What is torticollis?

Torticollis is a common condition in babies where the neck muscles are tighter on one side. This causes your baby’s head to tilt to one side and turn to the other.

You might notice:

• A preference to look one way

• Difficulty turning their head both directions

• Feeding better on one side than the other

• A flat spot developing on the head

Torticollis can develop due to positioning in the womb, birth factors, or how babies are positioning in their early weeks.

How does torticollis affect feeding?

Feeding requires coordination, comfort, and the ability to move the head freely.

Babies with torticollis may:

• Feed well on one breast but resist or have difficulty on the other

• Struggle with positioning during breast or bottle feeds

• Have difficulty latching or staying latched

• Become unsettled, fussy, or frustrated during feeds

• Tire quickly due to inefficient feeding

• Twist, arch, or pull away while feeding

Often, these challenges come down to discomfort or difficulty turning into the optimal feeding position.

How can physiotherapy help with torticollis and feeding?

Paediatric physiotherapy focuses on gently improving your baby’s movement and comfort, which can make a big difference to feeding.

At Perth Kids Physio, treatment may include:

• Gentle stretches to improve neck range of movement

• Simple positioning tweaks to make feeding easier or to encourage turning or tilting of the head

• Play-based exercises to build strength and symmetry

• Practical strategies you can use throughout your day

• Advice to support head shape and overall development

As your baby becomes neck tightness starts to improve feeding can become smoother, more efficient and more enjoyable for both of you.

When should you seek help?

Early support makes all the difference. In collaboration with a lactation consultant and/or GP your baby would benefit from a physiotherapy assessment if they:

• Prefer feeding on one side more than the offer

• Are unsettled or fussy during feeds

• Have a noticeable head tilt or strong turning preference

• Are developing a flat spot on their head

If something doesn’t feel quite right, it’s always worth checking in.

References

• Kaplan SL, Coulter C, Fetters L. Physical therapy management of congenital muscular torticollis: an evidence-based clinical practice guideline. Pediatric Physical Therapy. 2018.

• Emery C. The determinants of treatment duration for congenital muscular torticollis. Physical Therapy. 1994.

• Öhman A, Nilsson S, Beckung E. Stretching treatment for infants with congenital muscular torticollis: physiotherapist or parents? PM&R. 2010.

• Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne – Congenital Torticollis Fact Sheet

• Australian Physiotherapy Association – Paediatric physiotherapy resources