One page summary: Torticollis in babies

In two sentences

Torticollis means a tight neck muscle holds a baby's head tilted toward one shoulder and turned toward the opposite side. ¹

It responds very well to stretching, and the earlier it starts the better it works. Two things travel with it and both should be checked: the shape of the head, which flattens on the side the baby always rests on, and the hips, because hip problems occur more often in babies with torticollis. ¹

The numbers, with their sources

• Which muscle. The sternocleidomastoid, which runs from behind the ear down to the collarbone and breastbone. When it is tight on one side the head tilts toward it and turns away ¹
• What usually works. Stretching and positioning taught by a physical therapist. The great majority of babies resolve with this alone ¹
• Why early matters. The muscle is more responsive to stretching in the first months, and a persistent head turn preference shapes the growing skull ¹
• What travels with it. Flattening of the head on one side from constant resting position, and a higher rate of hip problems, so both are checked ¹
• What must be ruled out. Torticollis that appears later, is painful, comes with neurological signs, or does not respond to stretching needs investigation for other causes ²
• Where therapy comes from. A child under 3 with a diagnosed condition or delay is entitled to a free evaluation through early intervention ³

What to do this week

1. Ask for a physical therapy referral now. Early is better.
2. Ask to be shown the stretches and to do them while the therapist watches.
3. Ask whether the hips have been examined.
4. Ask whether the eyes have been checked as a cause of the tilt.
5. Turn the crib around so the interesting side of the room is on the restricted side.
6. Start tummy time and build it up.
7. Take a photo of the head from above every two weeks so you can see change.

Questions to take with you

Take these with you. Write the answers down in the moment, because you will not remember them later.

For the pediatrician

• Which side is tight, and how far can the head turn each way?
• Have the hips been examined?
• Have the eyes been checked as a cause?
• Is the head shape being measured or photographed?
• When should we see improvement, and what if we do not?

For the physical therapist

• Show me the stretches and watch me do them.
• How many times a day, and how long should each hold be?
• How should I position my baby for sleep, feeding and play?
• When would you consider a helmet, and why?

You can also build a printable list with the question generator.

Where to read more

The full page on this condition covers how it happens, causes split into what happens even with perfect care and what is associated with gaps in care, signs by age, diagnosis, treatment, outlook, daily life and lifetime cost.

Read the full page on Torticollis in babies

Related pages are listed at the bottom of it, including the events that can lead to this condition and the guides that cover therapy, school and money.