What paediatric chiropractic is
Children are not small adults. Their joints, muscles and nervous system are still developing, so their care is different: lighter pressure, more play and plenty of time for questions.
For babies and toddlers we use only gentle, low-force techniques, such as light fingertip pressure and gentle stretches. We do not use spinal manipulation on babies or young children.
Depending on your child's age, we look at:
- How your baby or child moves, sits, crawls, walks or runs
- How the head and neck turn, and any preference for one side
- Early reflexes in babies and young children
- Posture as they grow, including school bags and screen time
- Feeding and mouth function, alongside your lactation consultant
You stay in the room the whole time. Babies can be assessed on your lap or in your arms, and we move at your child's pace.
Who it can help
Parents usually come to us because they, their lactation consultant or GP have noticed something about how their child moves or feeds.
Babies
- A preference for turning the head one way, or a flat spot starting on one side of the head
- Feeding and latching difficulties, alongside your lactation consultant
- Tongue tie, with support before and after a release
- Parents who would like their baby's movement checked after birth
Children and teens
- Sports injuries and strains as they get active
- Posture concerns, heavy school bags and long hours at screens
- Back and neck pain in older children and teens
- Mouth breathing and an open-mouth posture, with myofunctional therapy where it suits
What an appointment involves
Every plan follows the same five steps, adapted to your child's age.
Listen
We take a full history: pregnancy and birth, feeding, sleep, milestones and anything you have noticed. Please bring your child's health record (the green book) and any reports.
Assess
A gentle, play-based check of how your child moves, their posture, head and neck, and reflexes, in your arms or on your lap when that is more comfortable.
Explain
What we found, what we suggest, how long it should take and what it costs, in simple terms. Then you decide.
Care
Gentle, low-force techniques adapted to age. We explain each one, ask before we start, and pause whenever your child needs a feed, a cuddle or a break.
Home and review
Simple ideas for home, such as play positions and tummy time for babies, then a review at set points to see how your child is going.
When you book, please use your child's name and details, not yours. This keeps their clinical records accurate and makes sure the right reminders are sent.
How it fits with your other care
Paediatric chiropractic sits alongside the care your family already has. With your permission, we share what we find so everyone works from the same plan.
- Lactation consultants
For feeding and latching concerns in the early weeks, we work alongside the people supporting your feeds.
- GPs and paediatricians
We work alongside your child's GP and paediatrician, and with your permission we keep them in the loop.
- Dentists
For tongue tie, mouth breathing and how the mouth develops, alongside myofunctional therapy.
If your child's assessment shows further investigation is needed, we work alongside your GP or paediatrician to arrange it.
Questions about paediatric chiropractic
Is chiropractic care gentle enough for babies?
Yes. Care for babies is gentle and low-force, using light fingertip pressure and gentle stretches, never spinal manipulation. It always starts with a thorough assessment, and a parent stays in the room throughout.
What age can children see a chiropractor?
Any age, from newborns to teens. Every assessment and technique is adapted to your child's age and stage of development.
Will my child's care hurt?
No. Care for children is gentle and adapted to their age. We move at your child's pace and pause whenever they need a feed, a cuddle or a break.
Do I stay in the room with my child?
Yes. A parent or carer stays in the room for every appointment, for babies, children and teens.
Do you work with my child's other health professionals?
Yes. We work alongside lactation consultants, GPs, paediatricians and dentists, and with your permission we keep them updated.
Do I need a referral for my child?
No. You can book directly online or by phone. Please bring your child's health record and any reports you have.
Can I claim my child's chiropractic care on my health fund?
Yes, if your extras cover includes chiropractic. We accept private health insurance.
