Why Does My Baby Turn Their Head One Way? The Link Between Torticollis and Birth Trauma
You’ve noticed it during tummy time, diaper changes, or when your little one falls asleep—their head always turns to one side. While it may seem harmless at first, persistent head tilting or favoring one direction could be a sign of infant torticollis, a common but often overlooked condition caused by tension in the neck muscles.
At Blooming Chiropractic in Costa Mesa, CA, we help new moms across Orange County identify and gently treat torticollis by addressing the root cause—often stemming from birth trauma.
What Is Infant Torticollis?
Torticollis (pronounced tor-ti-CALL-is) is a condition where a baby’s neck muscles are tight or imbalanced, causing their head to tilt to one side while the chin points to the other. It can develop in the womb due to positioning or result from a physically demanding birth process.
Torticollis can show up in different ways, including:
Baby always turning head to the same side
Flattening on one side of the head (plagiocephaly)
Difficulty breastfeeding on one side
Fussiness during tummy time
If your baby is experiencing these signs and you're located in Costa Mesa, CA, or nearby cities like Irvine, Newport Coast, or Fountain Valley, it’s worth exploring how infant chiropractic care can help.
What Causes Torticollis in Newborns?
One of the most common causes of torticollis in babies is birth trauma. Even in smooth deliveries, the baby’s head and neck experience significant pressure as they navigate the birth canal. If labor was particularly long, involved forceps or vacuum assistance, or was a C-section, the chance of soft tissue injury increases.
We often see babies from Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, and Corona Del Mar who have subtle tension patterns in the neck and shoulders that may have started during birth—but go unnoticed until weeks or even months later.
Why Torticollis Matters More Than You Think
While it might seem minor, untreated torticollis can affect more than just how your baby holds their head. It can lead to:
Delayed motor milestones (like rolling, crawling, sitting)
Asymmetrical development
Feeding difficulties (especially on one side)
Digestive discomfort due to nervous system stress
By addressing the root cause early, we can help improve your baby’s development and comfort.
How Pediatric Chiropractic Care in Costa Mesa, CA Helps
Infant chiropractic care is extremely gentle, using light fingertip pressure to relieve tension and restore balance to the spine and neck. At Blooming Chiropractic, we specialize in nervous system-based care for babies and are trained in assessing subtle imbalances that can lead to torticollis.
We create custom care plans to help babies regain full range of motion, reduce cranial distortion, and promote healthier neurological development—all in a calm and supportive environment.
If you’re a mom in Mesa Verde, Newport Heights, or East Side Costa Mesa, you don’t have to travel far to get specialized care for your little one.
What to Expect During an Infant Chiropractic Visit
Your first visit includes a thorough history and assessment of your baby’s movement patterns, reflexes, and muscle tone. We’ll check for head preference, spinal alignment, and signs of tension or asymmetry.
Treatment is safe and soothing—many babies even sleep through their adjustment! Our goal is to create a gentle release in areas of tension so your baby’s body can start to function more naturally and comfortably.
Early Intervention Makes a Difference
The earlier torticollis is addressed, the easier it is to correct. Babies’ bodies are incredibly adaptable in the early months, and even a few chiropractic sessions can create dramatic improvements.
Parents from West Side Costa Mesa, Irvine, and Fountain Valley often tell us they wished they had started sooner once they see how relaxed and happy their babies are after care.
Supporting the Whole Family
As a new mom, it’s overwhelming trying to figure out what’s “normal” and what needs support. That’s why we take the time to answer your questions, educate you on what to look for, and empower you to make confident choices for your baby’s health.
Our office in Costa Mesa, CA is designed with families in mind—calming, nurturing, and welcoming to both moms and babies.
Let’s Help Your Baby Thrive
If your baby is always turning their head one way, showing signs of tension, or struggling with feeding or tummy time, don’t wait.
Infant chiropractic care can make a world of difference—naturally, gently, and effectively.
📲 Call or Text our office at (657) 845-1669 or book your baby’s appointment online to start their healing journey.
We proudly serve families throughout Orange County, including Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Fountain Valley, Newport Coast, Corona Del Mar, Newport Heights, and Mesa Verde.
Let’s help your baby turn their head both ways—comfortably and confidently!