Torticollis and Plagiocephaly: Early Signs Parents Can Watch For

In the first months, babies do a lot of lying down, and their soft, fast-growing skulls are easily shaped by position. Two common, related concerns are torticollis and plagiocephaly. Both are very treatable, and the earlier they are spotted the simpler that tends to be. Here is what to watch for. This is a focus of pediatric physiotherapy.

What are torticollis and plagiocephaly?

Torticollis is tightness on one side of the neck that makes a baby prefer turning or tilting their head one way. Plagiocephaly is a flattening of one area of the skull. They often travel together: a baby who always rests on the same spot puts steady pressure on that part of the skull, and the neck tightness keeps them facing the same direction.

Early signs parents can watch for

• A strong, consistent preference for turning the head to one side
• A head tilt toward one shoulder
• A flat area on one side or the back of the head
• An ear or forehead pushed slightly forward on one side
• Difficulty or fussing when turning the head the other way
• Feeding more easily on one side than the other

Why do they happen together?

Positioning is the usual driver — time on the back, a favoured feeding side, or simply how a baby was lying before birth. Because an infant’s skull is so mouldable in the early months, steady pressure in one spot flattens it, and neck tightness reinforces the pattern. Treating the neck tightness is key, since repositioning alone is often not enough.

How pediatric physiotherapy helps

A physiotherapist assesses your baby’s neck movement, head shape and overall development, then coaches gentle stretches, positioning and play that encourage the head to turn both ways. Because assessment in the first months tends to make the most difference, it is worth raising early if something looks off.

What parents can do at home

• Plenty of supervised tummy time while your baby is awake
• Alternating the direction you place your baby in the crib, and where you stand to interact
• Encouraging your baby to look toward their non-preferred side with toys and your voice
• Varying carrying and feeding positions

Frequently asked questions

Will my baby need a helmet?

Most mild to moderate cases improve with physiotherapy and positioning. Helmets are considered only in select cases, decided with your physician.

Is tummy time really that important?

Yes — supervised tummy time builds neck and shoulder strength and takes pressure off the back of the head.

When should I get it checked?

Sooner rather than later. Early assessment usually means simpler treatment while the skull and neck are most adaptable.

Pediatric physiotherapy in Toronto

If something about your child’s movement or development is on your mind, an assessment is the simplest way to get answers. SOMOM’s pediatric physiotherapy in High Park, Toronto is gentle and play-based, and earlier is usually easier. Book an assessment — no referral needed.