After your baby is born, it’s important to take careful note of your newborn’s movements and start thinking about torticollis. Does their chin tilt to one side? Are they unable to fully turn their head in both directions? Is it hard for them to breastfeed on a particular side? If so, they might have torticollis.1,2,3 Luckily, this is a treatable condition. In this article, we’ll explain what torticollis is, discuss what signs to look for in your child, explore the treatment options for it, and share ways that you can help them.
What Is Torticollis?
Torticollis (also called wryneck) is a medical condition that causes a twisted neck. Essentially, the muscles on one side of the neck tighten while the muscles on the other side lengthen. This makes a baby’s head turn and tilt to one side, which can cause their neck to be stiff or tight. Experts don’t know the exact cause of torticollis, but it’s thought to be related to the baby’s position in the womb, where they may end up in a less-than-ideal position for their developing muscles.1,2,3,6 Think about when you fall asleep on a plane or train with your head against the window . . . well, imagine being in that cramped position for several weeks in utero! However, torticollis isn’t always congenital; it can also be acquired after birth.1
Signs of Torticollis
The good news is that torticollis is typically very treatable, especially if you catch it early.4 To remedy this situation quickly, here are some of the signs and symptoms to look out for in your baby:1,2,3,5,6
- Baby can’t turn their head, or they have a limited range of motion in their head or neck.
- They prefer to look in one direction over the other.
- They may tilt their chin to one side all the time.
- Baby has trouble breastfeeding on a certain side.
- They’re experiencing stiffness, tightness, or spasms in their neck muscles.
Treatment for Torticollis
If you suspect your baby has torticollis, point it out to your pediatrician as soon as possible. They’ll evaluate your baby’s neck muscles and either give you some gentle stretches and exercises to do or recommend you for physical therapy.1,2,4,5 It’s wise to treat it right away so it doesn’t get worse or result in a flat spot on your baby’s head from them always being turned in the same direction.1,7 Sometimes, pediatricians might take the “wait and see” approach, but it never hurts to start some light intervention before it gets any worse!
How You Can Help Your Baby
Consider trying out these methods to help with your baby’s torticollis:
1. Get Their Attention
The best way to encourage your baby to turn their head in the opposite direction is to always be on that side of them. Talk to them and encourage them to turn their head to look at you. You can also use visually stimulating objects to get their attention.1,3,5,7
I love using something simple like a playing card! The red and white contrasting colors on a nine of hearts and the black and white colors on a three of spades are great for getting baby to focus. Lie them on their back, and start with the card or another toy on their preferred side. Move the card slowly in an arc in front of their face (about 8 to 10 inches away). Encourage them to continue to scan it, turning their head to watch it move across their visual field.
2. Do Gentle Stretching
You can also do some very gentle stretching to help your baby.1,3,4,6 Try sliding your hands under their head and gently turning their head in the opposite direction. Give them a break if they fuss or try to turn their whole body with their head. You don’t have to turn their head with any force — just move it slowly and gently. If you feel uncomfortable doing this, ask your pediatrician for a referral for therapy.
3. Use Gravity to Your Advantage
You can also use gravity to help stretch out those tight neck muscles. Whenever you pick your baby up from their crib, changing table, or any surface, turn them toward the opposite side first. Then, lift them from their side so gravity helps align their head whenever you lift them.8
4. Have Them Do Tummy Time
Tummy time is also great for normalizing neck alignment. When babies spend time on their tummy, it activates their neck muscles. Try to get down on your baby’s level, make eye contact with them, and encourage them to turn their head to the opposite side.3,4,5,9
5. Use Strategic Positioning
When interacting with your little one, adjust your baby so they must turn their head in the opposite direction to see the action. You could also roll up a small washcloth and place it along the side of baby’s head to help them turn the other way. Or, roll a small blanket and prop them slightly from their back toward their side so their head turns toward the floor.
6. Adjust Your Feeding Position (If Breastfeeding)
Feed your baby from the side they need to turn toward to encourage them to look over that way. You can even breastfeed from the side by using the football hold with your baby tucked under your arm. This way, they have to turn their head in the opposite direction to eat.10
The Bottom Line
Like most things with babies, the key to remediating torticollis is to intervene early and to be consistent. By understanding what signs to look for and being proactive in treating this condition, you and your baby’s doctor can devise a plan of action. We know that torticollis can sound frightening, but rest assured that you have many options for relieving their symptoms and helping your baby improve!
