Head Preference, Torticollis & Plagiocephaly in Babies: What’s Really Going On
- Dr. Mama Bird - Dr. Alex Pankoke, DC
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
If your baby prefers turning their head to one side, struggles to turn both directions, or has a developing flat spot, you’re not alone.
These patterns are extremely common — and they are rarely caused by something you did wrong.
Head preference, torticollis, and plagiocephaly are deeply connected, and understanding how they relate can help parents feel far less confused — and far more empowered.
How Head Preference and Torticollis Are Connected
Most babies with head preference also have torticollis, even if it hasn’t been formally diagnosed.
Torticollis occurs when tension in the neck limits a baby’s ability to rotate or side-bend their head freely. As a result, the baby:
Struggles to turn their head both directions
Consistently looks one way
Feels stiff or uncomfortable on the opposite side
When full neck motion isn’t available, babies naturally choose the position that feels easiest.
Over time, this restricted movement pattern leads to asymmetrical pressure on the skull, setting the stage for flattening.
Why Plagiocephaly Is Usually a Movement Issue — Not a Positioning Issue
Plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome) is often blamed on babies spending too much time on their backs or in devices.
And while prolonged container use can contribute, in clinical practice it is far more commonly a functional movement issue.
Flattening typically occurs because a baby:
Cannot rotate their head freely
Avoids certain positions due to tension
Lacks symmetrical neck motion
Poor feeding mechanics (more on this in a moment)
When movement is restricted, pressure is applied repeatedly to the same area — even if parents are repositioning frequently.
In other words:
Plagiocephaly is not primarily a head-shape problem. It is a motion problem.
Why Feeding Mechanics Matter for Head and Face Development
Feeding plays a powerful role in cranial and facial development — especially breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding requires the tongue to lift, widen, and move rhythmically against the palate. This action:
Draws the jaw forward
Shapes the upper palate
Encourages symmetrical facial development
Stimulates cranial bone motion
Each time a baby feeds, the bones of the skull gently expand and contract — a motion that supports:
Normal head shape
Facial growth
Airway development
This motion also assists with the natural pumping of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which nourishes and protects the developing brain.
When Breastfeeding Is Difficult, Development Can Be Affected
When breastfeeding is painful or ineffective, many families understandably transition to bottle feeding.
It’s important to say clearly: choosing to bottle feed does not mean you did anything wrong.
Families bottle feed for many reasons — work, mental health, medical needs, and access to support all matter.
However, what we often see clinically is that the reason breastfeeding was difficult is never addressed. In most cases, breastfeeding struggles are not caused by low milk supply.
They are more commonly related to:
Latch dysfunction
Cranial or neck tension
Nervous system dysregulation
Tethered oral tissues
When feeding difficulty is bypassed rather than evaluated, the underlying restriction remains — and may later appear as:
Head preference
Torticollis
Plagiocephaly
Facial asymmetry
Switching feeding methods can help a baby eat, but it does not resolve the structural or neurological tension affecting development.
Cranial Motion Is Essential — Especially in Babies
Even in adults, the skull subtly expands and contracts with every breath.
In infants, this motion is significantly greater and critically important.
Healthy cranial motion supports:
Balanced facial growth
Jaw and palate development
Nervous system regulation
Cerebrospinal fluid circulation
When tension restricts this motion — whether from birth stress, feeding dysfunction, or neck imbalance — development becomes asymmetrical.
Flattening is often the visible result of this deeper restriction.
Why Containers Aren’t Usually the Root Cause While limiting time in swings, bouncers, and car seats is helpful, these are rarely the primary issue.
Most babies with plagiocephaly do not develop it because parents used devices too often.
They develop it because their bodies lack the freedom of movement needed to reposition naturally.
Addressing movement restores choice.
How Infant Chiropractic and Cranial Care Can Help
Newborn and infant chiropractic care is extremely gentle and focuses on restoring motion — not forcing alignment.
Care supports:
Balanced neck mobility
Reduced asymmetrical tension
Improved cranial motion
Better feeding mechanics
More symmetrical use of the body
As movement improves, babies naturally spend time in varied positions, supporting healthy head shape without constant repositioning stress.
What Parents Can Do to Support Healthy Head Development
If you’re noticing flattening or head preference, these strategies can help:
Support breastfeeding whenever possible, even short-term
Work with a skilled lactation consultant
Babywear frequently to reduce constant pressure on the skull
Limit car seat time to necessary travel (ideally under 30 minutes at a time)
Reduce prolonged use of swings and containers
Encourage tummy time — chest-to-chest counts
Allow supervised prone play and rest during the day
These supports work best when combined with care that restores motion and reduces tension.
You Didn’t Cause This
Head preference, torticollis, and plagiocephaly are not the result of bad habits, poor positioning, or failure to do tummy time.
They are most often reflections of how a baby adapted to pregnancy, birth, and early feeding challenges. With gentle, supportive care, the body often responds beautifully.
Infant Chiropractic Care in Sunnyvale, TX
At Dr. Mama Bird Chiropractic, we provide gentle infant chiropractic and cranial care focused on nervous system regulation, movement, and development.
If your baby struggles with head preference, torticollis, or a developing flat spot, we’re here to help.
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