Torticollis is not simply a diagnosis, but a sign of an underlying disorder. Torticollis means "twisted neck" and describes an abnormal neck posture with persistent rotation of the head to one side and lateral flexion to the opposite side. There are over 80 differential diagnoses which may cause a torticollis posture.

The incidence of torticollis has increased dramatically since the AAP "Back to Sleep" campaign was launched. The incidence used to be 1 in 300 and some recent studies report the incidence is now 1 in 60. Also another study reports that 57% of twins have torticollis.

Torticollis can be congenital (occurring during or shortly after birth) or acquired (caused by the environment). Congenital torticollis can be caused by a tearing or stretching of the SCM (sternocleidomastoid ) muscle, a shortening of the muscle, a fibrotic tumor or a cervical spine abnormality. Some associated problems include hip dysplasia, club foot, metatarsus abductus or a brachial plexus injury. Acquired torticollis can be plagiocephaly induced-a flat spot on the head causes the child to rotate to that side when lying on their back. It can be positionally induced for babies that spend time lying on their backs in swings, bouncers, car seats, or due to swing/crib placement within a room. It can be caused by an infection that inflames the lymph nodes in the neck. It can also be induced by vision problems or even reflux.

 

In today's economy making your own baby food at home can save you lots of money over buying jarred prepared foods. It can even be healthier! Contrary to what many parents believe, it is not that difficult. There is nothing magical about baby food, it is basically the same food we eat only prepared a bit differently. These days there are many online and recipe book options that detail easy & healthy ways to prepare your baby's food at home.

There are definitely benefits to making your own baby food at home. You can create flavors and textures of food that appeal to your own child. You know the exact ingredients for dietary needs, and you can give your child a head start on experimenting with a range of flavors and textures. You also don't need to prepare separate meals for your child, you can puree and prepare your baby's food from whatever meal your family is having for lunch or dinner.

Try to buy fresh, organic fruits and veggies. Thoroughly wash all produce & fruits and of course cut off tough peels, remove stems, seeds, or anything that could be a choking hazard. Veggies can be steamed & mashed. Fruits can be mashed or pureed and meats can be tenderized or pureed as well. No extra sugar, salt or additional seasoning needs to be added. Infant food can be frozen in ice cube tray compartments (see silicone ice cube tray idea below). Larger portions for toddlers can be frozen in freezer bags or ziplock storage containers. Be sure to label & date all frozen portions, and keep in mind most foods will keep for about 3 months in the freezer for easy thawing later.

Below are some great resources for grinding, pureeing & freezing baby foods at home. Also, a baby food online recipe resource and some baby food cook books are listed and linked below.

For easy purees at home:

http://www.amazon.com/Annabel-Karmel-Masher-and-Bowl/dp/B003I868CU

Easy way to start introducing fresh foods to babies:

http://www.munchkin.com/products/detail.html?section=prodCategories&ID=10019&pID=1088

Silicone ice cube tray for freezing portions of homemade baby food:

http://www.siliconeicecubetrays.co.cc/B000R5OLU8-Buy_Cheapest_Orka_Ice_Cube_Tray_Blue.html

First spoon, fork, bowl set:  

http://www.target.com/Munchkin-Feeding-Set-Suction-Base-Bowl/dp/B004HMW0KK/ref=sc_qi_detailbutton

Baby Food Recipes Online (lots of great ideas): http://wholesomebabyfood.com/

Baby Cook Books:

The Basic Baby Food Cookbook: Complete beginner guide to making baby food at home. By Julianne E. Hood:

http://www.amazon.com/Basic-Baby-Food-Cookbook-Complete/dp/1425960677

Organic Baby & Toddler Cookbook By Lizzie Vann:  

http://www.amazon.com/Organic-Baby-Toddler-Cookbook-Lizzie/dp/0789471906

Top 100 Baby Purees: 100 Quick and Easy Meals for a Healthy and Happy Baby By Annabel Karmel: 

http://www.amazon.com/Top-100-Baby-Purees-Healthy/dp/0743289579

Cooking for Baby Cook Book By Lisa Barnes/Williams Sonoma:

http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/cooking-for-baby-cookbook/

The Best Homemade Baby Food on the Planet Recipe Book by Karin Knight with Tina Ruggiero:

http://www.babyearth.com/karin-knight-with-tina-ruggiero-the-best-homemade-baby-food-on-the-planet-recipe-book.html

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