Does Your Baby Always Look One Way? Understanding Torticollis

You might notice it while feeding, during tummy time or scrolling through photos: your baby seems to look in the same direction almost every time.

Perhaps their head tilts slightly, or feeding on one side feels much harder than the other. These small patterns may be signs of torticollis.

At Brave Bodies, we help parents understand what they are seeing and how to support their baby. Our paediatric physio team works with families across South West WA, providing practical advice that fits around feeds, cuddles and everyday play.

What Is Torticollis?

Torticollis describes a tilted head position. In babies, a common form is congenital muscular torticollis, where a muscle along one side of the neck is tight or shortened. This can make turning the head more difficult, with the head tilting one way and the chin pointing the other.

It is often noticed at birth or during the first few weeks. A baby’s position in the womb may contribute, although the exact cause is not always clear.

Some babies have a preferred head position without muscle tightness. An assessment helps distinguish a positional preference from muscular torticollis and other causes.

Signs of Torticollis Parents Might Notice

Parents are often the first to notice that their baby prefers certain positions or moves differently from one side to the other. These patterns can be subtle, but if something catches your attention, trust your instinct. You do not need to be certain something is wrong before asking for advice.

Signs worth discussing include:

• Looking in one direction much more than the other.

• A head tilt that appears repeatedly in photos.

• Difficulty turning towards a face or toy on one side.

• Feeding more comfortably in one position.

• A flat spot developing on one side of the head.

• Uneven movement, such as reaching or rolling more towards one side.

If your baby suddenly develops a head tilt, seems in pain or is unwell, seek medical assessment promptly.

Can Torticollis Affect Feeding?

Feeding takes coordination, and a comfortable position can make it easier for your baby to feed. When neck movement is restricted, your baby may find certain breastfeeding or bottle-feeding positions harder to manage.

You might notice they settle on one breast but fuss on the other, or prefer being held in a particular direction.

This does not automatically mean torticollis is the cause. Feeding difficulties can have several explanations. A paediatric physiotherapist can assess neck movement and whether it may be contributing to feeding difficulties. A lactation consultant or other feeding professional can help with latch and other feeding concerns.

Why Early Assessment Helps

When turning one way is harder, babies may spend more time looking, reaching and exploring towards their preferred side.

Early assessment can identify neck tightness while your baby is developing head control and movement skills. Physiotherapy aims to help them move comfortably in both directions, with practical guidance you can use during everyday care and play.

It also gives you a chance to ask questions and understand what support your baby needs. Seeking help early does not necessarily mean ongoing appointments for years.

Early support is also important for your baby’s head shape, as consistently resting on one side can contribute to a flat spot.

Torticollis and Flat Head: What Is the Connection?

A baby’s skull is soft and growing. Spending long periods resting on the same area can contribute to a flat spot, known as positional plagiocephaly.

Neck tightness can make this more likely because your baby finds it harder to change their head position.

Skull growth is particularly rapid during the first four to six months. Addressing neck tightness and reducing repeated pressure during this time gives head shape a better opportunity to improve as your baby grows.

However, six months is not a fixed deadline. Head shape can continue improving as babies grow and become more active, and assessment remains worthwhile if you have concerns.

The Royal Children’s Hospital’s guide to head shape explains this relationship and when to seek support.

What Happens at a Baby Physiotherapy Appointment?

At Brave Bodies, baby physiotherapy starts with listening to you. We want to understand what you have noticed, how feeding is going and which positions your baby finds comfortable.

Assessment may include:

• Head position and neck movement.

• Head shape and muscle tightness.

• How your baby moves during play.

• Movement on both sides of the body.

• Hip screening and whether further medical review is needed.

We then explain our findings and make a plan together. Treatment may involve gentle stretches, strengthening through play and adjustments to carrying or feeding positions.

We show you what to do and check that you feel comfortable doing it.

Small Changes That Fit Into Your Day

Parents already spend so much time holding, feeding and playing with their babies. We look for ways to build helpful movement into those moments.

Depending on the assessment, this might include placing your face or a toy towards the less-preferred side during supervised play, varying carrying positions or trying short, supervised tummy-time sessions while your baby is awake.

Avoid forcing your baby’s head or trying neck stretches without individual guidance.

Always place your baby on their back to sleep. Do not use pillows, wedges or positioning devices to change their head shape.

Torticollis FAQs

Will my baby grow out of torticollis?

Some positional preferences improve, but persistent tilting or restricted movement should be assessed. This helps identify whether treatment is needed.

How long does treatment take?

It varies with age, tightness and progress. Some babies need a few appointments alongside home activities, others need support over several months.

Is it too late if my baby is older than six months?

No. An assessment can still help. A newly noticed head tilt at this age also needs consideration of causes beyond congenital muscular torticollis.

Can tummy time fix torticollis?

Tummy time supports strength and movement, but may not address neck tightness on its own. Your physiotherapist can suggest suitable positions and activities.

Where can South West families access support for torticollis?

Brave Bodies offers clinic appointments in Busselton, Bunbury and Margaret River, with mobile options discussed individually. Contact our team to talk about your baby’s movement and the next step.