Blog Post

Chiropractic Care for Infants & Toddlers 101

  • By The Mladenoff Clinic of Arizona Team
  • •
  • 01 Jun, 2023

Attention new mom's and mom's-to-be: Learn about the many benefits of chiropractic care specific for your infants and toddlers (and even prior to delivery and after!) 

The truth is that chiropractic care isn’t just for adults. Children of all ages are treated every day by chiropractors for a variety of health reasons. And when it comes to babies, they are never too small for an adjustment. In fact, it could be the best thing for them.

Childbirth is traumatic

Before we go into the various benefits of chiropractic care for babies, it’s important to point out that unless the baby comes out untouched, the birthing process is a traumatic experience for them. As the doctor is assisting the mother, they sometimes must twist and pull on the baby as it comes out of the birth canal. No matter how careful they are, these forceful movements can unknowingly hurt the baby’s shoulder(s) or neck. This can cause them to grow crooked or be in such pain that they cry all the time.

We believe a chiropractor should be a big part of a baby’s life. In fact, as soon as baby and mom are mobile, the baby needs to be checked out by a chiropractor, like Dr. Diana, as soon as possible to ensure the baby is happy and functioning properly.

Is it beneficial to take a baby to a chiropractor?

While many people might believe that chiropractic care is primarily for adults, it's also safe for newborn babies in the first few weeks following birth and can help them avoid problems such as ear infections, colic, and more.

Why even the smallest spines can benefit from chiropractic care

Why do kids get adjusted? 
While you don't need a specific reason to have your child adjusted, parents often initially seek out chiropractic care for a specific condition.  In younger children, it is often due to ear infections, colic, reflux or more broader coordination complaints.

What are the benefits of a pediatric chiropractor? 
It might not seem obvious, but studies have found that regular pediatric chiropractic appointments can be beneficial in boosting your child's brain development. It does this by reducing pressure on your bones and joints and well as the spine, enabling oxygenated blood and nutrients to reach and fuel the brain cells.

Do C section babies need chiropractors?
Some babies born via c section may also experience slower development, breathing conditions such as asthma, and weight issues like obesity. For all these reasons, the benefits of chiropractic care for C-section babies are very important.

7 benefits of chiropractic for infants

  • Adjusting misaligned vertebra
  • Post-birth recovery
  • Ease colic symptoms
  • Assist in treating and preventing ear infection
  • Boost Immune System
  • Decreases the risk of injury in toddlers 
  • Aid in proper physical development

Here are the top 10 reasons that parents bring their newborns in to check their spinal health:

  1. To maximize their child’s brain and nerve development (Wellness)
  2. To enhance their child’s immune system
  3. To strengthen immunity and reduce the incidence of colds, earaches, and general illness
  4. To help with colic and Irritable Baby Syndrome
  5. To help with asthma, breathing difficulties, and  allergies
  6. To improve spinal posture, crawling abnormalities, and latching/suckling issues in breastfeeding
  7. To improve their child’s ability to concentrate
  8. To assist with behavioral disorders and offer greater emotional well-being
  9. To help alleviate bed wetting and digestive problems
  10. To assist with sleep issues
Can a chiropractor help with colicky babies?
Yes, they can. There's evidence that baby chiropractic adjustments significantly improve colic symptoms. A 3-month long scientific study conducted in 2012 established that chiropractic care may help treat colic. In the study, fully 94 percent of the subjects experienced improved colic symptoms.

Call Dr. Diana at the Mladenoff Clinic of Arizona today

In the meantime, we urge you to bring your baby to a family chiropractor. Science has continually proven that chiropractic care is safe, and hundreds of thousands of parents say that it has provided a myriad of benefits for their children and babies. The Mladenoff Clinic of Arizona in Phoenix, AZ specializes in pediatric, pre- and postnatal chiropractic techniques and care. Healthcare ahead of the curve...wellness awaits you. 

Call or text us today for your next appointment: 1 (602) 524-0222 (Text is best). 

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