Is Baby Tilting Head In The Shoulder A Sign Of Teething – 6 Reassuring Clues Every Parent Should Know

As a parent, you may notice that your baby tilting head in the shoulder when lying down or when being held. is baby tilting head in the shoulder a sign of teething can raise concerns, especially if it is a new habit that your baby has developed. While head tilting can be a sign of different things, some parents wonder if teething is one of them.

It is essential to keep in mind that every baby is different, and their mannerisms may not always indicate the same thing. Baby tilting head in the shoulder can indicate discomfort or pain, but it is not necessarily a sign of teething. The behavior could be due to an ear infection or another underlying issue.

If you are unsure about the cause of baby tilting head in the shoulder, it is best to consult with a pediatrician. They can examine your baby and determine the underlying issue causing baby tilting head in the shoulder. In some cases, further tests may be necessary to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

It is essential to pay attention to your baby’s cues and provide them with the appropriate care and support. If your baby is experiencing discomfort or pain, you can help them cope by providing comfort measures such as a warm bath, a massage, or over-the-counter pain relievers if recommended by your pediatrician.

Remember, every baby is unique, and their behavior and mannerisms may vary. Keeping a watchful eye on your baby’s actions and communicating any concerns with your pediatrician can help ensure that your baby receives the care they need.

How Do I Know My Baby Is Teething?

Let’s take a look at some of the signs to watch for when your baby is teething:

One unmistakable sign is the appearance of one or more teeth, depending on your baby’s age.

Another sign is swollen or reddish gums. Your baby’s gums will look raised or inflamed.

When your baby starts to teethe, they may become fussier than usual, though this should not last for weeks or months without a tooth appearing.

Another sign is increased drooling. You can expect your baby to drool more than usual.

Your nipple may also be in trouble during this time. Why? Because your baby will want to bite anything to relieve the itching of their gums.

It’s also common for teething babies to have a reduced appetite, even if they were previously good eaters.

Is Baby Tilting Head In The Shoulder A Sign Of Teething

Aside from ear infections or other illnesses, your baby tilting head in the shoulder could also be a sign of teething. However, before concluding that it is teething, it is important to consider other reasons that could make your baby tilt their head.

One possible reason is an ear infection. If you notice that baby tilting head in the shoulder and refuses to raise it, check their ear for any signs of infection.

When the nasal tube of a baby swells due to cold, it can prevent fluid from draining and cause it to get stuck behind the eardrum, which can lead to the growth of bacteria and viruses, causing infection.

If you observe that your baby has a fever while tilting their head to one side, it is important to have them examined by a doctor. Babies are prone to middle ear infections, so it is essential not to overlook these signs.

Consult your doctor for guidance on baby tilting head in the shoulder. They may prescribe antibiotics if the infection is serious, or pain relievers to alleviate your baby’s discomfort.

What’s The Difference Between An Ear Infection And Teething

Both teething and ear infections can present with similar signs such as tilting the head towards the shoulder, sleeplessness, crying, fussing, and tugging at the ears.

When teething, your baby may tug at his ear because the nerves in the back of his teeth extend to the middle ear, making him feel pain that seems to come from his ear. In addition, he may tilt his head towards his shoulder.

However, there are some differences to look out for to determine whether baby tilting head in the shoulders is an ear infection or teething. If your baby has an ear infection, he may have a fever over 104°F, difficulty lying down, and there may be mucus coming out of his ear. On the other hand, if it is due to teething, your baby’s fever may not be very high or he may not even have a fever at all, and it may come with other signs of teething such as loose and frequent stools.

If you suspect that your baby has an ear infection, it is important to see a doctor. They may prescribe antibiotics or pain-relieving medication, depending on the severity of the infection.

At What Point Does Teething Starts In Babies

Except in a situation where your baby is born with natal teeth, all babies are born without teeth. In some babies, teething can start from 6 months while some other babies might not get to celebrate till their one-year birthday and your baby might be growing teeth till he is 3 years old. 

When your baby starts teething, the teeth will start from the middle lower teeth. It might be two at once or one after the other. Your baby will have about twenty maim teeth

How To Help Your Baby Cope With Teething?

Babies go through a lot of discomfort when about to start teething, especially some days to the day the tooth finally comes out.

There are some of these symptoms that don’t require any form of medication to go away but you can try the following to help your baby manage the challenge easily:

• You can try using a cold spoon against his gum. Put the spoon in a fridge, allow it to get really cold then hold it against his gum.

• You can give your baby gum a massage. Do this with a very clean hand.

• Your baby’s pacifier can be of great help. Just dip it into either your breastmilk or formula milk allow to get cold in a fridge  and then place it in your baby’s mouth

• You can also use Silicone teethers. Wash it properly. Allow it to sit in the fridge for some minutes then give it to your baby. Please keep a close eye on your baby.

• Try holding your baby close especially when he starts fussing. It can help calm him.

• Breastfeeding can help distract your baby from the present discomfort he is having. Breastfeeding can also help him fall asleep.

• You can also use a cold washcloth

If you have to use medication then try Ibuprofen and/or Tylenol. Any of these medications should be used when you have tried all other options and you see no result. 

Please note that Ibuprofen should not be used when your baby is below 6 months. Follow the exact prescription. Don’t overdose your baby, it won’t make him better faster, it will only complicate things. 

What You Shouldn’t Do To Your Teething Baby 

It’s important to note that you should not use teething tablets, gels, or amber necklaces to relieve your baby’s teething pain. These products may pose a risk to your baby’s health and safety.

Teething tablets and gels are not properly regulated, and some have been recalled by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They may contain harmful ingredients like belladonna or benzocaine, which can cause serious side effects.

Furthermore, amber necklaces can pose a risk of strangulation for babies, and there is no scientific evidence to support their effectiveness in relieving teething pain.

Instead of using these products, you can try other safe and effective methods to soothe your baby’s teething pain, such as giving them a cold washcloth or teething toy to chew on, rubbing their gums with a clean finger, or using infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen with your doctor’s approval.

Other Reasons Your Baby Might Be Tilting Head To The Shoulder

It’s important to understand that not all head tilting in babies is related to teething or ear infections. One possible reason for head tilting is congenital muscular torticollis, a condition that affects the neck muscles and can cause your baby to tilt his head to one side.

Congenital muscular torticollis is a problem that occurs at birth and is caused by a knot of tangled fibers in one of the neck muscles on one side. This can cause the muscles on one side to be shorter, which in turn causes your baby to tilt his head to that side.

The condition typically develops in the womb when the baby is struggling for space or when the baby is in the breech position. It’s a common condition that can be treated with physical therapy exercises, stretching, and positioning techniques.

If you notice that your baby is tilting his head to one side frequently or seems to have a preference for looking in one direction, it’s important to speak to your pediatrician. They can diagnose congenital muscular torticollis and recommend appropriate treatment to help your baby’s neck muscles develop properly.

Furthermore

If your baby develops torticollis after birth, it is called acquired torticollis. The cause of acquired torticollis is not always clear, but it may be due to difficult positioning during birth or an inherited nervous system defect.

Unlike congenital muscular torticollis, acquired torticollis can be harder to detect. Symptoms may not be noticeable until they affect your baby’s head and neck movement.

If you suspect that your baby has torticollis, it is important to consult a pediatrician or healthcare provider. They will be able to diagnose the condition and provide appropriate treatment options. Early intervention can help manage the condition and prevent complications.

In Addition

If you notice that your baby who is old enough to hold his head and neck straight is all of a sudden tilting his head to one side but his chin is pointing to another side, it is a sign that he has acquired torticollis. 

According to a study, 75% of babies are affected by acquired torticollis on the right side. so if your baby tilts their head to the right side, you should not overlook it. 

If you notice other signs like a tender bump in your baby’s neck or you notice that your baby is finding it hard to look up and down or move his head from one side to the other, get the attention of the doctor.

Also

Look to see if you will see any flat area on any side of your baby’s face or on his head which is a sign that he has been lying in just one position, it could be because he is finding it difficult to turn so see a doctor as soon as possible.

Will My Baby’s Torticollis Go Away?

No matter the type of torticollis your baby has, it can be treated with something as simple as stretching your baby’s neck.

Klippel-Feil Syndrome

It’s when two or more cervical vertebrae are fused. If your baby is born with this, he will have a short broad neck with little or no movement. 

Last Words

It’s understandable to worry about any new behavior your baby exhibits that you don’t understand. As a mother, you want your baby to develop properly and be healthy. If something seems amiss, it’s natural to feel anxious.

However, it’s important to try to stay calm and remember that your emotions can affect your baby. It’s normal for your baby to tilt their head towards their shoulder while teething. The key is to recognize when it’s not related to teething and to seek proper assessment and treatment from your baby’s physician.

In summary, understanding the possible reasons for your baby’s head-tilting behavior and being aware of accompanying symptoms can help you determine the best course of action. Always consult your baby’s doctor if you have any concerns about your baby’s health and development.