19/12/2024
Worried About Your Baby's Neck? Everything You Need to Know About Torticollis!
You've noticed that your baby has trouble turning their head. This condition, known as torticollis, can raise many questions. Could it be related to the neck muscles or vertebrae? Your worried and searching online for "torticollis in babies" might only leave you feeling more anxious: what's true, and what's not? We're here to provide you with clear, reliable answers about torticollis and how it may affect your baby.
Research on Torticollis
​
Fortunately, there has been extensive scientific research on torticollis. Studies show that babies naturally start turning their heads to the other side, especially when encouraged and gently stimulated to do so and also some exercises can help. In a Dutch study involving 350 babies, 100% of the children were able to turn their heads fully and correctly by the age of six months. In other words, nature gives your baby a helping hand. This means that osteopathy or manual therapy is rarely needed for torticollis!
​
How Can You Help Improve Your Baby’s Torticollis?
​
With over 30 years of experience as a pediatric physiotherapist and expertise from developing courses for professionals, I’ve compiled 7 practical tips to help your baby with torticollis. Remember, it’s always crucial to monitor your baby closely to ensure they stay within their comfort zone.
​
-
While carrying your baby
Carrying your baby is an excellent opportunity to encourage head movement. This video demonstrates how to do this effectively in various positions. Even short periods of carrying can significantly help your baby discover new directions for head movement.
-
Lay your baby on its Side
Did you know your baby can lie on their side while awake from birth? Always under supervision, of course. Place them on their non-preferred side and engage them with a rattle or a high-contrast image. Start with 5 sessions of 10 minutes a day, gradually increasing as your baby gets used to it. The younger the baby, the quicker they adapt to this position. Watch this video below for a demonstration. Your baby can stay on their side for up to an hour, as long as they’re awake and supervised.
-
Visual Blocking
If your baby is visually engaged, you can encourage them to look in the opposite direction by gently blocking their vision. Hold your hand about 5 cm in front of their eyes at a slight angle, leaving the desired turning side open. It works remarkably well—try it!
-
Gentle Turning
When your baby is relaxed, start by turning their body gently to the side. Then slowly return their torso to a back-lying position while keeping their head turned. This creates a comfortable position with their head naturally rotated to one side.
-
Make Eye Contact
Maintain eye contact when your baby is lying in the desired position. To save your back, place your baby on an elevated surface, bend your knees slightly, and make funny faces, laugh, or talk melodiously. This helps your baby stay longer in the position.
-
Adjust Their Head While Sleeping
After your baby falls asleep, gently turn their head to the desired side about 5-10 minutes later. If they turn back, try again. Don’t worry if it doesn’t work initially—consistency pays off. However, if your baby is a light sleeper, it’s better to prioritize their rest over head-turning exercises.
-
Tummy Time
A stronger neck reduces the likelihood of a baby developing a preference for one side. This has been scientifically proven. Incorporate tummy time 5 times a day for as long as your baby tolerates. A little fussing is okay. Some sessions may last just a minute, while others could be 5 minutes—it varies. You don’t need to space tummy time out; multiple consecutive sessions count! Check out this video for more tips on tummy time.
With these simple yet effective tips, you can support your baby in improving their torticollis. If you have questions or doubts about your baby's development, Skully Care is there to help you! Remember: patience and consistency are key!
​
Lay your child on his/her side
Did you know that your baby can lie on its side from birth when it is awake? Under supervision, of course. Put your child on its non-preferred side and let it play with a rattle or look at a high-contrast picture. Your child may still have to get used to lying on its side. You can build it up and start with 5 x 10 minutes a day. The younger the position, the faster babies find this a comfortable position. I'm happy to show you in this video. Your little one can lie on its side for a long time, even an hour, but only if he or she is awake and there is sufficient supervision.Blinding
If your baby can already see well, blindfolding will help to entice him to the other side. To do this, hold your hand about 5 cm away from your child's eyes. Do this at a slight angle, so that the desired side to turn is free. Try it, it works really well!Soft twist pose
If your child is relaxed, you can also turn him to his side first. Then you very carefully turn his torso back to his back, in such a calm way that the head stays there. This way your child ends up in a position with his head turned to the side.Make eye contact with your baby
Make sure you make eye contact when your baby is turned to the desired side. It is helpful for your own back if your little one is on a raised surface. Bend your knees a little and make funny faces, laugh and talk very melodiously to him. This encourages your child to stay in this position for a longer period of time.Turn your baby's head to the right side while he or she sleeps.
Do this 5 or 10 minutes after he has fallen asleep. Sometimes the problem is that your child immediately or a little later turns back. You can then do it again. But don't worry if it doesn't work 9 out of 10 times at first. Just keep doing it, because at some point your child will accept it. But if you have a child who has trouble sleeping, you shouldn't do this. Because good sleep comes first!Tummy time!
The stronger the neck, the less a baby has a preference position. This has been scientifically proven. So don't forget ' tummy time '! Do it 5 times a day and as long as your baby is okay with it. A little grumbling is allowed. Sometimes your child can lie on its stomach for a minute and sometimes for 5 minutes: it often varies greatly each time. You don't have to do it spread out over the day, so if your child lies on its stomach for a while 4 times in a row, then 4 times counts. In this video I explain more about it 'tips about lying on your stomach'
With these simple tips you can help your baby improve his torticollis. Remember: patience and consistency are key!
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.