you have concerns about your baby’s neck movement, head position or development, it may be worthwhile having the situation assessed.

At Sure Start Chiropractic, our first priority is understanding the whole picture. We take the time to assess your baby’s neck movement, development and individual circumstances before discussing any recommendations.

Common Signs Of Torticollis

✅ Prefers looking one way

✅ Difficulty feeding on one side

✅ Head tilt

✅ Flat spot developing

✅ Difficulty during tummy time

✅ Rolling more easily one direction

Why Does Torticollis Matter?

Many babies with torticollis are otherwise healthy, happy and developing normally. However, because babies learn and grow through movement, a persistent preference for one side can sometimes influence several aspects of their early development.

Understanding these possible effects can help parents recognise when additional support or assessment may be beneficial.

Movement Development

During the first year of life, babies spend a tremendous amount of time learning how to move. Turning the head, rolling, reaching, crawling and eventually walking all rely on the ability to move freely and comfortably.

When a baby consistently prefers one side, they may have fewer opportunities to practise movement in the opposite direction. Over time, this can sometimes contribute to asymmetries in the way they move, play or explore their environment.

Most babies naturally develop at their own pace, but encouraging balanced movement can support healthy motor development as they grow.

Head Shape

A baby’s skull is soft and mouldable during the early months of life. When a baby spends more time resting with their head turned in one direction, increased pressure may be placed on the same area of the skull.

This can sometimes contribute to flattening on one side of the head (plagiocephaly) or flattening across the back of the head (brachycephaly).

Not every baby with torticollis develops changes in head shape, and not every baby with a flat spot has torticollis. However, the two conditions are commonly seen together, which is why neck movement and head shape are often assessed at the same time.

Feeding Comfort

Some babies with reduced neck movement appear more comfortable feeding on one side than the other.

Parents may notice that their baby:

• Feeds more easily from one breast
• Prefers turning towards one side during bottle feeding
• Becomes unsettled when positioned a certain way
• Has difficulty maintaining a comfortable feeding position

There can be many reasons for feeding preferences, so it is important not to assume torticollis is the sole cause. However, neck comfort and movement are often worth considering as part of a broader assessment.

Tummy Time

Tummy time plays an important role in developing neck strength, head control and upper body coordination.

Babies with torticollis may find tummy time more challenging if turning the head in one direction feels less comfortable or requires more effort.

Parents sometimes notice:

• Head tilt during tummy time
• Difficulty looking both ways during tummy time
• Frustration during tummy time activities
• Reduced tolerance for tummy time

The Good News

The encouraging news is that torticollis is a common condition and is often recognised early by attentive parents.

If you are concerned about your baby’s neck movement, head shape, feeding comfort or development, a thorough assessment can help identify whether torticollis may be contributing and what options may be appropriate moving forward.

Understanding The Whole Picture

Individualised Recommendations

Once the assessment is complete, we explain our findings in clear, easy-to-understand language.

If we believe your baby’s neck movement, development or head shape would benefit from support, we will discuss appropriate options with you.

Recommendations may include:

• Chiropractic care
• Home masage or exercises
• Home positioning advice
• Tummy time strategies
• Monitoring and review
• Referral to another healthcare provider when appropriate

Our goal is to help parents understand what we have found, why it matters, and what practical steps may be helpful moving forward.

When To Seek Advice

• Persistent head preference
• Head tilt
• Flattening of the skull
• Feeding difficulties
• Concerns about development