Bringing home a newborn is a time of joy and wonder but can also be filled with unexpected challenges. For parents, the early weeks and months with their infant are often spent in constant adjustment, learning to decode cries, establish feeding routines, and manage the complexities of caring for a tiny human. When torticollis enters the picture, these challenges can become even more pronounced, transforming what should be a bonding time into one of concern and confusion.

Torticollis, often called “twisted neck,” is when a baby’s head tilts to one side while the chin points in the opposite direction. Various factors can cause it, but in infants, it’s most commonly due to a tightening of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, the large muscle that runs along the side of the neck.

When parents notice that their baby consistently holds their head in this position or has difficulty turning their head, the first reaction is often one of worry.

This worry was something I felt keenly when my child, just two months old, was diagnosed with torticollis. The diagnosis brought with it a mix of emotions—relief at having an explanation for my child’s unusual head position, but also anxiety about what it meant for their development and future. Like many parents, I was unprepared for this condition’s impact on our daily lives and the adjustments we would need to make.

At first, the signs were subtle. My baby always seemed to prefer lying with their head turned to one side. The preference was clear even when trying to coax them to look the other way. I attributed it to a quirky habit that might pass with time. But as weeks passed, it became evident that this was more than a preference.
The tilt became more pronounced, and there was a noticeable flattening on one side of the back of the head, a condition known as plagiocephaly, which often accompanies torticollis.

The first step in adjusting to life with an infant diagnosed with torticollis was understanding the condition. As new parents, my partner and I immersed ourselves in research, speaking with pediatricians and physical therapists and reading up on the causes and treatments.

The information was overwhelming but also empowering. We learned that torticollis is relatively common, affecting about 3 in 100 infants and that with early intervention, most children recover fully with no lasting effects.

This knowledge was a relief but didn’t diminish the day-to-day challenges. Adjusting to life with a baby with torticollis requires carefully rethinking of routines and interactions. One of the most immediate changes was in how we handled our baby. Physical therapy became a cornerstone of our daily routine. Our therapist guided us through gentle stretches and exercises designed to lengthen the tightened neck muscles and encourage a full range of motion. At first, the exercises were met with resistance—our baby wasn’t exactly thrilled with the stretches, and it was hard to push through those cries of discomfort. But over time, we learned to read the signs of when our baby was ready for more or needed a break, and the exercises became a natural part of our day.

Tummy time, a crucial activity for all infants, took on even greater importance. For a baby with torticollis, spending time on their stomach helps strengthen the neck muscles and encourages them to lift and turn their head in both directions. We became vigilant about incorporating tummy time into every waking hour, starting with just a few minutes and gradually increasing the duration as our baby’s strength improved. We also had to be mindful of positioning our baby during sleep and play. Ensuring that they spent time with their head turned to the less-preferred side was key to preventing further muscle tightness and promoting symmetry in their head shape.

These adjustments required patience and consistency, qualities that we had to cultivate in abundance. It was easy to feel discouraged on days when progress seemed slow, or when our baby was particularly fussy. But it was during these moments that we reminded ourselves of the importance of persistence.
Every small milestone, whether it was a few extra seconds of tummy time or a slight increase in neck rotation, was a victory.

Another critical aspect of managing torticollis was modifying our environment. We quickly learned that certain everyday objects could help or hinder our baby’s progress. For example, using a rolled-up towel to position our baby during sleep or play encouraged them to turn their head in the desired direction. We also became more mindful of how we carried our baby, ensuring that we alternated sides to avoid reinforcing the tilt.

The emotional adjustment was perhaps the most challenging. Like many parents, I experienced feelings of guilt and worry. I questioned whether we had done something to cause the condition, or whether we were doing enough to help our baby recover. These thoughts were difficult to shake, but over time, I learned to be kinder to myself.
I realized that torticollis is not the result of anything we did or didn’t do, and that the best thing we could offer our baby was love, support, and a commitment to their well-being.

As the weeks turned into months, the progress became more noticeable.
The exercises that once felt daunting became routine, and our baby’s head position improved gradually. It was a reminder that with early intervention and consistent care, torticollis can be managed effectively. The experience taught us valuable lessons about patience, perseverance, and the power of early intervention.

Living with torticollis in those early months was a journey of adaptation, one that required us to be flexible, informed, and resilient. For parents facing a similar situation, it’s important to remember that while the road may be challenging, it is one that can be navigated with the right support and resources.

The bond we formed with our baby during this time was strengthened by the care and attention we gave to their needs, and in the end, that connection was the most important outcome of all.

The Cranial Center of New Jersey is one of the first and finest cranial centers on the East Coast, specializing in early intervention cranial and helmet therapy. Cranial Center was the first to offer the STARband™ scanner and helmets in New Jersey and the third company in the world with 3-D technology. Owned and operated by Stuart Weiner, CPO, the Cranial Center is certified by the American Board of Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Pedorthics. Our facilities are conveniently located across New Jersey: Hackensack, Hamilton, Hazlet, and Morristown. Contact us for a complimentary consultation at 800 685 9116 or at info AT cranial center dot com

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