The Connection Between Infant Reflux and Torticollis
- Rachael Carreon PT, DPT
- Jan 13
- 3 min read
Reflux sucks. Truly. Your baby is uncomfortable, they always seem hungry, you can’t ever lay them down, and everything is constantly soaked with spit up.
But infant reflux is not just annoying and messy, it often shows up with Torticollis. In fact, about 25% of babies with reflux also have torticollis. This creates a cycle of tension, discomfort, and can also lead to delayed milestones.
But the good news? Understanding the connection is the first step toward helping your baby feel better and move better. Let’s break it down!
What is Infant Reflux?
Reflux is super common in babies due to their immature GI systems, and happens when milk flows back up from the stomach. This often leads to spit-up, fussiness, and discomfort after feeds. While some reflux is normal as babies’ digestive systems mature, more persistent reflux can create tension throughout the body.
Signs of reflux can include:
• Spitting up frequently
• Arching or stiffening after feeds
• Fussiness, especially when lying flat
• Difficulty gaining weight or refusing to eat
That arching, scrunching, and stiffness? It’s actually a baby’s way of trying to protect themselves from discomfort. But over time, it can lead to patterns of muscle tightness that impact their development. Since a baby's tummy is in the bottom left side of their body, babies with reflux will often turn their head to the right and scrunch down their torso on the left side in an effort to get away from any tummy discomfort. But in doing so, they can actually make the tension worse!
What is Torticollis?
Torticollis sounds complicated, but it simply means a tightening of the neck muscles (usually the sternocleidomastoid muscle) that causes a baby to prefer turning their head in one direction. This can lead to a tilted head posture or even a flat spot from lying in the same position too often.
Signs of torticollis can include:
• Head consistently turned to one side
• Preference for feeding on one breast or side
• Flattening on one side of the head (plagiocephaly)
• Trouble turning their head both ways equally
How Does Reflux Contribute to Torticollis?
Reflux doesn’t just affect feeding—it can influence the way your baby moves and holds tension in their body. Here’s how:
1. Avoidance of Lying Flat
Babies with reflux often dislike lying flat because it can make the discomfort worse. So, they spend less time on their back or in tummy time, both crucial positions for early development. It’s also helpful to keep babies who have reflux upright after feeding, which inherently limits their floor time.
2. Body Stiffness and Arching
That back arching you might see after a feed? It’s often a baby’s way of coping with reflux discomfort. But over time, it can create a pattern of stiffness, especially in the neck and back muscles, making it harder for babies to relax and use their core muscles appropriately.
3. Torticollis from Turning Away from Discomfort
As mentioned above, babies (and people in general) instinctively turn away from pain. If reflux is causing tummy discomfort, your baby might turn their head in one direction more often, tightening the neck muscles on the opposite side over time.
What Can You Do to Help?
The stronger your baby gets through floor time and free movement, the quicker reflux often improves. But how do you encourage that when every time you lay your baby down, they spit up or seem uncomfortable?
Here are a few gentle ways to build tolerance for floor play while keeping your baby's reflux in mind:
✅ Elevated back play: Try laying your baby on your legs or a pillow with their head slightly higher than their tummy. This helps ease reflux while still giving them a chance to move and explore.
✅ Elevated tummy time: Prop baby over your legs, a wedge, a Boppy, or a couch cushion, adjusting the angle to make it easier or harder. I also love using a yoga ball to easily adjust the angle, and make tummy time more engaging and fun!
✅ Left side-lying: While playing on both sides is key for balanced development, laying on the left side can be extra helpful for reflux. It positions the stomach below the esophagus, letting gravity do its thing to help keep milk down. Does baby still keep arching? Try dropping the top leg forward, keep the bottom arm level with their shoulder, and place a firm surface (like a rolled-up towel) behind them to prevent arching.
You can help your baby get stronger and feel better—even when reflux feels like it’s in the way! ❤️
Still feel like you need some help? Let's connect!