Pediatric Chiropractor for Babies and Kids

Looking for a pediatric chiropractor usually starts with a question. Is this safe for my baby? What does a visit even look like? Parents ask us those things every week at Hanson Chiropractic Center, and we're always happy to answer them. We see newborns, infants, toddlers, and kids of all ages, and we keep every visit gentle, calm, and easy on you both.

What a visit with a pediatric chiropractor looks like

It's much gentler than most parents expect. For babies, we use about as much pressure as you'd use to test a ripe tomato, just a fingertip. There's no twisting and no popping. Most babies stay relaxed in a parent's arms, and plenty of them fall asleep.

We start by talking with you about the pregnancy, the delivery, and how your baby has been feeding, sleeping, and moving. Then we gently check how your baby turns their head, how their neck and back move, and how they lie and kick. You're right there the whole time, and we explain what we're doing as we go.

Why parents bring their newborn or infant in

A hard delivery. A long labor, a vacuum or forceps delivery, or a C-section can be a lot for a tiny body. Many parents like to have their newborn checked afterward.

Always turning one way. Some babies prefer to look in one direction and fuss when you turn them the other way. Some nurse well on one side and struggle on the other. A tight neck can be part of that, so we check how your baby turns, working alongside your pediatrician.

A flat spot on the head. Babies who always lie the same way can develop a flat spot. Your pediatrician keeps an eye on that, and we can check whether a tight neck is making it hard for your baby to turn. We'll also show you tummy time ideas that help.

Peace of mind. Some parents simply want their baby checked. That's a perfectly good reason to come in.

Chiropractic care for growing kids

Kids bump, fall, and carry heavy backpacks, and growing bodies feel it. We see children for neck and back aches, sore muscles from sports, posture worries from hours on tablets and phones, and the knocks that come with being a kid. Teens who play sports often come in for the same strains and sprains adults do.

For kids, we use gentle adjustments that fit their size and age, along with simple stretches and tips for backpacks and screen time. If we notice something like a curve in the spine during a check, we'll let you know and help you get it looked at by your pediatrician. Read more about scoliosis.

How our pediatric chiropractor works alongside your doctor

Your pediatrician is your child's main doctor, and we're glad to work with them. Keep up with well-baby visits and vaccines on the schedule your pediatrician recommends. If we find anything during an exam that needs medical attention, we'll tell you right away and send you back to your pediatrician.

When to call your pediatrician right away

Call your pediatrician right away if a baby younger than 3 months has a temperature of 100.4°F or higher. The American Academy of Pediatrics lists that as an urgent sign. Get medical help right away if your child has trouble breathing, is very hard to wake, stops feeding or has far fewer wet diapers, has a bulging soft spot, or seems hurt after a fall. Call 911 in an emergency.

Questions parents ask a pediatric chiropractor

Is chiropractic care safe for babies?

With the right methods, yes. Baby care looks nothing like adult care. We use about as much pressure as you'd use to test a ripe tomato, and there's no twisting or popping. We go over your baby's health history first, and we'll tell you if anything we find needs your pediatrician.

How soon after birth can my newborn come in?

Once your pediatrician has done the first checkups, you can bring your newborn in. A lot of parents come in during the first few weeks, especially after a long or hard delivery. We'll schedule around naps and feedings.

My baby cries for hours every night. Can you help?

We hear that a lot, and we know how exhausting it gets. Have your pediatrician check first, since crying that long sometimes has a medical cause. After that, we're glad to see your baby. We'll check how they move and turn, and we'll tell you honestly what we find.

Can I stay with my child during the visit?

Always. You'll hold your baby or sit right next to your child the whole time, and we'll explain what we're doing as we go.

How many visits will my baby need?

Every baby is different. Some need only a visit or two. After the first exam, we'll tell you what we found and what we recommend, and you decide from there.

At what age do you see kids?

We see newborns, toddlers, and kids of all ages, right up through teens playing sports.

This page is general information and doesn't replace advice from your pediatrician. Results vary from child to child. New moms can read about our care for postpartum aches, or see everything else we help with on our Conditions We Treat page.