Baby Head Tilt? How Chiropractic Care Helps Infant Torticollis

“When Jack was 4 weeks old, I started noticing he always tilted his head to the right in his crib. At first, I thought it was just his ‘comfortable spot,’ but soon I realized he had trouble nursing on one side and cried whenever I tried to turn his head the other way. That’s when I first heard the word torticollis.”

Have you noticed your baby always tilts their head to one side? Or maybe they only seem comfortable nursing on one breast, or cry when you try to turn their head the other way. These can all be early signs of torticollis—a condition sometimes nicknamed “wry neck,” which simply means the muscles in your baby’s neck are tighter or shorter on one side.

Torticollis is more common than many parents realize, with studies reporting it affects 3 in every 100 babies. Some babies develop it from a cramped position in the womb or a long, difficult delivery. Others may develop it after birth from spending too much time in the same position (like in a car seat or swing). Whatever the cause, the result is the same: your baby’s neck feels “stuck” in one direction.

The good news? With the right support, torticollis can be gently corrected, and babies usually respond quickly. Early intervention not only makes your baby more comfortable but also helps prevent challenges with feeding, flat spots on the head, or even delays in rolling and crawling.

What Is Infant Torticollis?

Torticollis is a condition where the muscles in your baby’s neck become tight or imbalanced, causing the head to tilt or rotate more easily to one side. For some babies, this comes from their position in the womb or from a difficult delivery. For others, it develops after birth due to muscle tension, trauma, or other factors.

Think of it like your baby’s neck being “stuck” in their favorite position. While it may seem minor at first, it can affect feeding, movement, comfort, and even head shape if not addressed.

As a New Parent, What Should I Watch For?

Sometimes the signs of torticollis are subtle. Here are some everyday things you might notice:

• Your baby always looks the same way in their crib or car seat.
• A head tilt is noticeable. Sometimes, one ear may stick out or be consistently forward, or your baby may tug at that side of the head.
• Your baby gets fussy when you try to turn their head the other direction.
• Nursing is easier on one breast than the other (baby prefers one breast).
• Rolling or reaching milestones unevenly (for example, always rolling to the right side).
• Your baby tends to look at people or objects at an oblique angle instead of looking directly at them.

If any of these sound familiar, it’s worth getting your baby evaluated to see if they have a torticollis.

Symptoms of Torticollis

• Head tilt to one side
• Limited range of motion in the neck
• Shoulder may be higher on the affected side
• Preference for one side
• Neck stiffness
• A soft bump on the tightened neck muscle
• Flat spot on the head (plagiocephaly)
• Difficulty feeding
• Irritability or sleeping issues due to neck discomfort

The Importance of Early Intervention for Infant Torticollis

The best strategy for supporting infant torticollis is early detection and intervention. If left untreated, torticollis can affect more than just your baby’s comfort. Over time, torticollis may contribute to:

• Flat spots on the head (plagiocephaly)
• Delays in meeting milestones (rolling, crawling, or walking)
• Difficulty feeding
• Long-term facial or jaw asymmetry
• Poor posture and even discomfort later in childhood

The earlier torticollis is addressed, the easier it is to correct. Babies’ muscles and nervous systems are incredibly adaptable, and gentle chiropractic care often helps restore balance quickly. A pediatric chiropractic evaluation can identify the issue as early as possible and provide a personalized plan to support your baby’s growth and development. More often than not, many parents notice improvements within just a few visits.

How Can Chiropractic Care Help Torticollis?

Some parents are told to “wait and see” if torticollis improves on its own, while others are referred to physical therapy. But for tiny necks and growing bodies, those approaches may feel too aggressive or may not fully address the underlying issue. That’s where pediatric chiropractic care comes in.

Pediatric chiropractors are specially trained to use extremely gentle, precise adjustments—often no more pressure than you’d use to check the ripeness of a tomato. These adjustments help restore proper alignment in your baby’s spine and relieve the muscle tension that keeps the neck “stuck” in one position. As the muscles relax and mobility improves, babies are able to move more comfortably and naturally in both directions.

Benefits of chiropractic care for infant torticollis include:

• A non-invasive approach: Gentle adjustments restore alignment without surgery or forceful intervention.
• Naturally, drug-free relief: Helps ease discomfort, irritability, and poor sleep without medication.
• Easier breastfeeding: When your baby’s head and neck move freely, feeding on both sides becomes more comfortable.
• Improved head shape: Relieving pressure on one area of the skull helps prevent or correct flat spots.
• Support for healthy development: A balanced spine and nervous system set the stage for smoother milestones like rolling, crawling, and walking.

Helping Your Baby at Home

In addition to chiropractic care, there are gentle things you can do at home to encourage your baby’s neck muscles to loosen and strengthen on both sides. These small daily habits can make a big difference:

• Switch feeding positions. When your baby is hungry, try offering the breast or bottle in a way that encourages your baby to turn away from their preferred side. This helps stretch the tighter muscles and build balance. Tip: Some parents find this approach works best for nighttime feedings, when baby is more relaxed and sleepy.
• Change crib positioning. Place your baby in her crib so she is turned away from her preferred side. That way, if she wants to switch to her favorite side, she will have to work for it, thus stretching her neck muscles. Tip: Try positioning your baby to face the wall. Since most babies prefer to look out into the room, your baby will actively turn away from the wall, effectively stretching the neck muscles.
• Use toys and sounds to guide movement. During playtime, hold toys or make gentle noises to your baby’s non-preferred side to encourage them to turn and engage.
• Mix up carrying positions. Hold your baby in ways that encourage them to turn toward the side they normally avoid. Even small adjustments in how you carry them can help.
• Encourage lots of tummy time. Tummy time is especially helpful for babies with torticollis. Laying your baby on his stomach while awake helps strengthen his neck and shoulder muscles, relieve pressure on the back of his head, and promotes more balanced movement. Try this: lay your baby across your lap for tummy time, positioning their head so they’re facing away from you. Talk, sing, or hold a toy near your face to encourage them to turn toward you.

Schedule Your Child’s Chiropractic Torticollis Evaluation

If you’re noticing the signs of torticollis in your little one, don’t wait and hope it passes on its own. Early, gentle chiropractic care can make a world of difference.

At our office, we specialize in pediatric chiropractic care and use INSiGHT scans to understand exactly how your baby’s nervous system is functioning. From there, we’ll create a personalized plan to help your baby move freely, grow comfortably, and thrive.

Reach out to us at Well Family Chiropractic to request an evaluation or ask questions. You and your baby deserve a care plan that helps you both thrive.