If you’ve noticed your baby consistently turning their head to one side, you are not alone! This is fairly common in infants, but guess what… there’s something you can do about it. Working with a pediatric chiropractor and/or pediatric PT with additional training in this area will serve to find the cause, address any other associated concerns, limit delays in milestone development and provide individualized, at-home care recommendations for the speediest results! Early intervention is absolutely key if you are noticing a preference and will help to limit any long-term concerns that may arise if left untreated.

What is head preference in babies?

Head preference in babies refers to their tendency to consistently turn their head to one side rather than looking straight ahead (typically won’t develop midline control on their back until ~3 months) or varying from side to side. This preference is often most noticeable during feeding (preferring one breast), diaper changes, or when your baby is lying down.

Causes of head preference in babies

As a Denver based pediatric chiropractor, Dr. Dani sees a LOT of babies exhibiting a preference to one side and can very commonly attribute this to body tension due to positioning in utero and the birth itself. While it can be normal to show asymmetries for a period (especially between 4-8 weeks and at most, 12 weeks), it should never last longer than 3-4 weeks without being checked for potential underlying causes. It is ESPECIALLY important to seek out care if the preference is consistent and unrelenting (baby is ONLY ever to one side) as these kiddos should be seen sooner rather than later in an effort to avoid any long-term concerns such as milestone delays.

Another possible explanation for your baby's preference to look to one side is torticollis, a condition where the muscles on one side of their neck become tight or shortened. This can result in limited movement, making it difficult for them to turn their head in the opposite direction. Torticollis typically has nothing to do with anything that a parent is doing wrong and tends to be congenital, meaning it is present at birth. HOWEVER, it may not be noticeable until 4-8 weeks.

There is also another player and common friend of torticollis known as plagiocephaly. Plagiocephaly is a flattening of the head on either the left or right side. If a baby has a preference or torticollis, and there is consistent pressure being placed on one side of the head, the skull can become asymmetrical. This can exacerbate preferences because it becomes physically difficult to both get to and lay on the more rounded side.

Acid reflux is an old friend of torticollis as well, babies are smart little creatures and will try to get away from stomach pain by scrunching down on the left side towards their hip, twist their upper body up and away to the right (away from their uncomfortable belly) and throw back. Unfortunately, this repetitive tension pattern can easily lead into torticollis.

Tongue ties and preferences / favoring one side are also intertwined. Compensation patterns from poor feeding mechanics and overall body tension caused by ties can also pull through the entire body and create dysfunction in the trunk, head and neck. It truly is amazing how everything is so closely connected!

Last, but not least, visual concerns and impairments can also great preferences as baby is going to prefer looking to the side with better vision.

The importance of early intervention

I cannot stress enough, just how important it is to receive early intervention as soon as you see any preferences and/or flattening of the head. Unresolved torticollis WILL show up later in development and could contribute to delays in milestones, balance, posture, etc. Babies are hitting milestones SO quickly in that first year and the key to proper development is symmetry and equal mobility from side to side. By identifying the cause and implementing appropriate strategies, you can help your baby develop more optimally.

How do I know if my baby prefers one side?

The easiest way to determine if your baby has a head preference is to observe their behavior during various activities. Take note of whether they consistently turn their head to one side or if they exhibit any discomfort or resistance when attempting to turn in the opposite direction. Another easy way to take a sneak peak at tendencies is to look at the photos on your phone! Parents are typically overflowing with photos of their adorable little babe. Are they almost always turned to one side? Lastly, you can always consult a pediatric chiropractor or pediatric PT who specializes in infant development for a thorough assessment.

Techniques to encourage head turning

There are several techniques you can try to encourage your baby to turn to the non-preferred side and decrease overall tension. However, for the fastest results and individualized care, it’s important to seek out a provider that specializes in this area!

How to find a provider that can help my baby

Dr. Dani is a Denver based pediatric chiropractor with additional training in Tongue Tie, torticollis, plagiocephaly (and other head shape concerns), Craniosacral Fascial Technique (CFT), and infant milestone development. It is incredibly important to work with a provider with additional training in these areas to ensure you are receiving the best care possible. Not all Chiros have training in these areas, so feel free to ask about their education and background when looking for your provider! Pediatric Physical Therapists are a great provider to add to the care team if your chiro is not specifically trained in these areas! Commonly, YOU are the progress driver with the at-home care, so choosing the right provider to educate and guide you about what YOU can do at home is incredibly important!