Many parents notice their baby prefers turning their head to one side, has difficulty looking both ways, or is developing a flat spot on the back or side of the head. These concerns are common, and they often relate to torticollis or early infant head-shape patterns.
Torticollis means “twisted neck,” but in babies it most often looks like a gentle preference—turning one way more easily, feeding better on one side, or always sleeping in the same direction.
Early support can make a meaningful difference in your baby’s comfort, mobility, and head shape as they grow.
At Triada Health Ottawa, our chiropractors offer family-friendly care for babies with torticollis or flat head concerns, using light touch, comfortable positioning, and movement-based strategies. Many of our chiropractors are parents themselves, including practitioners who have personally navigated infant head-shape challenges with their own children.
What Is Baby Torticollis?
Torticollis occurs when a baby’s neck muscles tighten more on one side than the other, making it harder to turn their head smoothly. This can begin:
- Before birth (in-utero position)
- After birth (favouring one side for feeding or sleeping)
- After tongue-tie, latching challenges, or prolonged time in containers (car seats, swings, etc.)
Common signs parents notice:
- Baby always turns its head one way
- Baby dislikes tummy time or struggles to lift their head
- Feeding is easier on one side
- Flat spot forming on one side of the head (flat head baby Ottawa)
- Baby tilts head in photos
- The baby gets frustrated when turning in one direction
According to the Mayo Clinic, prolonged pressure on one part of a baby’s head can contribute to flat spots and changes in shape. Early evaluation helps identify the underlying pattern and determine the best plan of care.
Infant Head Shape (Plagiocephaly)
A baby’s skull is soft and flexible, which allows for healthy growth. This also means babies can develop flat areas—called plagiocephaly—when they turn or rest in the same direction repeatedly.
Signs of early head-shape changes:
- Flat area on one side of the head
- One ear appears slightly forward
- Head shape looking longer or asymmetrical
- Baby avoids turning to one side
Chiropractic care for head shape is focused on improving neck mobility, postural comfort, and natural movement patterns, which support rounder, more symmetrical development over time.
How Chiropractic Helps Babies With Torticollis & Head Shape Patterns
Chiropractic care for babies is very low force. Treatments use light fingertip pressure, comfortable positioning, and slow, guided movement. Babies are often treated while lying on a caregiver’s chest, in a supported side-lying position, or while being held.
Care may include:
- Soft neck mobility support
- Relaxing tight muscles and fascia
- Encouraging easy turning to both sides
- Guided movement strategies that feel playful and natural
- Parent-friendly home strategies that fit into everyday routines
You’ll always remain close to your baby throughout the visit, and we’ll explain every step before we begin.
For complementary support, you may also find these services helpful:
What Parents Often Notice After Care
Parents frequently report:
- Their baby turns more easily in both directions
- Tummy time becomes more comfortable
- Baby feeds better on both sides
- Less fussiness during head turning
- Early improvements in head shape symmetry
- More relaxed posture and better comfort during play
- A baby who seems “looser” and more content
Every baby responds differently, and we pace care gently based on your child’s stage, comfort, and development. Parents who received prenatal chiropractic care, such as the Webster Technique, often continue with postpartum or infant-focused care to support comfort, mobility, muscular imbalances, and feeding positions
When to Seek Care Early
The Cleveland Clinic notes that early intervention for torticollis and plagiocephaly helps prevent long-term asymmetry and supports healthy motor development.
You should consider scheduling an evaluation if:
- Baby prefers one feeding side consistently
- Baby struggles turning their head evenly
- Flat areas on the head appear or worsen
- Baby dislikes tummy time or lifts their head unevenly
- Baby tilts their head to one side
Safety Considerations (When to See Your Pediatrician)
Chiropractic care supports healthy movement patterns but is not a replacement for medical evaluation. You should see your pediatrician immediately if you notice:
- Fever or signs of illness
- Rapid head growth
- Significant developmental delays
- Regression in motor skills
- Abnormal eye movements
- Bulging or sunken fontanelle
We work alongside pediatricians, midwives, and other healthcare providers to ensure your baby receives safe, appropriate care.
Meet the Chiropractors Supporting Baby Torticollis & Head Shape
Dr. Courteney Werner — A Chiropractor Mom With Lived Experience
As a mother who personally navigated her child’s head-shape concerns, Dr. Courteney brings both clinical skill and heartfelt understanding to families seeking support. She knows how stressful it can feel when you notice changes in your baby’s comfort or head shape, and she works collaboratively to help babies move more comfortably.
Meet Dr. Courteney
Dr. Jessie Hsieh — Family-Focused Chiropractor & Mom
Dr. Jessie provides baby-friendly care with a calm, nurturing presence. As a parent herself, she understands infant cues, feeding posture challenges, and those early developmental patterns that can contribute to torticollis or flat spots.
Meet Dr. Jessie
Book Chiropractic Support for Baby Torticollis or Head Shape
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