Colic and Fussy Babies: Gentle Chiropractic Care in Edmond, OK

Colic is rough. Your baby cries for hours, nothing you try seems to help, and by evening you're worn out. If this sounds like your house, you're not doing anything wrong. Colic shows up in healthy babies all the time, and most parents we meet feel the same mix of worry and exhaustion. At Hanson Chiropractic Center, we offer gentle care for baby colic in Edmond, OK, and we're here for the parents holding those babies too.

What baby colic looks like

Doctors usually say colic when a healthy baby cries more than three hours a day. This happens on at least three days a week, for three weeks or longer. Colic starts in the first few weeks, tends to peak between four and six weeks, and fades by month three or four, according to MedlinePlus. Nobody knows exactly why colic happens. Gas, a digestive system still growing up, and a baby who gets overwhelmed easily all get the blame.

Start with a quick visit to your pediatrician

We always suggest a check with your pediatrician first. Crying sometimes comes from reflux, a feeding problem, or an infection, and you'll rest easier knowing nothing else is going on. Once your pediatrician says your baby is healthy, we're glad to see you.

How gentle care fits in with baby colic

Birth is a big event for a tiny body. Some babies come out a little tense, or they favor one side when they nurse or turn their head. Our chiropractors are trained in techniques made for babies. They check how your baby moves, look for spots of tightness, and use a light touch, far gentler than an adult adjustment. We go slowly, explain each step, and you stay right beside your baby the whole time.

Many parents tell us their baby seems calmer, feeds better, and sleeps longer after a few visits. Every baby is different, so we take things one visit at a time.

What your first visit looks like

We start with a conversation. How was the birth? How does feeding go? When does the crying hit hardest? Then we gently check your baby's neck, back, and hips and watch how your baby moves. Before you leave, we tell you what we found and what we'd suggest. If you keep a feeding log, bring the log along.

Fill out your new patient paperwork ahead of time to save a few minutes. You'll also find the people who will care for you on our team page.

What helps at home

Hold your baby upright after feeds and burp often. A swaddle, soft white noise, or a warm bath settles many babies. A baby carrier keeps your hands free during the fussy hours, and a gentle bounce or walk around the house helps too. Take breaks when you need them, and hand your baby to someone you trust. If you feel overwhelmed, lay your baby on the back in a crib and step away for a few minutes. Never shake a baby.

When to call the doctor right away

Trust your gut. A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher in a baby under three months needs medical care right away. Call your pediatrician or head to the emergency room if your baby refuses to eat or vomits green or forcefully. Do the same for blood in the stool or fewer wet diapers. Call 911 if your baby seems limp, hard to wake, or has trouble breathing.

Questions about baby colic in Edmond

Does chiropractic care help with colic?

Many parents tell us their baby seems calmer, feeds better, and sleeps longer after gentle care. We don't promise a result, and every baby is different. We always suggest a pediatrician check first, then we take things one visit at a time.

Is gentle care safe for a newborn?

Our chiropractors use techniques made for babies, with a much lighter touch than adults get. We go over your baby's birth and health history before we begin, and you stay right beside your baby the whole time.

How do I know if my baby has colic?

Doctors say colic when a healthy baby cries more than three hours a day, on at least three days a week, for three weeks or longer. Your pediatrician confirms what is going on and rules out other causes.

What helps a colicky baby at home?

Hold your baby upright after feeds and burp often. A swaddle, soft white noise, a warm bath, or a gentle bounce settles many babies. A carrier keeps your hands free during fussy hours. Take breaks when you need them.

When should my newborn come in?

Call us once your pediatrician has checked your baby. We find a time which works around naps and feeds, and we start with a conversation about the birth and how feeding goes.

How many visits will my baby need?

Every baby is different. After the first visit, we tell you what we found and what we recommend, and we go from there.

What about my own aches?

Hours of rocking and carrying leave plenty of parents with a sore neck and back. Read about our care for nursing moms and stress and tension.

This page gives general information and does not replace advice from your physician. Individual results vary. Read about other concerns we help with on our Conditions We Treat page.