Why Does My Baby Look to One Side Part II

Okay so from my last blog post, you are now aware of congenital muscular torticollis and why it is important to get intervention ASAP. Let’s now take a look at the common signs/symptoms of torticollis and how you can do a quick screen to see if your baby may benefit from physical therapy. 

How do I know if my baby has torticollis? 

Look for your baby's preferences and symmetry of movement! 

-Does your baby’s resting posture always have his nose facing to the same side? 

-Does your baby have a head tilt to one side?

-Does your baby have difficulty nursing on one side?

-Does your baby tilt his head to one side when you lay him down to change his diaper, and in the swing, or carseat? 

-Is your baby’s head flat on one side? 

-Does your baby kick one leg more than the other?

-Does your baby have more skin folds in his neck and/or tummy one one side?

-Does your baby use one hand more than the other? (at this age, babies should NOT be showing hand dominance)

-Does your baby roll to one side only? 

If your baby is displaying any of the above signs, it is best to contact a local pediatric physical therapist. Again, you will be in great hands!

Physical therapists  have direct access in the US, so you can go straight to a PT without a referral from your pediatrician. Please note, some insurances require a referral to cover physical therapy services. 

Peds PTs treat infants (yes, even babies who are a few weeks old!) You will be in great hands! 

The earlier the intervention, the better results. When a baby receives physical therapy before 3 months of age, research shows that their torticollis resolves earlier and they need less visits. 

 Even if you're unsure if your baby has any of the above signs, go get an assessment by a pediatric physical therapist. The therapist will be able to complete a full body evaluation on your baby to determine if there are any asymmetries in mobility, strength, or milestones. Then the therapist will be able to give you specific baby exercises to do at home to help improve your baby's movement. 

 The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)  is making a significant attempt to educate expecting parents and parents of  newborn babies to look out for the signs of CMT to get it addressed ASAP! Goal is to get it addressed as early as possible. 

In the meantime, while you’re waiting on an appointment or for your insurance to approve visits, try these things at home to help even out your baby’s preferences.

Think about your baby’s environment and put boring things on his preferred side and fun exciting things on his non-preferred side. Ex: change how you lay him down in the crib with the wall on his preferred side. That way he looks to his non-preferred when he hears you come into the room!

There are 2 great positions to help get your baby to look to his non-preferred side. Both positions above feel like a nice snuggle for your baby. Try doing these with a mirror in front, big sister, or a furry sibling. Anything that will keep your baby's attention!

Work on your baby's ability to look to his non-preferred side without you helping! Have your baby look at a fun toy in front of him and slowly move the toy to his non-preferred side. 

Make sure to keep his opposite hip and/or down to avoid compensation. 

The use of baby containers contributes to the preferred asymmetrical positioning in babies with CMT. We want babies to have freedom of movement, and of course practice tummy time.  For more information on baby containers, go ahead and read this blog post. 

If you have any questions, you can send me a message here!

-As always, keep your munchkin moving!