Noticed your little one consistently tilting their head to one side? They might have torticollis, often called "wry neck." But don't panic! It's a common and often treatable condition in babies.
Torticollis happens when a neck muscle, usually the sternocleidomastoid, is tight or shortened. This makes it difficult for babies to turn their head freely.
**What to look for:**
* Head tilted to one side.
* Chin pointing in the opposite direction.
* Difficulty turning their head to one side.
* Preference for feeding or looking in one direction.
**What can you do?**
Early intervention is key! Talk to your pediatrician. They can diagnose torticollis and recommend appropriate treatment, usually involving physical therapy. Gentle stretches and positioning techniques can help loosen the tight muscle and improve your baby's range of motion.
With early diagnosis and treatment, most babies with torticollis make a full recovery and reach their developmental milestones without issue. So, observe your baby and reach out to your doctor if you have concerns!
