As a pediatric physical therapist, I have evaluated hundreds of infants. One of the first things I check is whether the baby can fully turn its head to each side. Many mothers are surprised when their tot cannot. But in the busyness of life, they have never actually checked.
Why is this a problem? If your little one prefers to look more at one side than the other, this can cause neck tightness and flat spots on the back of their head.
If you have ever had a crick in your neck, it hurt to turn your head, so you did not. If your baby gets a tight neck, they will not turn their head because it hurts. Preventing that tightness from developing saves your baby from suffering the pain of stretching those muscles.
Also, prolonged pressure on your baby's soft skull can cause flat spots. If your baby lies mainly in one position, such as looking to the right, the back of their head can flatten. Preventing a flat spot from appearing is much easier than curing one that has developed.
To check if your baby can look equally both ways, lay them on a flat, firm surface. Stand over them and have them watch your face as you slowly move to each side. You may have to try a few times if they get distracted. Can they follow you equally to the right and left, or do they easily go one way but struggle to turn to the other?
If you notice a problem, talk to your doctor and request a referral for physical therapy. Treatment can easily fix this problem when it begins early.
Disclaimer: All information presented is general education and is not intended as specific
prescriptions for your child. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about your baby’s development. If your child receives any intervention or therapy, this information is not
intended to be used without their knowledge.
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