Baby Favors One Side: When Is It Torticollis or Cerebral Palsy?
When your baby tilts their head to one side or always looks in the same direction, it can make you wonder if something’s wrong. Sometimes it’s just a temporary preference or a positioning habit. Other times it’s torticollis (tight neck muscle), and in rare cases, a potential early sign of cerebral palsy.
Quick Answer: When Should I Worry About Torticollis or Cerebral Palsy?
A baby favoring one side is a red flag if:
- It’s persistent (daily, for weeks)
- Hard to gently reposition them
- Their head stays flattened, feeding troubles,
- There are delayed milestones
- Noticeable differences between the left and right side of the body
Contact your pediatrician as soon as possible if you notice these signs in your baby.
Is It Ever Normal for Babies to Favor One Side?
Yes, it can be sometimes. Not every baby who turns one way or favors one side of their body has torticollis or cerebral palsy. Other common reasons include:
Positioning and Habit
If your baby sleeps facing the same direction (or the crib is placed so the interesting side of the room is always one way), they may develop a habit of looking in the same direction. You can try changing the layout and position of the crib.
Even if your baby prefers turning one way, make sure to continue following safe sleep practices, including placing them on their back against a firm, flat surface.
Also, adding extra floor time often helps babies to explore their bodies and move around more.
Reflux Discomfort
Some babies prefer one position because it feels better on their belly or helps them to manage spit-up or discomfort. If the preference is mostly happening after feeds and improves when they are upright, reflux may be the reason.
Vision or Hearing Differences
If one eye isn’t tracking well or if one ear is affected (such as fluid buildup), sometimes babies may position themselves toward the side that feels clearer. This is one reason pediatricians ask about eye tracking, startle reflexes, and their head turning both ways.
Pain or Irritation
Ear infections, skin irritation, or soreness after birth can temporarily make one side less comfortable.
What Does It Look Like When a Baby Favors One Side?
Parents usually notice their baby favoring one side when:
- Their head tilts (ear closer to one shoulder)
- They turn their head to the same side when lying down or sleeping
- They appear "stuck" looking one way while seated, like in the crib, car seat, or swing
- The body curves like a "C" slightly in one direction
- They roll or pivot more easily to one side than the other
Note: If your baby is favoring one side of their body consistently or you think something might be off, tell your pediatrician. Early treatment, especially for torticollis, tends to work better when started sooner.
When Favoring One Side Can Be a Sign of Cerebral Palsy
A one-sided preference can sometimes be due to differences in how the brain is controlling movement. Cerebral palsy is one possibility, especially types that affect one side of the body more than the other (such as hemiplegic cerebral palsy).
Signs Favoring One Side Could Be Cerebral Palsy
It may be a good idea to ask for a developmental evaluation if you notice multiple signs like:
- Early hand preference, such as using one hand more than the other well before toddlerhood
- One hand that stays fisted more than the other side
- One side of the body feels stiffer, tighter, or weaker
- Rolling in only one direction repeatedly
- Uneven kicking or pushing with one leg
- Developmental delays that pair together (not rolling + poor head control + not reaching evenly)
Note: Just one sign by itself or even a few together does not necessarily mean your baby has cerebral palsy. However, if you notice multiple signs together consistently over time with no signs of improvement, contact your pediatrician as soon as possible for an evaluation.
Baby Tilts Head to One Side at 7 Months: Is That Normal?
At 7 months, an occasional head tilt can still happen when a baby is tired or focused on something. But a consistent tilt or strong side preference at this age is a good reason to ask your pediatrician about torticollis or motor delay, including cerebral palsy.
How Do Pediatricians Evaluate a Baby Favoring One Side?
Your pediatrician will start with a simple evaluation that includes:
- History of when it happens (while sleeping, feeding, in car seats, or during tummy time)
- Head/neck exam (testing range of motion, tilt, and muscle tightness)
- Checking head shape (flat spots or any facial asymmetry)
- Motor screening such as symmetry, tone, reflexes, and developmental milestone progression
- Whether there are feeding issues (latching on one side, reflux signs, fussiness)
- Asking about milestones (rolling both ways, sitting, and reaching equally)
Tip: Recording short videos of your baby during tummy time or how they rest in the crib/car seat can help your pediatrician during evaluation to see what you're seeing at home.
If needed, they may refer you to:
- Pediatric physical therapy (very common and helpful for torticollis)
- Early intervention or developmental services
- Specialists (neurologist, ophthalmologist) if there are any red flags
When Should I Call the Doctor?
Call your pediatrician soon if:
- Preference lasts more than 1 or 2 weeks and is not improving
- You're unable to gently guide your baby to look the other way
- You see head flattening, feeding difficulties, or fussiness with positioning
- Movement looks uneven (one arm/leg moves or does less than the other)
Call 911 or seek urgent care immediately if you notice:
- Sudden new weakness appearing on one side
- Seizure-like episodes, unresponsiveness, or breathing issues
- Fever with unusual stiffness and/or lethargy
How Can I Help My Baby at Home?
You don't need to force or use pressure to move your baby's head the other way. Instead, think of more opportunities and ways to get your baby to move the other way.
- Encourage your baby during awake time to look both ways by placing toys on their non-preferred side
- Increase the amount of floor play and tummy time in short, more frequent sessions
- Alternate sides for feeding (if possible) so your baby can practice turning both directions
- Rotate the crib's layout or where you stand so your baby doesn't always look in the same direction
- If you think your baby has torticollis, ask your pediatrician to show you safe and gentle stretches you can do
Baby Favors One Side FAQs
Written and Medically Reviewed by:
Cerebral Palsy Hub Team
Cerebral Palsy Hub was founded to help support children and their families with cerebral palsy and to create a safe space for those affected. We strive to provide the most accurate, up-to-date information, and tools to help give your child the life they deserve.
Last Updated: February 16, 2026
