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These are some things we've learned along the
way... The stuff your pediatrican might not know and your PT might not
tell you.
 | Tummy
Time, Tummy Time
Your
baby NEEDS time on their tummy while awake. If your baby has torticollis;
they probably won't like it much! A helpful hint we'd offer for this is to
roll a blanket or towel and put it under the baby's chest to slightly
elevate their head. They should tolerate the time better with this easy
adjustment! Please remember that ALL tummy time should be supervised!
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| Physical
Therapy
Physical
Therapy is vital to any child suffering from Congenital Muscular Torticollis.
We recommend finding a therapist that has experience treating children with
torticollis. Also, try to find someone that fits well with you and your
child. It is critical that your PT has a good rapport with you and your
baby. They will be teaching you how to work with your child at home so you
need to understand what they are doing.
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| Limit
the time spent in exersaucers/walkers/jumpers
Your
baby will progress faster if he/she doesn't spend extended time in a
saucer/walker, especially in the beginning when they are still trying to
gain neck strength.
PLEASE stay away from jumpers - these things are really hard on any child's
neck - and a baby with a weak neck will suffer more.
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| Keep
that head up straight!
Prop up
the baby's head whenever feasible. You will help your child to see the world
straight on so they don't get used to the sideways view they have now. Try
using rolled towels or blankets for head support. One thing that I found to
work well in the car seat was cutting up a large bath sponge to fit between
her head and the car seat, on both sides, to make the head stay straight.
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| Sleep
position
Often
times, children with torticollis will develop flat spots on one or more
parts of their heads because they tend to sleep in the same position. Keep
an eye on your child's head shape. Some things you can do to help are:
Position your child in their crib so that you approach them on their tort
side - it will force them to turn towards the tort side (they usually look
away from that side).
You may want to consider rotating sleep positions between side and back.
Talk to your pediatrician before doing this though to make sure it will be
safe for your child.
Keep pushing tummy time - it gets the infant up off the head!
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