The preference is to hold the baby's head in tilt and rotation - a position where the baby's head is turned to one side and one ear is closer to the shoulder than the other.

Until a certain age, holding the head in a bow is physiological - i.e. natural. We can observe this physiological preference in the baby until the period of eye fixation (which occurs in the 4th - 6th week after birth). For the first 4 - 6 weeks we expect the baby to have a preference for holding the head to one side, but it is extremely important that the baby is able to switch the preference - to turn the head to the other side and show a second-sided bow. It is perfectly normal for a baby to have asymmetry up to 3 months of age - whether it is just the head or perhaps the trunk and pelvis. As a rule, when the baby's head is turned and bowed to one side, this situation is followed by a bowing of the torso and also a "bowing" of the pelvis - the baby demonstrates the "C" position. If the baby turns its head to the other side, it will switch the rotation of the head and its bow, and the whole body should respond in the same way - to perform the "C" position to the other side. In this way we can verify that the predilection is physiological (given the age of the child).

We also assess the smoothness of the rotational movement of the head, if after blocking the view on one side the baby slowly rotates its head to the other side, reaches the ear of the other side and stays lying on this side, we know that this is a physiological predilection (again taking into account the age of the baby). If the baby already demonstrates eye fixation (can look at a picture or a toy) and still prefers one side, we then distinguish between fixed and unfixed predilection. If the baby prefers one side, but manages to change the rotation and tilt smoothly, to reach up to the ear and to lie on the non-preferred side, this is a non-fixed preference. However, if the movement into rotation is jerky and not smooth and the child turns his head to the non-preferred side and immediately goes back or even does not turn to the other side at all, it could be a fixed predilection.

The consequence of untreated bowing and rotation of the baby's head is asymmetry in development, which can lead to scoliosis, head drooping or plagiocephaly and possible delayed motor development.Predilection and other asymmetries can be prevented by proper gripping and handling of the baby, so it is advisable to visit a pediatric physiotherapist's office as soon as possible after birth. As part of the prevention and treatment of predilection, the parent attending physiotherapy is taught how to position, lift, lay, change and swaddle the baby correctly. We also discuss options for carrying the baby in the arms, the positioning of the baby and mother during feeding, or the proper use of baby aids to promote proper overall development. The benefit of seeing a physiotherapist early is that we can also pick up any potential developmental barriers that may be emerging, and respond immediately by changing the therapy or manual touch.

At FYZIO MEDICO CLINIC you do not need a doctor's recommendation, just call 601 201 575 or make an appointment online. You can then visit the physiotherapist with your baby within 48 hours of making the appointment.

In the first months of a child's life, it is absolutely essential that psychomotor development takes place in the highest possible quality.

Quality psychomotor development in the first year of life is closely related to fine motor skills and other skills that the child will acquire later in life. Whether you are addressing prevention or specific developmental defects, we are here for you with our kind and smiling therapists who use specialized techniques to ensure your little one's proper development.

We look forward to your visit!

Nikča and Bára, Children's physiotherapists at FYZIO MEDICO CLINIC