What is baby chiropractic care?

Baby chiropractic care involves gentle, modified techniques tailored to infants and young children. Practitioners use light, specific pressure and supportive positioning to assess how a baby is moving, feeding and settling. The focus is on supporting comfort, movement and general wellbeing, not diagnosing medical conditions.

Is chiropractic care safe for babies?

Chiropractic care for babies uses very gentle, age-appropriate approaches. Current evidence suggests that adverse events in paediatric manual therapy are rare when care is provided by appropriately trained practitioners. If you have questions about safety, your chiropractor will gladly explain each step, discuss whether care is appropriate for your baby and encourage you to stay in close contact with your GP or paediatric healthcare team.

Why might a parent bring their baby to see a chiropractor?

Parents often seek a baby chiropractic assessment when they notice things like a strong preference to look or feed to one side, unsettled behaviour, tension through the body, changes after a difficult birth, or slower-than-expected milestone progression. These signs do not diagnose a condition, but they can be a helpful reason to have someone look more closely at your baby’s movement, posture and comfort.

What happens at a baby chiropractic appointment?

A baby chiropractic visit usually includes a detailed history of pregnancy and birth, discussion of feeding, sleep and milestones, and a gentle, hands-on assessment of how your baby moves, rests and responds. If care is appropriate, the chiropractor will use very light techniques and may also suggest home care ideas such as positioning, tummy time variations or movement-based activities. Parents are encouraged to ask questions at every stage.

What is pregnancy chiropractic care?

Pregnancy chiropractic care uses modified, pregnancy-safe techniques to support posture, movement and general comfort as your body changes. Chiropractors may use special pregnancy pillows, drop tables and gentle adjustments, along with advice on positions, movement and daily activities. Care is always tailored to your stage of pregnancy and personal preferences, and is not a replacement for obstetric or midwifery care.

When during pregnancy can I see a chiropractor?

Many people choose to see a chiropractor before pregnancy, in early pregnancy and throughout the second and third trimesters. The timing and frequency of visits is individual and can be discussed with both your chiropractor and primary maternity care provider. If there are any concerns, your chiropractor may ask for additional medical clearance or suggest collaborative care.

How can chiropractic care support me after birth (postpartum)?

Postpartum chiropractic care focuses on supporting posture, lifting and feeding positions, and general spinal and pelvic comfort as your body recovers from pregnancy and birth. Many new parents appreciate guidance around ergonomics, simple exercises and ways to move that feel kinder on their body as they care for their baby. Chiropractic care sits alongside, and does not replace, medical follow-up with your GP, midwife or obstetric provider.

What should I expect at my first postpartum chiropractic appointment?

A first postpartum appointment usually includes a conversation about your pregnancy, labour and birth experience, current symptoms, daily activities and feeding positions. Your chiropractor will perform a gentle physical assessment, discuss whether chiropractic care is appropriate for you, and talk through a plan that may include hands-on care, movement strategies and home advice. You are welcome to bring your baby to the appointment.

Do I need a referral to see a chiropractor for pregnancy or baby care?

In most cases in Australia, you do not need a referral to see a chiropractor for pregnancy, postpartum or paediatric care. Some people are referred by their GP, midwife, lactation consultant or other health professional, while others self-refer. If you have a complex medical history, you may be encouraged to keep your primary provider updated so your care can be coordinated.

Can chiropractic care replace my GP, obstetrician or paediatrician?

No. Chiropractic care is not a replacement for medical care. Bump & Bub Chiro practitioners encourage families to maintain regular contact with their GP, obstetrician, midwife or paediatrician. Chiropractic care is focused on supporting movement, posture and general wellbeing, and chiropractors will refer or co-manage if something sits outside their scope.

How do I choose a chiropractor for my baby or during pregnancy?

When choosing a chiropractor, you may wish to look for someone with additional training or experience in pregnancy, postpartum and paediatric care, who communicates clearly, encourages questions and is happy to collaborate with your wider health team. The Bump & Bub Chiro directory lists chiropractors who see a high number of families and who focus on gentle, family-centred care.

What kinds of techniques are used for babies and children?

Techniques used for babies and children are very different to those commonly seen in adult chiropractic videos online. Practitioners may use light fingertip pressure, gentle holds, soft tissue work and movement-based approaches rather than strong forces. The pressure used is usually similar to what you might apply when pressing on closed eyelids or checking the ripeness of a tomato.

Can chiropractic care help with breastfeeding posture and holding positions?

Many chiropractors who see postpartum parents and babies spend time discussing feeding and holding positions, baby-wearing, lifting and settling strategies. They may suggest simple adjustments to how you sit, stand or carry your baby, which can feel more comfortable on your neck, shoulders, back and pelvis. This advice is supportive in nature and complements, rather than replaces, breastfeeding or feeding advice from qualified lactation consultants and health professionals.

What should I bring to a baby or pregnancy chiropractic appointment?

For baby visits, it can help to bring nappies, a change of clothes, favourite comforter and anything you use for feeding. For pregnancy and postpartum visits, wear or bring comfortable clothing that allows you to move easily. If you have relevant medical reports, imaging or letters from other providers, you are welcome to bring copies so your chiropractor can see the bigger picture.

Are there conditions that chiropractors do not treat?

Chiropractors do not diagnose or treat serious medical conditions such as infections, congenital abnormalities or emergencies. If something is outside a chiropractor’s scope, you may be referred or advised to seek review with your GP, paediatrician, obstetrician, midwife or emergency department. Chiropractic care is positioned as a supportive approach for movement, posture and wellbeing, not as a cure for specific diseases.

Is chiropractic care safe for babies?

When performed by a chiropractor with paediatric training, baby chiropractic care uses extremely gentle pressure and is typically well tolerated. Chiropractors screen for red flags and work collaboratively with medical providers.

What does a baby chiropractor do?

Baby chiropractors assess movement, feeding posture, comfort patterns and primitive reflexes. Care may include gentle mobilisation and home strategies to support development.

Why would a baby need to see a chiropractor?

Parents commonly seek chiropractic care for feeding challenges, head preference, tension, unsettled behaviour, flat head concerns and tummy time difficulties.

What happens at a baby chiropractic appointment?

Appointments involve a detailed history, gentle examination, soft-contact techniques and home advice for feeding, sleep, tummy time and comfort.

Can chiropractic help with feeding or breastfeeding?

Many parents seek care when babies have latch difficulties or feeding discomfort. Chiropractors assess tension patterns and often work alongside IBCLCs and midwives.

Can chiropractic help with baby sleep?

Parents sometimes report improved settling and comfort after addressing tension patterns. Chiropractic care is supportive and does not replace medical advice.

Is newborn chiropractic safe?

Newborn techniques use extremely light fingertip pressure and are applied with care, screening and collaboration with medical providers when needed.

Can chiropractic help with torticollis or head preference?

Chiropractors assess neck mobility, feeding patterns and muscle tension to support comfort and provide gentle techniques and home exercises.

Do chiropractors help with flat head syndrome?

Chiropractors do not treat flat head syndrome but can assess movement restrictions and provide gentle techniques and positioning strategies.

How gentle are baby adjustments?

Baby adjustments involve light touch, slow mobilisation and gentle cranial work. There is no cracking or thrust manipulation.

How many sessions will my baby need?

This varies based on the baby's age, comfort and individual needs. Your chiropractor will provide a personalised plan.

What qualifications should a baby chiropractor have?

Parents often look for chiropractors with paediatric-specific training, experience, and a collaborative approach with medical and allied health professionals.

Can chiropractic help with tummy time difficulties?

Many babies find tummy time challenging if they have tension or restricted movement. Chiropractors assess these patterns and offer techniques and home strategies.

Can chiropractic help with tongue tie related tension?

Chiropractors do not diagnose tongue tie but may help assess body tension and collaborate with healthcare providers such as IBCLCs.

Why is my baby tense or stiff?

Babies may appear tense for many reasons. Chiropractors assess mobility, posture, and comfort patterns.

Is baby chiropractic evidence-based?

Research into infant chiropractic is emerging but limited. Chiropractors provide supportive care and refer when needed.

Can chiropractic help with constipation or digestive discomfort?

Chiropractic does not treat constipation but may support comfort and relaxation.

Will my baby cry during the appointment?

Some babies vocalise due to tiredness or overstimulation. Techniques themselves are gentle and typically well tolerated.

Does my baby need chiropractic if they only look one way?

A head preference may relate to natural variation or tension patterns. A gentle assessment can help identify contributing factors.

How do I find a baby chiropractor near me?

Parents can search the Bump & Bub Chiro directory to find qualified, gentle baby chiropractors across Sydney.

Is chiropractic care safe during pregnancy?

When provided by a chiropractor with pregnancy-specific training, care is gentle, modified and tailored to each trimester. Techniques avoid abdominal pressure and chiropractors collaborate with medical care providers.

What does a pregnancy chiropractor do?

Pregnancy chiropractors assess posture, pelvic mobility, muscular tension and how your body is adapting. Appointments may include gentle mobilisation, soft tissue work and home strategies for comfort.

Why do pregnant women see a chiropractor?

Common reasons include pelvic girdle pain, lower back discomfort, hip pain, rib tightness and general postural changes. Care is supportive and focused on comfort and mobility.

Is there cracking or forceful treatment during pregnancy care?

Pregnancy chiropractic is gentle and uses modified techniques such as light mobilisation, soft tissue work and pregnancy-safe positioning.

What happens at a pregnancy chiropractic appointment?

Expect a full discussion of your pregnancy, an assessment of posture and movement, and gentle techniques tailored to your trimester.

Can chiropractic help with pelvic girdle pain in pregnancy?

Chiropractors can assess pelvic and spinal mobility and offer gentle, supportive strategies alongside your medical care.

Can chiropractic help with lower back pain during pregnancy?

Pregnancy often increases strain on the lower back. Chiropractors provide gentle techniques and home strategies to support comfort and movement.

Can I see a chiropractor in the first trimester?

Many women seek care early in pregnancy. Chiropractors tailor care to trimester and comfort, and collaborate with your health team when needed.

What is the Webster Technique?

The Webster Technique is a pregnancy-specific pelvic assessment and balancing protocol. It focuses on pelvic alignment and comfort. It is not a technique to turn babies.

Is chiropractic safe in the third trimester?

Yes. Chiropractors use modified, gentle techniques and pregnancy-safe supports such as pillows and side-lying positions.

How often should I see a chiropractor during pregnancy?

Appointment frequency varies based on the mother's comfort, trimester and goals. Your chiropractor will outline a personalised plan.

How do I find a pregnancy chiropractor in Sydney?

Parents can visit the Bump & Bub Chiro directory to find trained pregnancy chiropractors across Sydney.

Is chiropractic care safe after giving birth?

Postpartum chiropractic care uses gentle techniques tailored to recovery stage. Chiropractors screen for red flags and collaborate with medical care providers.

Why do postpartum women see a chiropractor?

New mothers often experience neck, shoulder, pelvic and lower back discomfort from feeding, lifting and daily care. Chiropractic care supports comfort and mobility.

What happens at a postpartum chiropractic appointment?

Appointments may include history-taking, posture and mobility assessment, gentle techniques and ergonomic advice for feeding, lifting and daily activities.

How soon after birth can I see a chiropractor?

Many women seek care within the first six weeks postpartum. Timing depends on comfort and recovery, with modifications after a caesarean birth.

Why Do Babies Get Tense? — Baby and Pregnancy Chiropractors in Sydney

By Lucy Bartlett (Nomad Chiropractic)

Please note all chiropractors listed on Bump & Bub Chiro have additional training in pregnancy, postpartum and paediatrics and are experts in their field.

We often think of babies as soft, flexible, and totally relaxed. But many newborns carry real tension in their bodies — sometimes from birth, sometimes from how they’re developing day to day. This tension can affect feeding, digestion, sleep, and even bonding — but it’s often subtle and misunderstood.

At Bump & Bub Chiro, our goal is to help you to find a chiro who’s not just going to “fix” tension but to understand where it’s coming from and gently help your baby let it go.

What causes tension in babies?

There are three main sources of stress or tension in an infant’s body:

1. Pregnancy Positioning

The womb is a beautiful container — but depending on space, baby size, or uterine tone, babies can develop tension from being compressed or stuck in one position. Examples include:

• Breech or transverse positioning

• Anterior placenta restricting head movement

• First twin “moulding” the second

• Baby stuck in one side of the pelvis (often left occiput transverse)

These patterns can cause cranial asymmetry, neck tightness, or body tension even before birth.

2. The Birth Process

Birth is the most physically demanding event a baby will experience — especially when:

• Labour is very long or very fast

• Forceps, vacuum, or C-section are used

• Baby’s head is engaged for a long time before delivery

• The shoulders or neck experience torsion or compression

• There’s cord pressure or meconium stress

These events can strain the cranial membranes, upper neck, or sacrum — and many babies express this as feeding issues, irritability, or a strong head preference.

Research shows that assisted births are more likely to result in mechanical tension patterns, feeding difficulties, and musculoskeletal asymmetries (Black et al., 2015; Røe et al., 2016).

3. Adapting to Life Outside the Womb

Even after birth, babies are constantly adjusting to gravity, feeding, digestion, and movement. Things that can build tension include:

• Long car seat use or being held in one position

• Reflux or digestive discomfort

• Repetitive head-turning preference (often linked to torticollis)

• Unintegrated reflexes causing startle, arching, or tight fists

Just like adults, babies store tension when they’re trying to adapt or compensate. The difference is — they can’t tell us in words.

How do I know if my baby is holding tension?

Signs of infant tension include:

• A head that always turns to one side

• Arching or stiffening when lying down

• Fussy during tummy time or difficulty lifting the head

• Clicking, chomping, or shallow latch

• A flat spot on one side of the head

• Fists that stay clenched, or arms that don’t relax

• Grunting, straining, or poor digestive rhythm

• “Over-alert” expression or very jumpy/startled behaviour

These are not problems to panic over — but they’re signs that the body might need support to relax, unwind, and rebalance.

What happens if tension isn’t addressed?

Unresolved tension can affect:

• Feeding mechanics (leading to one-sided preference, swallowing air, fatigue)

• Cranial development (plagiocephaly, torticollis)

• Neurological regulation (irritability, colic-like crying, difficulty sleeping)

• Motor milestones (rolling, tummy time, crawling)

Over time, babies may compensate — but that compensation can carry over into toddlerhood and beyond. Early support = fewer patterns to undo later.

One study found that babies with early musculoskeletal asymmetry were more likely to show delayed gross motor milestones and altered muscle tone at 6 months (Tudor et al., 2019).

How chiropractic care can help baby tension

At Bump & Bub Chiro, our chiro’s work with your baby’s nervous system, fascia, cranial bones, and tone to release patterns of tension. This might include:

• Gentle cranial holds to ease dural tightness

• Supporting primitive reflex integration

• Freeing up soft tissue restrictions around the neck, jaw, or sacrum

• Giving you tools for feeding, carrying, tummy time, and co-regulation

Often, what we see is that when a baby’s body relaxes, their whole experience shifts — feeding becomes easier, sleep deepens, and calm comes more naturally.

🌿 The Bump & Bub Chiro Difference

The chiropractors we reccommend don’t rush to adjust. We observe, listen, and respond to your baby’s signals. They explain what they see and invite you to be part of the process — because you’re the expert on your child.

Our care is always:

• Baby-led and gentle

• Rooted in nervous system understanding

• Co-created with you as the parent

We also collaborate openly with lactation consultants, dentists, speech pathologists, GPs, and other providers to make sure your baby’s care is connected and holistic.

Important Considerations

Chiropractic care for infants is gentle, specific, and safe when delivered by a trained professional.
Techniques for babies are vastly different from adult adjustments, involving soft, sustained pressure similar to checking the ripeness of a tomato.
We work collaboratively with other healthcare providers, including paediatricians, IBCLCs, and maternal health nurses, to ensure your baby receives holistic and thorough care.

FAQ

Not always. Some parents bring their babies for wellness check-ups, while others seek care when concerns like tension, feeding, or sleep arise.
Chiropractic compliments—not replaces—medical and allied health care. Many families combine it with GP, paediatric, or lactation consultant support.
Chiropractors often focus on alignment, movement, and nervous system function, which may support babies as they reach important milestones.
Yes. Techniques are always modified to a baby’s size, age, and stage of development.
Adjustments for babies use fingertip pressure, gentle stretches, and subtle holds—completely different from adult techniques.

REFERENCES

• Black, F. et al. (2015). Mechanical stress and musculoskeletal patterns in newborns. J Clin Chiropr Pediatr.

• Røe, Y. et al. (2016). Prevalence of musculoskeletal dysfunction in neonates post-delivery. Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care.

• Tudor, K. et al. (2019). Neonatal asymmetry and later motor development. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology.

The information in this blog is for general education only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. Chiropractic care is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional regarding your baby’s individual needs. Outcomes vary between individuals, and no therapeutic claims are made. Any references to benefits relate to general wellbeing only.

Why Do Babies Get Tense?

What causes tension in babies?

1. Pregnancy Positioning

2. The Birth Process

3. Adapting to Life Outside the Womb

How do I know if my baby is holding tension?

What happens if tension isn’t addressed?

How chiropractic care can help baby tension

🌿 The Bump & Bub Chiro Difference

Important Considerations

FAQ

1. Do babies need chiropractic care only if there is a problem?

2. How does chiropractic care fit into a baby’s overall health team?

3. Can chiropractic care support a baby’s development?

4. Is chiropractic suitable for both newborns and older babies?

5. What makes baby chiropractic different from adult care?

REFERENCES

Disclaimer

How Chiropractic Care Supports Feeding, Digestion, and Sleep

What Actually Happens at a Baby Chiropractic Appointment?