One of the most common reasons parents bring their babies into us is that they notice that their baby always seems to be looking one way or has their head tilted one way.
This is called a head preference and is somewhat common in infants. While it may seem a trivial thing it can sometimes lead to issues such as flat spots on the head (plagiocephaly), feeding difficulties, or tension through the neck and shoulders. If left untreated it has the potential to cause some issues with development as well as be increasingly uncomfortable.
The good news is that head preference can often be improved with gentle chiropractic care. Through the use of specific chiropractic care we can help restore motion in their spine and help them feel more comfortable and balanced.
What Is Head Preference in Babies?
Head preference simply means that your baby consistently tilts or turns their head in one direction. For example, they may always look to the right when sleeping or you notice they always tilt one way in the capsule or car seat. While occasional turning is completely normal, a consistent preference may suggest there’s tightness, imbalance, or restriction in the muscles and joints of the neck.
Sometimes head preference develops due to:
- Positioning in the womb (especially in late pregnancy if space is tight)
- A long or difficult labour and birth
- Use of forceps, vacuum, or caesarean delivery
- Spending a lot of time lying on their back or in car seats/capsules
- Tummy time challenges or delayed milestones
If left unchecked, head preference can contribute to flat head syndrome (plagiocephaly), asymmetrical development, or even impact how your baby feeds—particularly if they prefer one breast over the other.
Depending on the cause of the head preference it can also become increasingly uncomfortable for babies and be one of the underlying causes of things like ‘colic’.
Signs Your Baby May Have a Head Preference
While some babies have quite a noticeable head preference others can be quite subtle for the longest of time until other symptoms start to present.
Some things parents often notice include:
- Baby always looking one way when lying on their back
- Flattening on one side of the head
- Difficulty feeding on one side (especially breastfeeding)
- Tension or stiffness in the neck
- Uneven movements when reaching, rolling, or turning
While these signs don’t always mean there’s a serious problem, they can indicate that your baby could benefit from gentle assessment and support.
How Chiropractic Care May Help
Chiropractic care is a great option for the treatment of head preference in a baby. What we aim to do is restore motion to the restricted joints of the spine. In the case of head preference it usually is the upper cervical spine (neck). We do this through specific gentle adjustments that use the force you would use to test the ripeness of an avocado – it’s very gentle!
We also help release and stretch any tight muscles that could be contributing to the restrictions. There are a few muscles in the neck that could be affecting this so it’s important we look at them.
We will also give some at home exercises. It may be specific stretches to help stretch out the tight muscles or specific movements we want you to perform with the baby. These exercises will be specific to what is going on with your baby.
One thing that will be very important with a head preference is the use of tummy time. Tummy time is so important for babies and especially those with upper neck problems. During tummy time they start to strengthen the muscles in their neck and those that help support the weight of the head. These attach to the upper neck and by exercising them can help reduce the stiffness. Tummy time will also inadvertently get babies off their back which will help prevent any flat spots and encourage full mobility.
When treating head preference, it’s important to use a full-body approach. It’s not uncommon to see tightness in other areas of the body like, especially in the shoulder girdle and the upper trunk. Oftentimes we recommend addressing tightness in the whole body early on with baby stretches. This helps us avoid future problems, like asymmetrical shoulders or atypical crawling.
The goal is not just to correct head preference, but to support your baby’s overall development and help them reach milestones with greater ease.
Other Ways to Support Head Preference at Home
Alongside chiropractic care, there are some simple things you can do at home to encourage your baby to move their head in both directions:
- Tummy time: Even short, frequent sessions help strengthen neck and shoulder muscles.
- Position toys and people: Place toys, mobiles, or yourself on your baby’s non-preferred side to encourage them to turn that way.
- Alternate feeding positions: Try switching arms during feeding to balance head turning.
- Vary sleep positioning: While always placing the baby on their back to sleep, you can alternate which end of the cot their head points to, encouraging natural turning.
What Parents Often Notice After Chiropractic Care
Many parents report that after a few sessions their baby:
- Feeds more comfortably on both sides
- Turns their head more easily in both directions
- Settles more comfortably during sleep
- Shows less tension in the neck and shoulders
- Appears happier and more relaxed overall
Every baby is different, and care plans are always individualised. Some babies may only need a handful of visits, while others benefit from more ongoing support depending on their needs and stage of development.
Final Thoughts
Head preference in babies is common, but it’s not something to ignore. Early support can make a big difference to your baby’s comfort, feeding, and development.
Chiropractic care for babies is gentle, safe, and focused on helping little ones move and grow freely. If you’ve noticed your baby always prefers one side, or you’re concerned about flattening on the head, consider having them checked by a chiropractor experienced in paediatric care.
Your baby’s body is wonderfully adaptable, and with the right support, they can thrive in their growth and development.
Want more chiropractic tips?
- Head on over to our blog to learn more about Chiropractic
- Email us at admin@innerbloomchiropractic.com.au with any questions
- Call the practice on 9720 0777 to speak to a chiropractor or book an appointment
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