Parenting can sometimes feel like you're losing your mind. I’ve been there.

It’s exhausting and scary, especially when you're getting all kinds of conflicting advice. And if you're a first-time mom? Whew. The pressure is intense.

But here’s the truth: You know your child better than anyone else.

If your gut is saying, "Something's not right," trust it.

If your baby is inconsolable, maybe we can help. We’ve seen infants improve with a little gentle adjustment. 

If your young child crawls wonky, or seems “off” after a big fall, we can help you figure out what's going on, and help their bodies feel and work better. 

There are a few reasons your baby might be uncomfortable, or your toddler may seem off. There are certain cases where chiropractic can help babies and young children with discomfort or imbalance.

Typical infant conditions chiropractic can help with. 

Babies cry. That part is normal. But if your baby cries all the time, it's worth investigating.

The crying isn’t random: It’s a message.

Common symptoms that we see in infants include: Troubled feeding, poor sleep, or seeming “stuck” in their little body.

Some of the most common reasons I see fussy babies in my practice include:

Acquired Torticollis: When your baby prefers one side

Does your baby always turn their head to the same side?

Do they only feed well on one breast?

Have you noticed in photos that their head's always tilted the same way?

Those are signs of acquired torticollis.

What is acquired torticollis?

A gentle misalignment or tightness in the neck that limits motion.

How acquired torticollis happens:

Acquired torticollis in babies can come from birth trauma, in-utero position, or even just sleeping funny.

Babies are tiny, and their necks are sensitive. Sometimes the compression during delivery or use of tools like forceps or vacuum can affect their spine and create discomfort.

How we as chiropractors help with acquired torticollis:

• Check baby’s range of motion
• Release tight muscles in their neck and shoulders
• Use soft, gentle pressure to realign their bones (we’re talking the amount of pressure you’d use to press on your eye to take out a contact)

Acquired torticollis can affect how babies feed, how their posture develops, and even how their heads shape. The sooner we address it, the easier it is to resolve.

Infant Digestion Issues: Colic and Constipation

Is your baby red-faced, curled up, and crying like they're in pain?

Are they straining to poop or going days without a bowel movement?

These can be signs of colic or constipation.

Any discomfort in the digestive system that causes pain or gas can make your baby irritable and fussy.

I once had a baby come in who was super hyper, and the mom kept saying, “She’s just so wound up all the time.”

Eventually, we started talking more about their day-to-day, and it turned out the nursing mom was drinking ten Dr. Peppers a day.

I adjusted the baby and suggested a few simple changes—like cutting out caffeine after noon. The baby's sleep and digestion improved dramatically.

Sometimes it's not just about the baby. It’s about the whole system they’re part of.

How infant digestion issues happen:

Digestive issues can be related to tension in the nervous system, poor feeding posture, overstimulation, or even something in the nursing parent's diet.

Babies are highly sensitive to their environment and what they ingest.

How we as chiropractors help with infant digestion issues:

• Gentle adjustments to the spine to support the nerves that regulate digestion
• Teaching feeding positions that calm the baby’s system
• Coaching parents on calming routines and, if relevant, reviewing the nursing parent’s diet

We've seen babies have a bowel movement right in the office after a gentle adjustment. No joke.

Sometimes they just need a little nudge to get things moving.

Plagiocephaly: When your baby has a flat spot on their head

Does your baby have a noticeable flat spot on one side of their head?

Are you worried it might not round out on its own? We can help ease your mind.

What is plagiocephaly?

Plagiocephaly is a flattening on one part of the skull. It's commonly called "flat head syndrome."

How plagiocephaly happens:

Plagiocephaly can result from too much time in one position (babies in car seats, swings, etc.).

It can also come from how the baby was positioned in the womb or during delivery.

How we as chiropractors help with plagiocephaly:

• Gentle cranial work to encourage movement in their skull bones (remember, their heads are meant to be moldable at this stage!)
• Releasing tension and guiding better movement patterns
• Educating parents on positioning and balancing time between lying down, being held, and doing upright activities

And please don' t worry: We don’t reshape their skulls like putty! We simply support the natural movement their bodies already want to do.

Toddler Development Issues: Crawling, Walking, and Falls

Is your toddler crawling unevenly?

Did they skip crawling altogether and go straight to walking?

Have they had a big fall on their bum that changed how they move?

What are typical toddler development issues chiropractors help with?

Movement imbalances or alignment issues can occur with toddlers. They show up as uneven crawling, unsteady walking, or regression after a fall.

How toddler development issues happen:

These may stem from spinal or pelvic misalignments, especially after a fall.

They may also come from how their nervous system and body are developing.

How we as chiropractors help with toddler development issues:

• Assess movement and alignment patterns
• Gently adjust any areas that are stuck or imbalanced
• Support parents with simple ways to encourage better movement

Toddler adjustments are always easy-going and gentle.

We don’t expect your two-year-old to lie still on the table.

Sometimes we’re on the floor, playing.

Sometimes we "treat" a stuffed animal first.

Sometimes they get to "adjust" us.

We follow their lead, and make their visit feel more like playtime.

Is pediatric chiropractic really safe?

Yes. Adjustments on children are very gentle.

When performed by a trained, experienced chiropractor, infant and toddler adjustments are safe.

We use minimal pressure, and always prioritize your child's comfort.

Your baby’s and toddler's bones aren’t fully formed yet.

Their nervous systems are super receptive.

They don’t need a lot of force—just a gentle nudge to help their bodies do what they’re already trying to do.

How often should you bring your babies and small children to the chiropractor?

Some families bring their little ones in regularly—once a month, just to keep everything on track.

These parents want an extra set of eyes on development and a nervous system check-in as their kids grow.

One family we serve regularly brings their four-year-old who’s been coming since birth.

He used to be too shy to even let me touch him—now he plays chiropractor and adjusts me first! I love getting a good adjustment!

Other families come only when something’s going on.

These parents are concerned about constipation, wonky crawling, or a rough fall.

We're happy to see you when it feels right for you.

We’ll treat the issue and support your child’s growth, no matter how often you need to see us. 

You as a parent know what’s best.

You are the expert on your baby. You know your toddler better than anyone.  

If something feels off, there may be a reason.

Chiropractic care could be the thing that finally helps.

Tried everything, but your child is still uncomfortable, cranky, or off? Book online to come see us in Aptos. 

Our chiropractors will meet you where you are—on the floor, with a toy, in your worry, or in your hope. We’re here to support you and your young child's healthy development.