Chiropractic care is often thought as being associated with adults seeking relief from back pain, but did you know that babies may also benefit from chiropractic care? Many parents are exploring chiropractic care for their baby, as they have been recommended by friends or family, who have had success from chiropractic treatment.

Can Babies Receive Chiropractic Care?

Yes, babies can receive chiropractic care immediately after birth, and it is a safe and natural way to help any muscle and joint problems incurred from the birth process. Chiropractic care for infants focuses on gentle techniques that are unique for babies and are much different from those used with adults. Chiropractors treating babies use light pressure, often no more than you can tolerate on your eyeball to adjust misalignments in the spine or joints.

Why Would a Baby Need Chiropractic Care?

For some of us the birth process may be the biggest trauma we ever encounter in our life. Some babies are not positioned well in the womb ( intrauterine constraint) during their 9 months of growth and development. These babies may be growing upside down ( breech) or sideways ( transverse) which may sit their head and neck on an awkward angle causing issues. As a result these babies may be born with a stiff sore neck or back. Some babies may experience muscle and joint trauma during the birth process itself. This may be more likely during a hard and fast delivery, one that is prolonged or those deliveries that need assistance, such as forceps and vacuum extraction.  

If your baby is born with a stiff sore neck, then they are more likely to be irritable, favour looking to one side, have feeding issues or have interrupted sleep due to the discomfort. Just like us, if we are in pain or discomfort, we are unlikely to be happy and the discomfort will restrict us in some way for form.

When Can Babies Start Chiropractic Care?

Babies can begin receiving chiropractic care soon after birth. The exact timing will depend on the individual needs of the baby, but in general, there is no minimum age requirement. At Children’s Sunshine Chiropractic our chiropractors are trained to assess an infant’s spine and nervous system and determine whether care is appropriate.

What to Expect During a Baby’s Chiropractic Visit

Chiropractic care for babies is very different from adult treatments. During an initial consultation, the chiropractor will take a thorough history, including details about the pregnancy and birth and any concerns you have with your baby. They will then perform an examination of your baby looking at their overall health and assessing your babies’ spine and movement.

The chiropractor will then discuss what they have found and whether chiropractic treatment is appropriate.

If treatment is appropriate, they will discuss how treatment is performed and let you feel how gentle it actually is. The adjustments themselves are extremely gentle, often involving just light fingertip pressure. Most babies experience little to no discomfort during treatment, and many parents report that their baby is calm or even sleepy afterwards.

Sessions are usually short and tailored to the baby’s specific needs. Your chiropractor will also discuss any lifestyle tips that can support your baby’s spinal health as they grow.

Is Chiropractic Care for Babies Safe?

Chiropractic care for babies is safe when performed by a qualified chiropractor. It’s important to choose a chiropractor who has specific training in treating infants and young children to ensure that they use the appropriate techniques for your baby’s developing body.

Chiropractic Care for Your Baby at Children’s Sunshine Chiropractic

At Children’s Sunshine Chiropractic, we are committed to providing gentle and effective care for your little one. Our experienced team understands the unique needs of infants and uses the lightest touch to ensure your baby’s comfort and safety during every visit. Our chiropractors treating babies have completed post graduate studies in chiropractic care for babies and children.

If you’re considering chiropractic care for your baby or have questions about how it may benefit your child, give us a call today at (07) 5491 7743 to schedule an appointment at our Caloundra or Buderim locations.

We’re here to support you and your baby and help them thrive from the very start.