https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Fri, 22 May 2026 15:13:56 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/newborn-favors-turning-head-to-one-side-normal-what-to-do#post-1847137 Wed, 03 Sep 2014 11:59:01 +0000 mrskc 1847137@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lilteacherbee: I hope the chiropractor is able to help your LO! </p> <p>@birdofafeather: @sunny: @lamariniere: thanks for chiming in. I'm glad that it worked itself our for your LO's. I hope its the same for mine. :) </p> <p>@ladybee: oh no! Poor guy. </p> <p>@gilmoregirl: yeah, she doesn't care either and will just stare at the wall. lol I did get her to turn her head to the left this morning tho. yay! I'm glad to hear it all cleared up on its own. </p> <p>@Tidybee: oh wow. Poor girl. She doesn't cry in pain when she turns it to that side and I haven't had issues with nursing, so that's probably a good sign. </p> <p>@Bookish: thanks for looking that up for me! </p> <p>@Cole: thanks for your reply! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/newborn-favors-turning-head-to-one-side-normal-what-to-do#post-1846470 Wed, 03 Sep 2014 08:20:56 +0000 Cole 1846470@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I nannied for a newborn with this issue and in that case it was torticollis, the pt also said it was likely due to how the baby was positioned in utero. The ped had us try a few exercises at home for a month and then referred us to PT, I actually loved the PT, she was a awesome and gave us a ton of things to do with the baby. </p> <p>Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/newborn-favors-turning-head-to-one-side-normal-what-to-do#post-1846419 Wed, 03 Sep 2014 07:48:12 +0000 Bookish 1846419@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrskc: I had to look back at my pics... in my 1-2mo album, there are a few pics where it's very noticeable, but I can't find any in my 2-3mo album, so it looks like it was around 6-8 weeks.</p> <p>I hope that it's nothing! I remember being really, really worried about this, so I hope we can all reassure you to not freak out at least until you check with the dr! :happy: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/newborn-favors-turning-head-to-one-side-normal-what-to-do#post-1846399 Wed, 03 Sep 2014 07:28:08 +0000 Tidybee 1846399@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DD had this as well as trouble breastfeeding. The LC noticed it and referred us to an OT. DD had really tight muscles throughout that side of her neck and jaw which led to the problems latching. Just one session of gentle massage with the OT literally changed our lives. The OT told us how common it is and always has been, especially in vaginal deliveries and that when it isn't resolved, people grow up to have scoliosis, tension heaches, etc. . I have had a few friends go to her with very similar issues, and massage of the head and neck has helped.<br /> ETA: She didn't just prefer that side. When we placed her head on the other side, she would howl in pain. When we would gently slide her head to the other side, it would whip back almost involuntarily. How I didn't pick up on this for 6 weeks is beyond me! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/newborn-favors-turning-head-to-one-side-normal-what-to-do#post-1846374 Wed, 03 Sep 2014 07:07:29 +0000 gilmoregirl 1846374@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I will add that I had the same experience as @bookish: I was all worked up abou how he preferred one side to the other, and no matter how many times I turned his head, he would immediately turn it right back. The whole thing about facing him the opposite direction in the crib so he'd turn his head to the room? My little goober would stare at the wall all night if he could keep his head in the favored position. </p> <p>I was panicked about torticollis and flat spots and them he got greater head control (around 2-3 months) and now I can't even remember which side it was that he preferred. </p> <p>So def bring it up if you're worried, but it could also be nothing. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/newborn-favors-turning-head-to-one-side-normal-what-to-do#post-1846286 Wed, 03 Sep 2014 04:46:55 +0000 lamariniere 1846286@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This was exactly my DD. I always tried to turn her head when she was sleeping, position her in her bouncer so that she had to turn the opposite way for activity, stimulated her on that side, etc. It cleared up on it's own around 4 months when she had better head control. I was also really worried about a flat spot or other deformity, but her head is perfect. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/newborn-favors-turning-head-to-one-side-normal-what-to-do#post-1846285 Wed, 03 Sep 2014 04:35:05 +0000 ladybee 1846285@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My LO needed PT for this. The torticollis was so severe he needed a helmet to correct the flat spot He got. We started PT at 1 month. Honestly, I'd probably call and mention it before your appointment but I has such a horrible experience with torticollis I'm probably not the one to ask. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/newborn-favors-turning-head-to-one-side-normal-what-to-do#post-1846244 Wed, 03 Sep 2014 00:01:21 +0000 sunny 1846244@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My LO did this so we encouraged her to look the other way. She was maybe around 3-4 weeks -- I remember using the mirror in the bathroom and she was fascinated by her reflection. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/newborn-favors-turning-head-to-one-side-normal-what-to-do#post-1846232 Tue, 02 Sep 2014 23:34:52 +0000 birdofafeather 1846232@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My LO did the same. She was seeing a chiro for wellness and the ped mentioned a lot of things PPs mentioned: physically turning her head, facing her a different direction for sleeping, putting something interesting on the other side, etc. The ped didn't see a flat spot and she eventually evened it out on her own. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/newborn-favors-turning-head-to-one-side-normal-what-to-do#post-1846225 Tue, 02 Sep 2014 23:19:54 +0000 lilteacherbee 1846225@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrskc: My LO did this. He majorly favored one side and it was actually the side that didn't face us when he was in the crib/RnP. I noticed that he started getting a flat head, so I would always turn him and eventually, he stopped preferring that side. The flatness went away and everything seemed to be normal. However, his ped noticed at his 9 month check up recently that when he turns his head to one side, his head kinda tilts down. Like when he looks to the right his head stays even, but when he looks to the left, his head tilts down slightly. She said that it's very mild, so he should grow out of it, especially since he has full mobility and doesn't seem bothered by it. We're going to take him to the chiropractor in a few weeks to see if that helps/if he has any suggestions.</p> <p>I know that when he was born, he was wedged in so tightly that they had to vacuum him out during the c-section. His ear on that side is actually kinda indented at the top, so I figure it probably has a lot to do with that. It does make me a little nervous though, so we're going to try the chiropractor/PT route. I'm hoping that it's just a matter of tight muscles or something. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/newborn-favors-turning-head-to-one-side-normal-what-to-do#post-1846214 Tue, 02 Sep 2014 23:05:12 +0000 mrskc 1846214@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Ginabean3: That's a good idea! Yeah, I would only feel comfortable doing that for daytime naps when I can supervise. </p> <p>@Bookish: oh, that's interesting! I didn't think it could be from how she was in the womb. Thank you for sharing that. How old was she when the preference went away? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/newborn-favors-turning-head-to-one-side-normal-what-to-do#post-1846189 Tue, 02 Sep 2014 22:32:16 +0000 Corduroy 1846189@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My LO kept her head to one side. She has a big head and a lot in the back. She had a hard time getting over the "hump" when turning her head. We used the blue screen on the TV as motivation for her to turn. Sometimes it worked and sometimes it didn't. She eventually grew into her head. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/newborn-favors-turning-head-to-one-side-normal-what-to-do#post-1846183 Tue, 02 Sep 2014 22:23:00 +0000 Bookish 1846183@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrskc: our daughter favored leaning her head to the right quite noticeably. We were concerned, after doing some googling, that she had torticollis. The ped basically chuckled at us when we brought it up, and said that's probably how she was positioned in the womb, and it felt comfy to her. Sure enough, after her neck muscles strengthened, the preference went away.</p> <p>Just wanted to chime with that, because it could be something as simple as just being more comfortable that way. I'd talk to your ped for sure before worrying about PT or a chiropractor. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/newborn-favors-turning-head-to-one-side-normal-what-to-do#post-1846128 Tue, 02 Sep 2014 21:31:29 +0000 Ginabean3 1846128@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My daughter also favored one side and what we did was roll up a little blanket into a tube and put it down the back of her shirt and along the back of her head to force her to turn her "weaker" side when she napped. We only did this during the day and when someone was supervising her (she napped in the living room). I think it's too dangerous to do at night. </p> <p>It totally worked and she is equal now! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/newborn-favors-turning-head-to-one-side-normal-what-to-do#post-1846124 Tue, 02 Sep 2014 21:27:34 +0000 Mrs. Bee 1846124@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>put her on the opposite side of the crib so she can still turn on her favored side, but it will be the opposite side of her head. charlie had a flat spot and once we did that, it fixed itself in a couple of weeks. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/newborn-favors-turning-head-to-one-side-normal-what-to-do#post-1846113 Tue, 02 Sep 2014 21:12:59 +0000 Kemma 1846113@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrskc: is there an osteopath or somebody similar in your area that you could take her to? It could just be a hangover from LO's positioning in the womb or during delivery maybe? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/newborn-favors-turning-head-to-one-side-normal-what-to-do#post-1846098 Tue, 02 Sep 2014 20:56:49 +0000 mrskc 1846098@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sapphire: yeah, I was wondering if it could be that. She goes to the doc in 2 weeks, so I'll ask him about it then. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/newborn-favors-turning-head-to-one-side-normal-what-to-do#post-1846097 Tue, 02 Sep 2014 20:55:42 +0000 mrskc 1846097@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrbee: I was wondering if it could be torticollis since she doesn't like me trying to turn it to the left. Like maybe the muscles are too tight or something. I'm going to ask her ped at her checkup in 2 weeks. </p> <p>@spaniellove: thanks for your input! I think I will work more on encouraging her to turn her head to the left. I'm just hoping if I start with her now, I can avoid her getting a flat spot. </p> <p>@BeachMama: that's an interesting hat! thanks. Yes, I will definitely work more on making sure interesting things are to her left now. I did get her to look left when her big brother was on her left side, so I'll have to use him more. :grin: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/newborn-favors-turning-head-to-one-side-normal-what-to-do#post-1846089 Tue, 02 Sep 2014 20:51:32 +0000 Ash 1846089@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I took my lo to the chiropractor for his 1st 6 months and he worked on it every time. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/newborn-favors-turning-head-to-one-side-normal-what-to-do#post-1846084 Tue, 02 Sep 2014 20:48:57 +0000 sapphire 1846084@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Soinds like torticollis. There are excerises that can be done, and sometimes physical therapy can be necessary. They can develop a flat spot. I would ask your doc for more info. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/newborn-favors-turning-head-to-one-side-normal-what-to-do#post-1846083 Tue, 02 Sep 2014 20:48:36 +0000 BeachMama 1846083@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>As a PT I would suggest trying to place her so that anything interesting she may want to look at (you, pictures, the window, etc) are on her left side. Do this when she's in her crib, bouncer, etc. Make sure you change which arm you hold her in, so she's not always looking to the right. In the carseat, you can try rolling up a towel or blanket to block her head from going right.</p> <p>Some of my colleagues also recommend using this cap for babies <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tortle-Repositioning-Beanie-cleared-Syndrome/dp/B00A8P16CS" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/Tortle-Repositioning-Beanie-cleared-Syndrome/dp/B00A8P16CS</a> I just saw it at Babies R Us today too.</p> <p>Hope that helps! If you start to notice a flat spot or she continues to refuse to go to the left I'd definitely mention it to the doctor. Earlier treatment is better! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/newborn-favors-turning-head-to-one-side-normal-what-to-do#post-1846082 Tue, 02 Sep 2014 20:47:34 +0000 spaniellove 1846082@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My LO has a strong preference for turning his head one way and I did eventually notice a flat spot. Our ped suggested holding him so that he'd have to turn the other way to look at me, especially when I feed him, and positioning him in his crib at night so he'd have to turn the other way to see us. Basically I try to find anything that interests him and put it just slightly to his left (he likes his right) so it's not too much effort. Sometimes I see him on the monitor with his head really turned to the left now so it might be working!</p> <p>ETA: The OT who evaluated him for Early Intervention mentioned that he is able to turn his head all the way; he just prefers the other side. It's worth talking to your ped to make sure things are physically okay! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/newborn-favors-turning-head-to-one-side-normal-what-to-do#post-1846080 Tue, 02 Sep 2014 20:47:22 +0000 mrbee 1846080@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrskc: Sorry to hear this! Could it be torticollis? </p> <p>Mrs. Jacks wrote a blog post on managing flat spots!</p> <p><a href="http://www.hellobee.com/2012/05/03/my-babys-head-is-flat-whats-the-deal-with-plagiocephaly/" rel="nofollow">http://www.hellobee.com/2012/05/03/my-babys-head-is-flat-whats-the-deal-with-plagiocephaly/</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/newborn-favors-turning-head-to-one-side-normal-what-to-do#post-1846074 Tue, 02 Sep 2014 20:42:14 +0000 mrskc 1846074@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My daughter is 2 weeks old and ever since she was born, she favors turning her head to the right. I've seen her occasionally have her head turned to the left. She will turn it to the right when getting her diaper changed, when she's sleeping in the bouncer or rock n play or swing, when she's laying on her back, and even when I'm holding her on my chest. </p> <p>I'm worried about her getting a flat spot on that side. I try to encourage her to turn her head the other way with some black and white cards I have and it works sometimes. I try to turn her head that way, but she fights me and won't let me turn it to the left. When I lay her down in her bouncer, I will turn her head to the left but it always ends up turned back to the right. </p> <p>I plan to bring it up at her 1 month check up in 2 weeks. But wondering if anyone else had a baby with a preference like this? What did you do? Any tips to get her to turn her head to the left more? </p>