Starfish Therapies

A pediatric therapy company operating in San Francisco and the greater Bay Area. We provide physical, occupational, speech and aquatic therapy services in the most beneficial and convenient setting for you and your child, including our clinic, currently located in Burlingame, your home, school or daycare.

  • About Us
    • Our Team
    • FAQ
  • Our Services
    • Motor Smart Kids
    • Continuing Education
    • FREE Resources
  • Shop
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Corona Virus (Covid-19) Response / Move to Telehealth

Ways to Prevent Torticollis

February 27, 2019 by Stacy Menz

We have highlighted the 5 common signs of Torticollis. To recap, those are as follows:
  • Always looking in the same direction
  • Head tilting
  • Feeding difficulties
  • Flattening of the head
  • Facial asymmetry
As stated in that post, torticollis has become more prevalent with babies spending more time on their backs. But there are things you can do to help prevent it.
Some tips we tell parents:
Alternate feeding positions
Whether you breast feed, bottle feed, or a combination, alternating breasts or arm that is cradling the child can support variety in what direction your child is rotating towards. If alternating breasts is not a possibility, alternate holding position (e.g. cradle hold one feed, football hold the next).
Alternate sleeping positions
Alternate what side of the crib your child’s head is on. This will encourage them to mix up which direction they look. Depending on the set up around your child’s crib, there may be something exceptionally interesting on one side and by alternating the orientation of your child, you can help prevent that.
Alternate what side of the car seat or crib toys are placed
Jangle toys are so fun and great for development of visual tracking and reaching. However, if they are always presented on the same side that can have an influence on the development of a preference. Alternate what side of the car seat or crib toys are placed to encourage symmetrical exploration.
Alternate what side of the car their car seat is placed
As your child gets older and their visual abilities improve, they will be able to see further away. They may start looking out of the window of the car or to the parent or caregiver who is nearby. Yes this may depend on your car seat, your car, and your handiness, but alternating what side of the car for the car seat can help prevent favoring one way.
 
Tummy time!
Last but not least is tummy time. This is your baby’s first exercise and starts off a cascade of strength building. Tummy time could be its own post, matter of fact it is, click here.

The key with all of this is variety and symmetry. If you observe your child move their head and explore with variety already, you likely don’t need these changes. Watch and see what grabs your baby’s attention and if there is a tendency in any one direction, consider these above tips. If you have more questions or don’t think these tips are enough, let us know! We would love to help!

Related

Filed Under: Blog, Developmental Milestones Tagged With: back to sleep, education, gross motor development, kids, Motor Smart Kids, physical therapy, plagiocephaly, Starfish Therapies, strengthening, torticollis, tummy time

Search

Subscribe To Our Emails

Subscribe and receive access to our FREE products, incredible list of pdfs, websites, readings, and many other useful recommendations!

Primary Programs

  • Motor Smart Kids
    • Free Play
    • Kids Action Hour
    • Yoga for Kids of All Abilities
    • Functional Movement Screen
    • Video Running Analysis
    • Youth Sports Injury Prevention
    • Concussion Screening and Management
  • Continuing Education
    • PNF 1: Introduction to PNF
    • PNF 2: Accessing the Trunk
    • Strength Training in Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder
  • Resources
    • Telehealth
    • Informational Handouts
    • Useful Websites
    • Recommended Readings
    • Helpful Products
    • Blogs to Follow
    • Favorite Therapy Products at amazon.com

What Clients Are Saying

We have been working with Starfish Therapies over the last year, and my four year-old has made incredible progress in her gross motor development. Stacy has an amazing ability to work with children. She uses her energy, humor and creativity to make children laugh and play, and at the same time work very hard.”

Recent Blog Posts

  • Occupational Therapy Round-Up
  • Should I Be Concerned?
  • Dr. Seuss Books and Activities
  • More Ideas for Catching
  • Book Inspired Activities

Disclaimers

  • Full Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • HIPAA Patient Notice
  • Accessibility Statement

Search

Patient Resources

  • New Patient Intake Forms
  • Starfish Resources
  • Our Services

Clinical Resources

  • Career Opportunties
  • Continuing Education

Contact

  (650) 638-9142
  (650) 638-9141
  admin@starfishtherapies.com

Join Our Online Community

Location

BURLINGAME
  1541 Old Bayshore Highway
  Burlingame, CA 94010

© Copyright 2023 Starfish Therapies · All Rights Reserved · Powered by babaLucas

 

Loading Comments...