Top 5 Reasons Parents Bring Their Infants and Toddlers to a Chiropractor

Why would someone want to take their child to the chiropractor? Is it even safe? I get these questions frequently and understand the hesitancy one might have. Even adults are suspect of chiropractic for themselves sometimes! I get it. Anything new or unusual can be scary. Chiropractic is a non-invasive, safe, natural and low cost treatment option for many childhood issues. Here are the top five reasons parents and caregivers bring their infant or child into my office.

1. Constipation - This is the most common reason I see babies, especially when the caregiver is skeptical of chiropractic. I'm often a last ditch effort. Nothing else has worked. They have nothing to lose. No intervention is 100% effective for everyone, but chiropractic adjustments on the little ones with constipation can be very, very effective. I had mom bring her three week old to me who hadn't had a good poop since birth. She had tried suppositories and had already been to the medical doctor. She knew her baby was uncomfortable and needed to poop. I admit, I was nervous. But I did find some very obvious subluxations and adjusted them. I called the next day to check in, but she didn't answer the phone. The follow up appointment was a few days later. When she came in, she apologized for not calling back because she was busy cleaning up THREE BLOWOUTS. She had never been so excited to change a poppy diaper. After two more treatments, she was well on her way to a normal pooping schedule.

2. Fussiness, colic, general discomfort - Sometimes your little one seems uncomfortable. Too often, we're told it's "normal". But, it doesn't seem normal. And if it's normal, how are other parents surviving because this is really, really hard! Trust your gut. You know baby better than anyone else and you are the one who is living with the excessive crying. Chances are there is something going on and it needs to be addressed; for everyone's sanity. Often, a chiropractic assessment and adjustment will do just that. When we regulate the nervous system, that fussiness, colic or general discomfort can be diminished.

3. Asymmetries - From flat spots on the head to a head tilt to difficulty looking one way to asymmetrical movement in arms or legs, asymmetries are another reason I assess and treat infants and toddlers. There are lots of reasons for asymmetries. Some include in utero positioning, labor interventions, holding on one side, muscle tightness or weakness. A chiropractic assessment adjustment can address these asymmetries resulting in a child growing up evenly. They grow fast those first few years!

4. Difficulty latching or pre/post tongue tie release - There are many factors that can contribute to a newborn's inability or difficulty in latching. Medical interventions at birth, tightness in the jaw, neck or shoulders and poor tongue movement can all result in difficulty latching. This is something that needs to be addressed as soon as possible for mom and baby to have the best chance at breastfeeding. A good latch and a good milk supply go hand in hand. Working with a lactation specialist is very important if there are any issues with breastfeeding. Getting adjusted is also important.

5. General wellness - Just like you, infants and toddlers can benefit from chiropractic care even if there isn't anything specific going on! Chiropractic adjustments address the body's neuromusculoskeletal system, that is, the nervous, muscular and skeletal systems with a salutogenic goal. Chiropractic focuses on improving overall health, rather than treating problems (pathogenic). While the four previously mentioned reasons are problems, chiropractic doesn't focus on the problem. It focuses on improving overall health, so there are less problems. Our bodies are designed to heal and be well. During these wellness visits, we also discuss milestones and purposeful play to maximize development. From birth and beyond.

Our little ones have really fresh nervous systems. With the right intervention, they respond very quickly to care. And if chiropractic isn't the right intervention, there are many others to choose from including, but not limited to nutritional changes, massage (especially craniosacral technique), physiotherapy, occupational therapy, myofunctional therapy, postpartum home support and lactation support. Regardless of the road taken, I am happy to be here to help!