Why would you bring a baby to a chiropractor?

By Lucy Bartlett (Nomad Chiropractic)

Why Would a Baby Need to See a Chiropractor?

Gentle care, big impact — what infant chiropractic is really about

When people hear the words “chiropractor” and “baby” in the same sentence, it can raise eyebrows — and fair enough. At Nomad Chiropractic, we don’t “crack” newborns or treat them like tiny adults. In fact, our work with babies is one of the gentlest and most intuitive things we do.

But here’s the truth: the process of being born — even in the most straightforward labour — is physically demanding for a baby. Their tiny body, spine, and nervous system go through incredible compression, rotation, and adaptation just to enter the world. And in cases where labour is prolonged, assisted, or surgical, the strain can be even greater.

So what does chiropractic care for babies actually involve?

Chiropractic in infancy is about supporting the nervous system, gently easing biomechanical tension, and helping the body regain balance after birth. It’s not about treating disease or chasing symptoms. It’s about creating space for optimal function — especially in those crucial early weeks when babies are learning how to suck, swallow, digest, turn their head, and settle.

Common signs parents bring their baby in for include:

• Difficulty latching, especially to one breast
• Reflux or frequent vomiting
• A flat spot on the head (plagiocephaly)
• Torticollis or a strong head-turning preference
• Excessive crying or difficulty settling
• Constipation or wind
• Stiffness or arching when lying down
• Delays in lifting the head or tummy time struggles

These aren’t diagnoses — they’re signs your baby might be experiencing tension, misalignment, or nervous system stress. And that’s where we can help.

The Birth Process Matters

Studies show that assisted births — including vacuum, forceps, or cesarean sections — are more likely to result in musculoskeletal strain on the newborn (Black et al., 2015). Even a long or fast labour can create subtle patterns of tension in the spine or skull that affect feeding, digestion, or sleep.

And because the nervous system is developing at lightning speed in those first few months, the earlier we can support balance and function, the better.

What does an infant chiropractic session look like?

At Nomad, our baby appointments are:
• Gentle and baby-led (often while feeding or sleeping)
• Based on subtle cranial and spinal movement
• Rooted in a neurologically-informed approach (including primitive reflexes, tone assessment, and vagus nerve support)
• Respectful of each child’s unique story

There is no cracking or forceful adjustment. Most babies are relaxed, soothed, and visibly more at ease after a session.

Why the Nervous System?

The nervous system controls everything: sucking, swallowing, digestion, temperature regulation, immune response, and sleep cycles. If there’s mechanical tension — say, in the neck, cranium, or diaphragm — it can compromise these functions. Chiropractic aims to remove interference and help the body restore its natural rhythm.

Is chiropractic care for babies safe?

Yes. Research consistently supports the safety of chiropractic care in infants when delivered by trained professionals (Todd et al., 2021; Miller & Newell, 2012). At Nomad, we use gentle, specific techniques that respect the unique physiology of the infant body.

We also refer out when necessary — whether to a GP, paediatric physio, lactation consultant (IBCLC), dentist, or osteopath — and we document everything thoroughly.

The Nomad Difference

Our approach is different because:
• We treat the whole baby, not just the symptom
• We educate and empower parents
• We honour your intuition and observations
• We collaborate with other birth and infant care providers
• We create a calm, regulated space for the entire family

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

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

  Not always. Some parents bring their babies for wellness check-ups, while others seek care when concerns like tension, feeding, or sleep arise.

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

  Chiropractic compliments—not replaces—medical and allied health care. Many families combine it with GP, paediatric, or lactation consultant support.

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

  Chiropractors often focus on alignment, movement, and nervous system function, which may support babies as they reach important milestones.

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

  Yes. Techniques are always modified to a baby’s size, age, and stage of development.

• 5. What makes baby chiropractic different from adult care?

  Adjustments for babies use fingertip pressure, gentle stretches, and subtle holds—completely different from adult techniques.

REFERENCES

• Black, F., et al. (2015). Birth interventions and musculoskeletal issues in newborns. Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics.
• Miller, J. E., & Newell, D. (2012). Safety of chiropractic manual therapy in children. Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, 20(1).
• Todd, A. J., et al. (2021). Adverse events due to chiropractic care in children: A systematic review. BMJ Open.