As parents, we notice everything about our babies — their little smiles, the way they curl their toes, how they turn their heads when they hear our voice. So when something looks a little uneven — maybe your baby’s head has a flat spot, or they always seem to tilt to one side — it’s easy to start worrying.
You’re not alone in that. These things are more common than most parents realize. Two of the most frequent concerns I see in the office are plagiocephaly, which is a flattening on one part of the head, and torticollis, where the neck muscles tighten on one side causing a head tilt or limited motion.
And here’s the part I always want parents to know first — neither of these conditions mean you’ve done something wrong. Babies’ little bodies are just adjusting to life outside the womb, and sometimes they need a little extra help finding balance again.
Understanding Plagiocephaly (Flat Head Syndrome)
“Why is my baby’s head flat on one side?”
That’s often the first question that comes up. Babies spend a lot of time lying on their backs in the early months — sleeping, riding in car seats, or resting in swings. Their skull bones are still soft and moldable, which is a good thing — but it also means that prolonged position will ignite the righting reflex.
I usually explain it this way: the brain will always make the eyes horizontal. Because infants can’t control their spinal muscles to balance this out, the skull changes shape creating this flattening or irregular shape to the skull.
When one side of the neck is tighter, like with torticollis, it reinforces that same head position, so both issues often show up together.
Understanding Torticollis in Infants
Torticollis occurs when a baby’s neck muscles tighten, causing their head to tilt or rotate to one side. Parents may notice that their baby:
- Prefers to look one direction
- Struggles to breastfeed or bottle-feed on one side
- Seems uncomfortable when trying to turn their head
Because babies with torticollis spend more time resting on one side, it often goes hand in hand with plagiocephaly. That’s why treating the two together is so important.
Can Chiropractic Care really help a baby?
Yes — and the care looks nothing like what most people imagine. Chiropractic for infants is incredibly gentle. I use about the same amount of pressure you’d use to test the ripeness of a tomato. There’s no cracking, twisting, or force — just light, specific adjustments to help your baby’s spine and nervous system work in harmony.
Because here’s what’s important to understand: your baby’s nervous system is the master control center for everything — movement, digestion, sleep, even feeding coordination. When there’s tension or imbalance in the spine or neck, it can create tiny “roadblocks” in that communication network.
That’s where neurologic chiropractic care comes in. We’re not just helping muscles relax; we’re helping your baby’s nervous system integrate and regulate. When those signals start flowing freely again, you’ll often see your baby feed more comfortably, turn their head more easily, and settle into deeper, more relaxed sleep.
Feel Confident Caring for Your Newborn!
Bringing your baby home is exciting—but it can also feel overwhelming. Our Newborn Care Class gives you the knowledge and confidence to care for your little one from day one.
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Is there anything I can do at home to help with flat head syndrome?
Absolutely. I always remind parents that small, consistent changes at home can make a world of difference. Encourage tummy time several times a day — even a few minutes at a time helps strengthen the neck and shoulder muscles. Switch up which arm you hold your baby in, or the direction they face during feedings. Limit long stretches in car seats and swings when you can, and give your baby plenty of time to stretch, move, and explore.
Sometimes I’ll teach simple, gentle stretches for the neck, but only once we’ve assessed your baby’s specific needs together.
Think of it like teamwork — what happens in the office supports what you’re doing at home, and together those small efforts add up to big changes in comfort and development.
When to Seek Help for a “Flat Head”
If you’ve noticed your baby’s head shape isn’t evening out, or they seem to have a strong preference for one side, it’s worth checking in sooner rather than later. Babies grow so quickly in those early months, and their bodies respond beautifully to gentle, early support.
Even if you’re not sure whether it’s “serious enough,” I always tell parents — trust your gut. You know your baby better than anyone.
How Real Health Chiropractic Can Help
At Real Health Chiropractic, we blend gentle pediatric adjustments with a neurologic approach that supports your baby’s whole system — from muscle tone and head movement to sleep, feeding, and digestion. It’s all connected. Dr. ShaRhae has had over 26 year treating children and families with Chiropractic care. She is a Mom of 3 beautiful kiddos and fully understands all of the ages and stages from first hand experience.
Our goal isn’t just to correct a flat spot or loosen a tight neck; it’s to help your baby’s body and nervous system communicate clearly so they can move, grow, and thrive with ease.
And for you, it’s about peace of mind — knowing your baby is supported in the most natural, loving way possible.
You’re doing an amazing job, mama. Truly. With the right guidance and care, your baby can find balance, comfort, and confidence as they grow. We’re here to help every step of the way.
Ready to Support Your Baby’s Next Step?
If you’ve noticed your baby favoring one side, struggling to nurse evenly, or developing a flat spot, we’d love to help. Our neurologic pediatric chiropractic care gently supports your baby’s comfort and development so they can move — and grow — with ease.
💛 Schedule your baby’s first visit or book a complimentary consultation today at realhealthclinic.com. Let’s help your little one thrive from the inside out.
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