Is this normal for my baby, or should I get it checked?
If you’re a parent, you’ll recognise this feeling straight away.
You notice something small.
Then you notice it again.
Then suddenly you’re wondering if you’re overthinking it, or missing something important.
Most parents who come into the clinic say the same thing.
“I wasn’t sure if this was normal.”
That uncertainty is completely understandable. Babies don’t come with a manual. And a lot of things sit in a grey area between totally normal development and something that’s worth a second look.
This blog isn’t here to alarm you.
It’s here to help you trust what you’re seeing.
Below are some of the most common concerns parents mention. Often quietly. Sometimes apologetically. Almost always with good instincts behind them.
“My baby always turns their head to one side”
You might notice your baby prefers looking one way when lying down. Or that photos always seem to show the same side of their face.
In many cases, this can be linked to how babies were positioned in the womb, or how they’ve been sleeping since birth. A mild preference can be normal early on.
It’s worth checking if:
The preference is strong and persistent
Your baby resists turning the other way
You’re starting to notice a flat spot developing
Early support can make a real difference here, especially before babies become more mobile.
“My baby cries or struggles during feeds”
Feeding should feel settled more often than stressful. That doesn’t mean every feed is perfect, but constant fussing, pulling off, or discomfort can be draining for both of you.
Sometimes this relates to reflux or wind. Sometimes to tongue tie. Sometimes to tension through the neck, jaw, or upper body that makes feeding harder work than it should be.
Things parents often mention:
Clicking sounds when feeding
Taking a long time to feed
Needing frequent breaks
Seeming unsettled even after a feed
None of this means you’ve done anything wrong. It just means your baby might need a bit of help.
“My baby arches their back a lot”
Back arching is something parents often Google late at night.
Occasional arching can be part of normal movement or communication. But frequent, forceful arching, especially when upset or feeding, can be a sign your baby is uncomfortable.
It can be associated with reflux, tension, or difficulty settling. It’s not about labelling it as a problem. It’s about asking why your baby might be doing it.
“They hate tummy time”
You’re told tummy time is important. Then your baby hates it. Loudly.
Some resistance is normal, especially at first. But if tummy time feels impossible, or your baby becomes very distressed quickly, it may be because it’s physically hard for them.
Things like neck stiffness, upper body tension, or difficulty weight-bearing through the arms can all play a role.
Supporting this early often makes tummy time easier, not just tolerable.
“There’s a flat spot starting to appear”
Flat head shape can develop when babies spend a lot of time in one position. This is very common, especially with safe sleep advice encouraging babies to sleep on their backs.
The key thing is noticing it early.
A mild flat spot can often improve with simple changes and gentle support. Leaving it too long can make things harder to influence as your baby grows.
So when should you get it checked?
There’s no single rule. But a good guide is this:
If you keep noticing the same thing.
If it feels like your baby is uncomfortable.
If your instinct keeps nudging you to ask.
That’s usually enough reason.
A paediatric osteopathy assessment is gentle, calm, and tailored to your baby. We look at how they move, how they settle, how their body feels, and how all of that fits together. No forcing. No rushing.
Sometimes reassurance is all that’s needed.
Sometimes a little support goes a long way.
If you’re based in Huddersfield and you’re unsure about something you’ve noticed, you don’t have to wait until it feels serious. You’re welcome to get in touch, ask questions, or book an assessment.
Most parents leave saying the same thing.
“I’m glad I trusted my gut.”