Torticollis: What is It and What to Do about It
Does your baby always face the same way in pictures? Do they prefer feeding on one breast or struggle to latch on one side? Maybe you’ve noticed a flat spot on their head. These could be signs of torticollis, a common condition that affects how babies eat, move, and play—but with early and effective treatment, it’s highly correctable.
What Is Torticollis?
Torticollis (meaning “twisted neck”) happens when one of your baby’s neck muscles is tight or shortened. This creates a head tilt or a preference to turn in one direction. It can develop from positioning in the womb, a challenging delivery, or spending too much time in one position after birth—such as lying on their back in swings, car seats, or bassinets.
Parents often don’t notice the tilt at first. Sometimes it only becomes obvious when scrolling through photos and realizing their baby is always looking the same way. Other times, the pediatrician notices it during a routine well-child check-up.
How Torticollis Impacts Feeding and Development
Torticollis is more than just a head tilt. It can affect:
Feeding: Babies may prefer one breast, struggle to latch on one side, or make clicking noises during bottle feeding.
Head Shape: A flat spot (plagiocephaly) can develop when the head rests in one position too often.
Motor Milestones: Limited mobility and uneven muscle strength can delay rolling, sitting, crawling, and walking.
Whole-Body Symmetry: Tightness often extends beyond the neck, impacting the trunk, shoulders, and hips.
Positioning matters. Babies who spend more time in prone (tummy time) and side-lying positions not only reduce the impact of preferential positioning but also achieve important milestones—like rolling and sitting—more quickly.
What Are the Treatment Options?
Wait and See (Hint: not recommended!)
Mild cases sometimes resolve on their own, but this approach can miss feeding challenges and movement delays that show up later.Position Changes
Increasing tummy time, using side-lying play, and switching up feeding positions can reduce neck tightness and support symmetrical development. These strategies can help alleviate mild torticollis noted within baby’s first 6 weeks of life.Therapy with a Trained Infant Therapist
Early intervention with a pediatric occupational or physical therapist is the most effective way to correct torticollis, increase mobility and improve feeding, to prevent long-term challenges.
Our Approach at bwellbaby
At bwellbaby, we specialize in whole-body, no-tears therapy that includes:
Nose-to-toes evaluation that looks at posture, movement, feeding, and muscle tone.
Play- and routine-based strategies you can integrate into your day without stress.
Gentle, relationship-based care that avoids forced stretching and focuses on what babies typically do each day - eat, play, sleep and hang out with their loved ones.
Most parents see progress quickly, and the earlier therapy begins, the easier it is to resolve torticollis and get development back on track.
When to Refer to bwellbaby
Watch for these signs and reach out if you notice:
Baby’s head turns one way more often then the other
Baby tilts their head so their ear is close their shoulder
A flat spot developing on one side of the head
Difficulty feeding from one breast or clicking noises during bottle feeding
Trouble enjoying tummy time or rolling
Stiffness, tension, or uneven muscle tone in the body
Act Early for Better Outcomes
Torticollis is highly treatable, especially when diagnosed (and treated) early. With the right support, your baby can feed more comfortably, move more freely, and master their milestones with confidence.
📅 Book an Evaluation Today and give your baby the best start to eat, move, and play!