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  • Writer's pictureDr. Taylor Ferguson

Why Take Your Newborn Baby to the Chiropractor? The Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Infants

Updated: Jun 7, 2023

Parenthood is an incredible journey, but it comes with the responsibility of ensuring your child’s well-being. As infants grow and develop, their delicate bodies undergo many changes. One valuable resource for promoting optimal health and development is chiropractic care. While often associated with adults for neck and back pain, you may wonder why it would be necessary for a newborn baby to see a chiropractor. Chiropractic care can offer a range of benefits for infants as well! Read on to explore the many reasons to take advantage of chiropractic care for infants.



1. Enhancing Nervous System Function

The nervous system plays a crucial role in an infant’s development and overall health. Chiropractic care focuses on the spine which houses and protects the spinal cord, a vital part of the nervous system. Even small, gentle adjustments to the spine can help ensure proper alignment, facilitating optimal nervous system function. By removing any potential interference of the spinal nerves, small adjustments to the vertebra can enhance the brain’s ability to communicate with the body effectively, allowing baby to adapt to new stressors of their world outside the womb.


2. Promoting Healthy Growth and Development

Infancy is a period of rapid growth and development. Chiropractic adjustments can help to support this process by addressing any misalignments or imbalances that may arise. These misalignments often caused by birth trauma or positioning inside the womb, can hinder proper growth and development. Adjustments can also stimulate the Parasympathetic Nervous System to encourage rest, healing and digestion. By gently adjusting the spine, a chiropractor can relieve tension and restore the correct alignment, allowing the infant’s body to grow and develop at their highest expression of life.


3. Supporting a Strong Immune System

Although we are self healing organisms designed to be in good health, infants are more susceptible to common illnesses because the immune system is still developing. Chiropractic care can contribute to a stronger immune system by ensuring the nervous system is functioning at its best. When the nervous system is free from interference, it can better regulate immune responses and promote overall wellness. By removing spinal misalignments, chiropractic care supports the body’s natural ability to fight off infection, allergies and other health challenges.


4. Alleviating Common Infant Issues

During the early months of life, infants may experience a range of common issues, such as colic, reflux, difficulty feeding or latching, torticollis, plagiocephaly or flat spot on their head, sleeping troubles, constipation, and reaching new milestones. Chiropractic care can provide relief by addressing the underlying causes of these problems. Gentle adjustments can help alleviate tension in the spine and nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing discomfort. By restoring balance, chiropractic care can assist in resolving these common infant issues, providing relief for both the baby and their parents.


5. Supporting Overall Well-Being

Chiropractic care for infants is not solely about addressing specific health concerns. It also aims to promote overall well-being and optimize the body’s natural healing abilities. By maintaining proper spinal alignment, chiropractic care can help infants thrive by supporting their physical, emotional, and neurological development. This proactive approach focuses on nursing a healthy foundation from the early stages of life, setting the stage for a lifetime of well- being. The chiropractic adjustment for a newborn baby, and even a young child, is completely different than that for an adult. It is a safe, gentle and effective technique - just a slight pressure on a specific vertebrae, no more than you would use to dent a ripe tomato. Their bones are much more cartilaginous and easily moved.


Chiropractic care offers a safe and effective means of supporting an infant’s growth and development. It plays a valuable role in enhancing nervous system function, promoting healthy growth, boosting the immune system, alleviating common issues, and supporting overall well- being, chiropractic care can play a valuable role in an infant’s early years. If you are considering chiropractic care for your baby, it is essential to consult with trained chiropractors who have a focus in pediatric care. The International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) offers a directory of chiropractors who have gone through specific training in dealing with children. By partnering with a trained professional, you can ensure that your child receives the best possible care, unlocking the benefits of chiropractic for their optimal development and long-term health.

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