April, 2026
Torticollis Baby Exercises: What Helps and When to Start
Torticollis baby exercises are gentle, guided movements that stretch a shortened neck muscle and help a baby turn their head evenly, and when started in the first months of life they are usually very effective.
What torticollis is in simple terms
Torticollis happens when one sternocleidomastoid muscle in the neck becomes tight, causing the head to tilt to one side and rotate to the opposite side. It occurs in some babies and is by no means always the cause of a positional preference. Torticollis is only diagnosed if one of the neck muscles is clearly and palpably thickened or tight.
Why starting early improves outcomes
The first 6 months are a key window because babies grow quickly and muscles respond well to stretching.
Early exercises reduce the risk of secondary issues such as plagiocephaly, where uneven pressure creates a flat spot. If you're wondering whether torticollis resolves on its own, read our guide on will babies grow out of torticollis.
What this does not automatically mean
A head tilt does not automatically mean a neurological disorder. In most infants, torticollis is muscular and responds well to positioning and structured exercises.
The basic passive stretch
A common exercise involves gently turning the baby's head toward the tighter side and holding briefly. The movement should be slow, calm, and never forced, and it should stop if the baby becomes distressed. Only do this exercises under supervision of an pediatric physiotherapist. Alongside these exercises, how you position your baby's head while sleeping plays an equally important role in supporting progress.
Active strengthening through play
First of all, it is important that your baby can lie in a relaxed position without having to hold their head in a contorted position. The best solution for this is lying on their side. Lay your baby on the side they are not facing, but you can also alternate sides. Another option is to support the head on both sides with a firm rolled-up towel while lying on the back. Please note: only do this under supervision and when your baby is awake.
Beside this, active exercises encourage the baby to turn their head independently toward the non-preferred side. Placing toys, voices, or faces on that side builds strength and coordination through natural movement.
Tummy time as a therapeutic tool
Tummy time strengthens neck and shoulder muscles and improves head control. The American Academy of Pediatrics supports supervised tummy time while awake as part of healthy motor development. Only do tummy time for a few minutes several times per day.
If you are unsure whether head tilt is improving, a structured head shape scan can provide objective clarity alongside exercises.
Integrating exercises into daily routines
Integrate side lying into the daily routines. Lay your baby on the side they are not facing, but you can also alternate sides. Another option is to support the head on both sides with a firm rolled-up towel while lying on the back. Please note: only do this under supervision and when your baby is awake.
When professional assessment is recommended
If head movement remains limited after several weeks, or if flattening becomes noticeable, a pediatric physiotherapist may assess range of motion and measure head shape using tools such as the Skully Care app.
If you would like to track measurable progress over time, a scan can show whether exercises are making a difference.
Common questions parents ask
How often should torticollis exercises be done?
Most programs recommend multiple short sessions daily, guided by a pediatric professional.
Can torticollis go away without exercises?
All cases have the potention to improve, but guided exercises usually shorten recovery time.
At what age should exercises start?
As soon as torticollis is identified, ideally within the first days.
Are the stretches painful?
When done gently and correctly, stretches should not cause pain. Always do the stretches under instruction of a pediatric physiotherapist.
What if flattening develops?
A professional evaluation can measure head shape and guide next steps. But parents can also measure themselves with the Skully Care app, getting reliable outcomes and support.
Writen by Elly van der Grift
Elly van der Grift is the co-founder of Skully Care and a pediatric physiotherapist with over 30 years of experience. Her mission is to provide top care for babies with skull deformities. With her infectious enthusiasm, she shares simple, effective tips that can make a big difference for your baby. Working with Elly, you'll feel confident and supported in your baby’s journey to better health.