Early Milestones: Strong Baby or Signs of Tension?

Is your baby lifting their head unusually early? Rolling over before expected? While it may seem like a sign of strength or advanced development, it might actually tell a different story.

We often hear proud stories from parents:

"My baby was strong from day one! Never even had that floppy newborn stage!"

It’s a common observation. But let’s take a closer look at what’s really happening.

Neck Strength or Neck Tightness?

Think about your baby’s position in the womb: head flexed down, suspended in amniotic fluid, with minimal gravity and no resistance training. So how would their neck muscles become so strong right from birth?

The truth is, early head lifting may not always be a sign of strength. Sometimes, it can actually be a sign of tightness in the neck muscles. One side may be more contracted than the other, which can create the illusion of a “strong” baby lifting their head, when in fact, they might just be holding tension.

You might also notice other signs of imbalance:

• Frequent back arching

• A curved or “banana” shaped posture through the torso

• A preference for looking or turning to one side

These signs may indicate tightness or restrictions that could benefit from assessment and support.

A main element of adequate breastfeeding support is ergonomics! The tips above are going to be a great foundation to get your started.

What About Early Rolling?

Another milestone that often excites parents is rolling. But if your baby is rolling early, especially to just one side- it might not be due to advanced coordination.

It could be their body compensating for tightness or discomfort in the neck, shoulder, or back. As chiropractors, we’re trained to look at how balanced and symmetrical a baby’s movement patterns are, not just how early they achieve them.

Is My Baby Meant to Have a “Dominant Side”?

Before 18 months of age, babies shouldn’t show a strong preference for one side of the body. Symmetrical development is key in the early stages which means:

• Equal head turning to both sides

• Reaching with both hands

• Rolling in both directions (once they are developmentally ready)

Favouring one side may suggest underlying asymmetry that’s worth checking out.

So… What Should I Do?

If you're noticing:

• Early head lifting

• Frequent arching

• Rolling to just one side

• A curved posture or head preference

…it’s a great time to get your little one checked.

At Dynamic Chiropractic, we’re passionate about supporting babies and their parents through every stage of development. Chiropractic care for infants is gentle, safe, and specifically tailored to their growing bodies. We look at the whole picture, not just the milestone, but how and why it's happening.

If you’re unsure or just want peace of mind, book in for a developmental check-up. Sometimes the early signs are just signs and addressing them early can make a world of difference.

Book Your Feeding Support Appointment Today