Newborns don’t come with a manual, and there’s a million and one things that new moms have racing around their sleep deprived brains so I’m going to keep this blog post short and sweet.

First, some definitions:

TORTICOLLIS - tension or tightness in your baby’s neck resulting in decreased range of motion. A baby with torticollis may hold their head tilted to one side or have a preference for turning it towards one side.

PLAGIOCEPHALY - An asymmetrical flattening of baby’s skull on one side. Can range in severity from mild to severe.

Here are some fast facts that new parents need to know about their baby’s head and neck:

1. Baby’s head shape and neck range of motion should be symmetrical
2. Torticollis is typically present from birth
3. About 50% of babies will have some degree of flat head syndrome
4. Both diagnoses are treatable and respond best if caught early
5. Physical therapy helps!
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Moral of the story: If you notice any asymmetries in your baby’s head shape or neck range of motion, talk to your pediatrician and seek out a physical therapy evaluation!

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