With a newborn, it’s challenging enough navigating the unknown space between pure joy, exhaustion and anxiety. Thankfully my son is healthy and well now but those early months after the first few signs of (what I now know is) Torticollis, it was a worrisome time.

Here are 13 things I’d wished I’d have known sooner. My goal is to share and help other parents recognize Torticollis as early as possible.

*I am not a medical professional but this is feedback from my experience with my son who had Torticollis (confirmed at 4 months), now 11 months old.*

1. Side Preference: Yes, newborns have a ‘side preference’ but you should still see them turn to or sleep on the other side of their head. If you don’t, see your doctor as soon as possible.
   
2. Be your advocate: If you are concerned, be your own (and your baby’s) advocate. You may need to get a 2^nd or 3^rd opinion or see other medical professionals. I.e. doctor, pediatric physiotherapist, osteopath or orthotist, etc. Don’t feel embarrassed to speak up where needed, you know your baby best.
   
3. Early Treatment: The earlier you act, the better. You will see quicker improvement for corrective action if needed and it will likely will lead to overall less support required.
   
4. Tummy Time: Introduce ‘tummy time’ as early as possible. Very short, supervised timeframes for a newborn are very beneficial. There is not enough early education about this until after delivery and having actually become a parent.
   
5. Make it Interesting: Find creative ways to ‘extend’ or have them ‘enjoy’ tummy time. There are lots of ideas on the intranet, find reputable physiotherapy sources.
   
6. Feeding: Regardless of breastfeeding or bottle feeding, have you and any family members/friends work together to feed your baby from both sides.
   
7. Switch Up: The way you put them to sleep in the bassinet or crib. Change which side you put their head towards (on their back).
   
8. How you Hold: Ask family members to support you on holding them in alternating arms so they get used to looking/turning their heads both ways. Be your own advocate. Often, we don’t want to seem ‘annoying’ or ‘controlling’ but it is for your baby’s best interest/development.
   
9. Do the Exercises: If you choose or need physiotherapy support, DO the exercises regularly. They DO work if followed.
   
10. Don’t take on the stress alone! Have your partner, family, friends or support system to help you balance the additional load. Try not to stress about getting all the physio exercises done, it can feel overwhelming. Break it down into smaller chunks throughout the day. If you miss a day, it’s OK! You are doing great and you are helping your baby, get back to doing them or ask someone to help you out.
    
11. Expect Tears: It’s normal for your baby to not like the stretches and exercises. They will likely whine or cry, focus on the fact that you are not hurting your baby, you are doing what is needed to help them have full range of motion and strength. Also, it’s ok and normal for you to have some tears as well. Be kind to yourself!
    
12. Treatable: Torticollis is treatable with proper support (physiotherapy and osteopathy in my experience).
    
13. IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT! You will (trust me) but try not to, go down the path of what you wish you did or didn’t do earlier. Torticollis is not discussed about enough, there is minimal early education. You found out now and you are doing your best to help your little one. You are doing a good job Mama!

I wish you and your growing family all the support and love. It can feel overwhelming at times, so rely on your support system to just listen and be there for your, help you with the exercises and care; as well as getting some time for yourself (though I know there is never enough of that 😊).

Be patient, calm and kind (for this post – to yourself)!