Why does my baby only look to one side?

Welcome to EMpower PT! We work with families who want to receive pediatric physical therapy in a safe environment. We ensure each babe is comfortable, engaged, and happy. Use the ‘Contact’ page above to schedule a consultation today.

Why does my baby only look to one side?

First of all, this could be due to ENDLESS reasons: muscular tightness, time spent in containers, feeding positions, vision, nerve damage, pediatric stroke; the list goes on and on.

One very common reason that your child tends to look towards one side is muscular tightness, medically known as Torticollis.

What is Torticollis?

A postural deformity of the neck that is present either at birth or very soon after. Torticollis effects the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle in the neck, which controls ipsilateral lateral flexion and contralateral rotation.

Signs to look for:

• Consistently tilts the head towards the same side

• Consistently rotates the head towards the same side

• Palpable mass (muscle knot) in SCM (neck muscle)

• Head or skull asymmetries

When should I get my child treatment?

As soon as you notice an asymmetry! These diagnoses are treatable, however success of treatment goes down when children are diagnosed at or seek initial treatment at older ages. If you have suspicions that your child has Torticollis, reach out to a pediatrician or physical therapist today.

Disclaimer: The information in this post is based on evidenced based research and professional opinion. This should not replace a doctor’s opinion. Please consult your pediatrician or other healthcare provider.