At her 2 month checkup, the doctor noted that LO has a definite preference for looking left, and her head tilts to the right when on her tummy. I really want to avoid it turning into torticollis. I've been trying to get her to look right but almost nothing, other than the TV, attracts her attention enough to make her turn her head. I've also been doing some stretches while she's on the changing table. Has anyone had issues with torticollis, and what did you do to help?
-
DS started physical therapy at 2 months for plagiocephaly; since torticollis often goes hand-in-hand with torticollis, the physical therapist also did some exercises with him kinda as a preventative measure.
The most important thing you can do is increase tummy time. If your DD doesn't like tummy time, you can do it it in small chunks during the day, or prop her up a boppy/pillow instead if doing it flat. Then, try getting drawing her attention to look right. You can actually lie on her right side and help her rotate at first, so she starts working out those muscles.
Once she gets better at turning her head independently, start moving a toy back and forth in front of her while doing tummy time. The idea is that she will move her head back and forth, looking side to side as you move the toy. You can also do these exercises while holding her upright on your lap, but tummy time is really important to build up the core muscles.
-
You are doing a lot right- tummy time and he stretching are both great prevention of plagiocephaly (“Flat Head Syndrome”) or Torticollis. Some other tips to make sure your baby is moving her head to both sides:
Try feeding her from different directions so that she is turning her head both ways. Place interesting and stimulating toys in new locations around her crib/room so she will have to turn her head in different directions to see the toys. When approaching and feeding her, alternate the direction from which you come, encouraging her to turn her head in a different direction each time. Alternate the side of the changing table you stand on when changing her diaper to encourage her to turn her head in alternate directions in order to look at you. Physical therapy is another option you can talk about with your pediatrician. Continue being proactive, and good luck![Link removed by Mr. Bee, per Hellobee's self-promotion policy - sorry about that!]
Reply
Subscribe to our newsletter
- Google Plus
- Stumbleupon
- Twitter
- Facebook
- Pinterest
- Favorite0
2 comments