Welcoming a new baby into the world is one of life’s most joyful experiences, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. From colic to feeding difficulties, parents often search for safe, natural ways to help their babies thrive and set them up for healthy development as they grow. For a holistic, gentle, and non-invasive option, consider pediatric chiropractic care. While it might not be the first thing that comes to mind, working with a chiropractor like Dr. Kimberly Nelson, certified in working with children, can offer several benefits in those early stages of life, even for babies who are just a few days old.
1. Ease the Effects of Birth Trauma
Even in the smoothest deliveries, the birthing process places a great deal of pressure on a baby’s delicate body. In more complicated or assisted births, such as those involving forceps, vacuum extraction, or C-sections, this pressure can be even more pronounced. Misalignments in the spine or neck may occur, potentially leading to discomfort or trouble with basic functions like latching or sleeping. A chiropractor trained to treat infants can gently assess and address these areas, helping the body find balance again.
2. Supports Healthy Development
The spine protects the central nervous system, which controls nearly everything in the body, from digestion to sleep patterns. If a newborn’s spine is slightly misaligned, it can affect how the nervous system communicates with the rest of the body. These subtle misalignments may also make it harder for babies to move freely, which becomes more noticeable if a baby is late on physical milestones such as rolling over, sitting up, or crawling. Gentle chiropractic care may help optimize nerve function and support better range of motion and muscle coordination in infants, so they reach those important milestones and develop in a healthy, supported way.
3. Encourages Better Feeding
Babies can’t tell us what’s wrong with their words, but their bodies often give us clues. If you notice your baby has difficulty turning their head to nurse, this could be the result of tension in the jaw, neck, or spine. Tension in these areas can also cause newborns to develop a preference for turning their head one way, which can lead to flattened areas on the skull (positional plagiocephaly) or neck tightness (torticollis). A chiropractic evaluation and resulting treatment can help treat this tension and ensure a properly aligned spine. By easing tension and ensuring things are in alignment, babies can experience more effective and satisfying nursing sessions.
4. Assist with Infant Reflux
Maybe you’ve got feeding, but what about after a baby is done eating? Spitting up is common in newborns, but persistent reflux can make feeding difficult and uncomfortable. Visiting a chiropractor for infant reflux may help. Chiropractors focus on proper spinal alignment, which enhances nervous system function. Certain gentle techniques also reduce pressure on the nerves that control digestion. Both of these things can help improve bodily functions for babies. While chiropractic care is not a cure-all, it may ease infant reflux symptoms and improve the baby’s feeding experience.
5. Improve Sleep Patterns
One of the most critical parts of healthy development for infants is sleep. And it’s important for parents, too! After receiving treatment from a chiropractor, parents often find their baby seems more relaxed and sleeps more soundly. This could be due to reduced tension in the body or improved nervous system regulation. Visiting a newborn chiropractor in Reno may lead to better sleep for everyone in the family.
6. May Help with Colic and Fussiness
Colic can be distressing for both babies and parents. While the exact cause of colic isn’t always clear, some theories suggest that gas buildup, immature digestion, or spinal misalignment might play a role. While results can vary, some families notice that receiving a gentle adjustment from a newborn chiropractor can help their babies feel calmer and ease colicky symptoms.
7. Help You Bond with Your Baby
At Kindred Care, we’re passionate about supporting healthy development in babies. However, one benefit that cannot be overlooked is how chiropractic care affects your relationship with your baby. When your baby is able to feed well and is less fussy, bonding becomes much easier. This particular benefit is less clinical, but no less important to the baby’s overall well-being. Whether you want to visit a chiropractor for infant reflux, colic, or simply to give your baby a healthy start in life, chiropractic care can help. As a newborn chiropractor in Reno, NV, Dr. Nelson prioritizes the safety of her infant patients and tailors treatments to their unique needs. Make an appointment today to learn more about how pediatric chiropractic care can support your baby’s growth and development.
