February 2025
Will babies grow out of torticollis?
Most babies with torticollis improve over time, but they usually do not fully grow out of it without simple stretching and positioning support.
Torticollis is a muscle imbalance, not a neurological condition, and early guidance helps the tight neck muscle lengthen as your baby grows.
What torticollis is?
Many parents notice a flat area on the back or side of their baby’s head in the first months of life and look for a simple solution. Because babies sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, pressure can build on one area of the soft skull, and products promising a rounder head shape can feel reassuring.
Why torticollis develops?
Torticollis can be present at birth, known as congenital muscular torticollis, often linked to position in the womb in combination with mild muscle strain during delivery. Three weeks after birth a firm lump is felt in the neck muscle. Often, that lump is the size of a pigeon's egg. In another variant of torticollis, only the muscle is tense and tight, so without a thickening in the neck muscle. This develops after birth, called positional torticollis, when a baby spends long periods with the head turned one way. Both forms affect the neck muscle balance.
Do babies grow out of torticollis?
A shaped or padded surface can change how a baby’s head and neck rest during sleep, and young babies cannot easily reposition themselves if their airway becomes blocked. For this reason, placing any pillow in a crib or bassinet is not considered safe.
Why early movement matters
A baby’s skull is soft and grows quickly, especially between 0 and 6 months of age. When babies begin turning their heads, rolling to their side, and spending supervised time lying on their side from nap to nap, pressure spreads more evenly and mild flat spots often improve naturally. Learn more about the underlying causes in our guide on Why Do Babies Get Flat Heads.
How torticollis affects head shape
First of all, it is important that your baby can lie in a relaxed position without having to hold their head in a contorted position. The best solution for this is lying on their side. Lay your baby on the side they are not facing, but you can also alternate sides. Another option is to support the head on both sides with a firm rolled-up towel while lying on the back. Please note: only do this under supervision and when your baby is awake.
Beside this, active exercises encourage the baby to turn their head independently toward the non-preferred side. Placing toys, voices, or faces on that side builds strength and coordination through natural movement.
What you can do at home
Parents can support recovery with side lying from nap to nap, daily tummy time, alternating feeding sides, placing toys on the less preferred side, and gently encouraging head turning during play. These small habits stretch the tight muscle gradually and promote balanced strength.
If you are unsure whether torticollis has already influenced your baby’s head shape, a head shape scan can provide clear measurements to guide your next steps calmly.
When physical therapy helps
If improvement is slow, if a firm lump is felt in the neck muscle, or if head turning remains clearly uneven, a pediatric physiotherapist can guide safe torticollis baby exercises. Most babies show significant improvement within several months when therapy begins early.
When to speak with your pediatrician
Instead of using a pillow, parents can focus on supervised side lying (prolonged so from nap to nap), short tummy time sessions, alternating the direction a baby faces in the crib and encouraging head turning during awake play. These approaches follow safe sleep guidance while supporting natural development. or a full overview of these strategies, see our guide on How to Prevent Flat Head.
If you’d like to track whether these changes are making a difference, a scan can show measurable progress over time.
Common questions parents ask
Is torticollis painful for babies?
It is usually not painful, though the neck may feel tight.
Can torticollis affect brain growth?
No, torticollis affects muscle balance, not brain development.
How long does torticollis take to improve?
With early stretching and positioning, many babies improve within several months.
Does every baby with torticollis develop a flat head?
Not always, but head preference increases the risk of uneven pressure on the skull.
Writen by Elly van der Grift
Elly van der Grift is the co-founder of Skully Care and a pediatric physiotherapist with over 30 years of experience. Her mission is to provide top care for babies with skull deformities. With her infectious enthusiasm, she shares simple, effective tips that can make a big difference for your baby. Working with Elly, you'll feel confident and supported in your baby’s journey to better health.