12/23/2025
✨ Why addressing neck tension early matters ✨
When an infant has neck tension (often in the SCM muscle), it can limit their ability to achieve full range of motion — like gently bringing their ear close to their shoulder. Supporting this early is so important! 💛
Here’s why 👇
👶 Supports healthy head & neck movement
Early tension can limit rotation and side-bending. Restoring full ROM helps babies move comfortably and symmetrically.
🧠 Encourages proper brain & motor development
Free movement allows babies to explore their environment, which supports sensory input, coordination, and milestone development.
🛌 Helps prevent head shape concerns
Limited neck motion can contribute to positional flattening (plagiocephaly). Improving mobility helps babies vary positions more easily.
🤱 Improves feeding & comfort
Neck tension can affect breastfeeding or bottle feeding preferences and comfort. Releasing tension can make feeding smoother on both sides.
🚼 Supports smoother milestones
Rolling, tummy time, crawling, and sitting all rely on balanced neck and core movement.
💆♀️ Prevents compensation patterns
If tension isn’t addressed early, babies may adapt with asymmetrical movement patterns that can carry into toddlerhood.
💛 Gentle, early care = big long-term benefits
The earlier we support the body, the easier it is for babies to move freely and comfortably as they grow.
✨ What parents can look for at home ✨
👀 Preference for turning the head one way
🤱 Feeding difficulty on one side
🛌 Limited head movement
🔄 Asymmetrical movement
⏱ Tummy time resistance
📐 Head shape changes
😣 General fussiness or discomfort
