Torticollis/helmet mommies

bulldog_mama23 · June 2011

Did your LO take longer to reach certain physical milestones like sitting up, crawling, pulling to stand, walking, etc? I know each child is different but I can't help comparing DS to my DD who was sitting up unassisted at 7 months and crawled at 8.5 months and he just isn't there yet.

I can get him to balance while sitting up for about 30 seconds before he just topples over. He loves to sit in his bumbo, high chair, or bath seat. I just don't know at what point should I start to worry. I think maybe it is harder for him because he has tight neck muscles? I don't know. Thank you for reading.

BeccaLandes · June 2011

my son was actually ahead on his physical milestones, but it's my understanding that isn't normal. i know a friend of mine's children were both in physical therapy for torticollis and are fairly behind on milestones-- her twins are almost 15 months and neither one is walking or standing unassisted yet.

i think the expectation is that babies with torticollis will be a little behind on milestones. do you have your DS in physical therapy or had early intervention to look at him?

bulldog_mama23 · June 2011

He isn't in therapy, he only has mild torticollis, we have seen tremendous improvement with just doing the stretches at home since he was 4 months old but the pedi always said we could take a referral if we felt we weren't seeing progress with him. I haven't had an early intervention, I am not really sure how I do that, do I just ask my pedi for a referral? I know he eventually has met other milestones like rolling, pushing up on his arms, about 2-3 weeks after my DD did.

kristinem17 · June 2011

DS took longer than most to reach milestones, but was still within the average range. DS was also born at 36 weeks and was very small, so I took that into consideration as well. He rolled late, didn't sit up well/unsupported until 9-10 months, didn't crawl until 11 months, didn't take first steps until 14.5 months and started walking just a couple of weeks ago at 16 months. Milestones have been accomplished "late" when comparing to others, but all still within the average range, but on the later end of the range. DS was going to PT from 5 months of age until 11 months. We stopped at that point as his tort was very very mild and he was doing well with sitting, crawling and cruising. The one milestone that he actually hit early/on time was pulling to stand - he started that around 9 months, same time he was sitting up and he would stand with his head tilted! . The kid loved to stand early on and wanted to stand and drink his botle, stand to play, stand to be read a book .. it was funny

Anyway, the tort may have been a factor, because it through him off balance. And in our case, DS's tort switched from one side to the other... he would go like 2 weeks tilting to the right and then he would be straight as an arrow for a couple of weeks and then it would come back to the left! uggh! Very odd. Anyway, now he gets a tilt everytime a new tooth is in the works. Once the tooth cuts through, he's straight again. Go figure. I think the tort did prevent him from achieving some milestones because it would cause him to lean to one side and not be stable. Topple over, as you say.

erstwhile+maven · June 2011

Hi. My DS had/has torticollis and was on track and slightly ahead for his milestones. However, he was in PT from 5 to 9 months once per week. Afterward, we began going to an osteo manipulitive medicine doctor once every few months which has helped with an occasional tilt, favoring one side and a slighlty asymmetrical head shape. Our DS is really strong and stocky, which helps but I credit the PT for helping him to achieve his milestones. Could you have an EI evaluation of your DS, they would likely either soothe your worries or propose an additional treatment plan that helps.

ETA: In our state you ask your pedi to set up an EI eval via referral, which can be done online or by phone.

Mrs.LisaP · June 2011

my LO had mild tort (enought to see a PT, but we did home therapy and just followed up with the PT) and she was actually ahead in all of her physical milestones. She was ful on crawling by 6 months, crusing by 7.5, and a full time walker at 9.5 months BUT her verbal skills are behind. We are acutally having her evaluated for speech today!

browneyedgrl4282 · June 2011

Preston has torticolis and is 2.5 years old still recieving PT once a week through EI services. He was delayed in a lot of things compared to Jordana but once I start PT he caught up. He rolled, stay up, and crawled late but he did walk earlier than his sister. At his age now we still things that the tort causes issues, like jumping, kicking a ball, stairs, and marching. We are starting the process for the preschool program now.

If you are concerned I would call the county and get EI to come out. It can only help in the long run!

Want a personalized experience?

Torticollis/helmet mommies

Re: Torticollis/helmet mommies

Choose Another Board

Search Boards