Neck Tilting

Torticolis, or tilting of the neck, describes a situation in which a baby’s head leans more to one side than the other. It’s caused either by a heavy head that naturally falls toward a preferred side or by slightly tense muscles on one side of the neck. This tilted-neck condition is often associated with flattening of the head because it will make the baby tend to rest on the same side of the skull [See: Head Shape]. Torticolis will improve with a daily gentle neck massage to loosen up the muscles; in more pronounced cases a physical therapist may have to monitor its progress. Generally, after six to eight months, the baby has strong head support, and the neck straightens out.