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Please use these instructions if your child’s primary care provider has recommended neck stretching exercises and position changes for your baby because they have torticollis (tightness in their neck muscles that is limiting the movement in their neck) or they have developed plagiocephaly (a flat area on their head).
If your baby prefers to look to their LEFT, or the LEFT side of their head looks flat, you want to encourage your baby to look to their RIGHT side more.
Exercises
These exercises can be done with each diaper change, or at least 5 times per day until your baby is moving their neck and head normally.
While doing these exercises, your child might be fussy and appear uncomfortable.
If you remain consistent in doing these exercises, your child’s ability to move their neck will gradually get better
Improving Turning
When your baby is laying on their back, put one hand on their chest.
Put your other hand on the LEFT side of their face.
Gently, but firmly, TURN their head so that their chin moves toward the RIGHT shoulder.
Only turn their head until the point that you start to feel resistance.
Hold this position for 10-20 seconds (or as long as your baby will let you) and then release.
Repeat 3-5 times.
Improving Bending
When your baby is laying on their back, put one hand on their upper chest or shoulder.
Hold the top of their head with your other hand.
Gently, but firmly, TILT their head to their LEFT side. This should bring their LEFT ear closer to their LEFT shoulder.
Only tilt their head until the point that you start to feel resistance.
Hold this position for 10-20 seconds (or as long as your baby will let you) and then release.
Repeat 3-5 times.
Positioning
Holding and Carrying
Over your shoulder | With baby’s back to you |
With their stomach to your chest, cradle their head with your RIGHT hand so they are looking to YOUR LEFT side (THEIR RIGHT side). |
With their back to you, cradle their head and body in your LEFT arm. |
Seated in infant seats (not car seats) or strollers.
Place small towel rolls near your baby’s hips and body to keep their body centered in the seat.
To help your baby turn their head to the RIGHT, place toys to their RIGHT.
Bathing
Place your baby in the bath so YOU are on their RIGHT side.
Sleeping
When your baby is sleeping on their back, turn their head to the RIGHT.
Place your baby in their crib so that when their head is turned to the RIGHT, they are looking out into the room instead of a wall.
Feeding
Breastfeeding
Position your baby stomach-to-stomach, with your baby’s head in the middle. Their head should not be tilted.
Bottle-Feeding
Use the bottle to encourage your baby to turn slightly to the RIGHT.
If their head is not turned, it needs to be in the midline and NOT tilted.
Playing on their back 
Position your face and their toys to encourage your baby to look to the RIGHT.
Tummy Time
Place a small towel roll under your baby’s chest to make it easier for them to life their head.
Place toys directly in front of, or to the right of your baby.
📚 References
This content was adapted from information from Rady Children’s Hospital of San Diego Physical Therapy department and patient education handouts from Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona and Cranial Technologies, Phoenix, Arizona.
Reviewed by: AR D.O., SC M.D., MB D.P.T. | 09/2024