20/02/2025
Effective Torticollis Baby Exercises: How to Help Your Baby’s Neck Development
Noticing that your baby’s head is tilted to one side or that they’re having trouble turning their neck? You might be dealing with torticollis, which sounds a lot scarier than it is! Torticollis is a condition where the muscles in your baby’s neck get tight or stiff, making it harder for them to move their head in all directions. It’s more common than you might think, and the good news is that there are plenty of torticollis baby exercises you can do to help your little one feel better!
Here are some simple (and even fun) exercises to help your baby with torticollis and support their development.
Illustration of a baby with torticollis
1. Tummy time is key
Tummy time may just be one of the best torticollis baby exercises you can do for your baby’s neck. It might seem simple, but spending time on their tummy helps strengthen those neck muscles, encourages better head control, and gives them a chance to practice moving their head in different directions.
Start with just a few minutes, see our video below at a time—don’t worry, you can gradually work up to longer sessions. The more tummy time, the better! Plus, it’s a great way to bond with your little ones as they get stronger.
2. Gently encourage movement
Babies with torticollis often prefer to turn their heads one way, but you can gently encourage them to turn their heads in the other direction. Try placing their toys or objects of interest just out of reach on the opposite side to encourage them to look over that way. You can also gently turn their head as a small torticollis baby exercise during playtime, but always be super gentle, never force anything.
Small movements can make a big difference, and before you know it, they’ll be able to turn their head both ways!
3. Swith up how you hold them
If your baby always looks toward the same side when you carry them, it can make their neck muscles even stiffer. To help balance things out, try alternating which side you hold them on. This can encourage your baby to look in the other direction and use both sides of their neck muscles.
And when you’re cuddling or feeding, try switching sides to encourage more movement and flexibility in their neck.
4. Consult with a pediatric physical therapist
If you’ve been working on the above tips and aren’t seeing much improvement, or if torticollis seems to be affecting your baby’s development, reaching out to a pediatric physical therapist could be helpful. They can teach you gentle torticollis baby exercises that will help your baby strengthen and stretch their neck muscles.
They’ll also help you with techniques to safely and effectively encourage your baby’s movement, which can make a huge difference in how they recover.
Conclusion
Torticollis can take time to improve, but with a little extra attention and care, most babies start showing progress. The best thing you can do is stay patient and consistent with tummy time, repositioning, and gentle torticollis baby exercises. If you ever feel unsure or things don’t seem to improve, don’t hesitate to reach out to your paediatrician or a specialist.
Every baby is different, but with your love and support, your little one will be well on their way to a stronger, more flexible neck—and a whole lot of happy milestones ahead!
Writen by Elly van der Grift
Elly van der Grift is the co-founder of Skully Care and a pediatric physiotherapist with over 30 years of experience. Her mission is to provide top care for babies with skull deformities. With her infectious enthusiasm, she shares simple, effective tips that can make a big difference for your baby. Working with Elly, you'll feel confident and supported in your baby’s journey to better health.