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Baby's health

14th Oct 2024

What is torticollis and how to tell if your baby has it?

Kat O'Connor

Torticollis is also known as wry neck

Torticollis is one of the most common conditions may face in their early life, but what exactly is it?

It’s something many parents will hear about but becoming familiar with the symptoms will help ease any worries if you do have that conversation with your doctor.

According to the HSE, babies with torticollis will tilt their heads down to one side. They may also avoid turning their head in one direction.

Some infants will be born with the condition, but others may develop it within the first few months of their life.

The HSE has stressed that the condition is common but it is also easily treated.

Babies with the condition can get better through stretching exercises and position changes.

However, it may take weeks or months for the condition to be fully treated.

What are the symptoms?

According to the HSE, babies with torticollis will:

  • tilt their head in one direction
  • prefer to look in one direction
  • prefer breastfeeding on one side (if breastfed)
  • are reluctant to look the other direction
  • are unable to turn their head one direction
  • are uncomfortable lying on one side of their body

Parents who believe their child has torticollis should contact their GP immediately.

What causes torticollis?

Many infants with the condition did not have enough space for their heads in the womb.

They may also have the condition due to the position they were in in the womb, or if forceps were used during birth.

Some infants may have torticollis because they prefer turning their heads in one direction after they were born.

Parents of babies with the condition should encourage them to move their heads in both directions.

Babies will be treated until their torticollis has gone.

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