Have you noticed your baby tilting their head or always turning to one side?
This common condition, known as baby head preference, can develop early and may affect your little one’s movement and comfort. Though it might seem minor, understanding this condition can help ensure your baby’s healthy development.
While this preference can develop gradually, it often progresses quickly once established. Parents may notice their infant frequently looking in one direction, showing difficulty turning their head fully or developing a flat spot on one side of the head.
Parents often tell us that their baby looks uncomfortable; they also notice other signs of neck and spine tension, such as their infant arching backwards or “being stiff” and always extending their legs. Tension could also show when a baby keeps their arms/fists near their bodies; it could make putting clothing on or bathing difficult.
Understanding Flat Head Syndrome (Plagiocephaly)
When babies spend extended time lying in the same position, flat head syndrome (plagiocephaly) can occur. Since a newborn’s skull is soft and malleable, consistent pressure on one area can create a flattening effect.
If a baby has a strong head preference, the flattening tends to appear more on one side rather than at the back of the head. At first, the asymmetry may be subtle, but it can become more noticeable over time if it’s not addressed and corrected.
Does My Baby Need a Helmet?
When the uneven head shape becomes noticeable, parents often wonder if wearing a helmet is necessary and recommended. You can find plenty of vague and conflicting information when doing a web search on the topic. We are extremely lucky in Vancouver to have a specialized and pioneer clinic, www.ROKbandclinics.ca, in the lower mainland that can offer an excellent diagnostic scanning tool for parents and answer their concerns.
ROKband offers the first two scans at no cost to parents. Babies must be 4 months of age for their first scan. It’s a helpful tool to monitor changes throughout therapy when conservative and manual bodywork is often the first line of response to address neck tension and head shape.
How Head Shape Affects Development
Concerns about head shape go beyond appearance. While mild cases of plagiocephaly may not impact development, Dr. Marie warns that more severe cases can lead to challenges.
Pronounced head shape issues can resemble torticollis, a condition where tight neck muscles make it difficult for babies to turn their heads. This can lead to difficulty during tummy time, trouble holding the head upright, and struggles when trying to turn the head fully. When a baby can’t move their head freely, it may slow their motor skill development and create additional challenges for both the baby and parents.
The Role of Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care can help address head preference in infants. Dr. Marie will find where the tension is coming from and aim to remove that using gentle techniques. “The adjustments look a lot like stretches and a little bit of wiggling,” she shares. Depending on what she finds, Dr. Marie will send parents home with some exercises to start doing.
The first step is to stop the progression, then guide the baby’s head back to a neutral position and encourage movement on both sides.
How to Help Your Baby at Home
To promote balanced movement and prevent head preference from worsening, Dr. Marie recommends the following:
- Encouraging movement to the opposite side by placing toys, sounds, or engaging objects on the baby’s non-preferred side.
- Using gentle stretches to release neck and spine tension and improve mobility.
- Incorporating short, frequent tummy time sessions to strengthen neck and shoulder muscles.
Need Support? We’re Here to Help!
If you’re concerned about your baby’s head shape or movement, we’re here to help. Contact Optimum Family Chiropractic today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Marie and learn how to support your baby’s healthy development.
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