Torticollis: 3 Sure-Fire Signs Your Baby Has It
Most new moms are busy planning nursery colors and acquiring baby equipment and clothing, not thinking about what could go wrong during or immediately after birth.
However, it helps to be aware of what torticollis is and whether your baby has it because it’s best to catch it early and initiate treatment fast to minimize the long-term consequences.
Torticollis (aka crooked neck or wry neck) in infants is common with some reports indicating 3 in 100 babies. There are two basic types: 1) congenital torticollis – meaning your baby was born with a crooked neck and 2) acquired torticollis – meaning your baby did not have a crooked neck at birth but acquired one later. This often occurs due to poor positioning in baby equipment. See my previous post.
Worried your baby may have it? Here are 3 sure-fire signs of torticollis:
- your baby’s head tilts to one side
- your baby looks to one side or prefers one side to the other when being fed or held
- your baby has a flat spot on the back of the head, often behind the ear
If your baby is showing signs, try these things first:
- when holding your baby, try to hold his head so it is not tilted. (see photo below) If you can’t straighten it or your baby consistently cries each time you attempt to straighten it. Make an appointment with your child’s doctor.
- Use my video as a guide to check IF your baby can look to both sides. If not, make an appointment with your child’s doctor.
- View your baby’s head from the back or from above. If you notice a flat spot, make an appointment with your child’s doctor.
Here’s a picture showing how to straighten your baby’s head so it is untilted.
Torticollis can be successfully treated, especially if caught early. If your doctor says, “give it time” or “let’s wait and see,” say, “no thank you” and request a referral to a pediatric physical therapist.
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(Top photo from Pixabay and the bottom one from me)
