Experienced Baby Chiropractor Adelaide
Helping parents understand feeding, comfort, sleep, movement and development concerns in babies.
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Call: 8272 2862
As a parent, it can be difficult when your baby seems uncomfortable, unsettled or struggles with everyday activities such as feeding, tummy time or turning their head freely.
Many parents simply want answers.
At Sure Start Chiropractic, Dr Richard Mathers takes the time to understand your concerns, assess your baby’s development and explain findings in clear, easy-to-understand language.
With over 26 years of clinical experience and additional university training in chiropractic paediatrics, Richard regularly works with babies and young children from across Adelaide.
Why Parents Seek Chiropractic Care For Their Baby
Parents commonly visit us because they have noticed:
Excessive crying or irritability
When parents feel something may not be quite right.
Sleeping problems
Difficulty getting settled down to sleep, or staying asleep.
Flat head syndrome
Flattening on one side or the back of the head.
Feeding difficulties
Discomfort or preference feeding on one side.
Neck stiffness or torticollis
Difficulty turning the head equally, or fully, in both directions. Head tilted to one side.
Tummy time challenges
Difficulty lifting or turning the head.
Crawling or walking concerns
Delays, asymmetries or discomfort in early movement patterns.
Car-seat discomfort
Excessive crying or discomfort when strapped into their car seat or capsule.
After a difficult birth
Awkward infant positioning in late pregnancy, head engaged early, forceful or prolonged delivery.
Understanding The Whole Picture
Many parents arrive looking for treatment.
Our first priority is understanding the situation.
Every baby is different.
For that reason, assessment may include:
- Pregnancy history
- Birth history
- Feeding history
- Sleep patterns
- Developmental milestones
- Movement patterns
- Head shape assessment
- Neck movement assessment
- Age-appropriate neurological observations
Our goal is to build a clear understanding of your baby’s situation before discussing possible management options.
What Does Chiropractic Care For Babies Involve?
Assessment and care for babies look very different from chiropractic care for adults.
Techniques are specifically adapted for infants and involve very gentle forces.
Parents remain with their baby throughout the visit.
The focus is always on:
- Comfort
- Safety
- Movement
- Development
- Function
Recommendations may include:
- Advice for positioning and handling
- Tummy time strategies
- Home exercises
- Developmental guidance
- Referral where appropriate
- Chiropractic treatment when indicated
Collaborative Healthcare
Good healthcare is rarely about one profession.
Depending on the situation, babies may also benefit from assessment by:
- Maternal and Child Health Nurses
- General Practitioners
- Paediatricians
- Physiotherapists
- Lactation Consultants
- Cranial Orthotists
If we believe another healthcare provider is needed, we will discuss this openly and help guide you towards appropriate care.
Meet Dr Richard Mathers
Richard has been in full-time practice since 1999 and holds a Master of Science degree in Chiropractic Paediatrics.
He regularly works with babies and young children and has undertaken extensive additional study in infant development, movement and musculoskeletal health.
His approach is centred around careful assessment, clear communication and helping parents make informed decisions.
Frequently asked questions for baby chiropractor Adelaide
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Is chiropractic care safe for babies?
Chiropractic care for babies in Australia has an excellent safety record. An independent review on spinal manipulation of children under 12, by Safer Care Victoria in 2019, found no cases of serious harm in Australia.
How old does my baby need to be?
Babies can be assessed from their very first days of life. Richard has undertaken extensive postgraduate training in paediatric chiropractic and is experienced in caring for infant spines from birth onwards.
Do I need a referral?
No.
Will treatment hurt my baby?
Chiropractic care for babies uses very gentle techniques that are specifically adapted for an infant’s size, age and stage of development.
Most babies remain calm during care, and many parents are surprised by how gentle the techniques are. If your baby becomes unsettled at any time, we simply stop and adjust our approach. Your baby’s comfort and safety are always our priority. Parents are welcome to stay with their baby throughout the visit and ask questions at any stage.
What should I bring to the appointment?
Just you, your baby and your change bag. Your Blue Book can be handy but not essential. We have baby change facilities and a safe place for breastfeeding too.
We have a playroom for siblings too if required.
How many visits will my baby need?
Every baby is different, so we don’t use predetermined treatment plans or recommend a set number of visits before we have completed an assessment.
Based on what we find, we will explain whether chiropractic care is likely to help, what goals we are aiming for, and what options are available.
Some babies are seen for only a small number of visits, while others may benefit from ongoing monitoring for a period of time. Any recommendations will be based on your baby’s individual needs, and the decision about how much care to receive is always yours.
Will chiropractic help my baby?
Your chiropractor will provide an honest impression of whether chiropractic care is likely to help after the initial assessment. Every case is unique, and if your chiropractor is unsure or feels chiropractic care isn’t appropriate, they won’t hesitate to recommend further investigations or refer you to another healthcare professional.
Will the chiropractor ‘crack’ or ‘pop’ my baby’s neck?
No. Gentle fingertip pressure is typically all that is required. The kind of pressure that could be tolerated over a closed eyelid. Soft tissue massage, mobilisation and gentle stretching may also be utilised.
Your Chiropractor will explain everything as he goes and only proceed once you are completely comfortable.
Can I stay with my baby during the session?
Absolutely, parents are present and close by for the entire visit. Parts of exam are carried out on the parents lap.
How can a baby even have a spine problem?
See blog post here – ‘How can a baby have a spine problem?’
What signs can a parent look for in their baby?
See blog post here – ‘Are joint problems in babies always obvious?’
If I start chiropractic care, will I need to keep coming?
Any ongoing care will depend on various factors, including your child’s specific condition, their response to treatment, and your specific health goals as a parent.
In some cases, chiropractic care may provide immediate relief or resolve the issue after a few sessions, and no further treatment may be necessary. However, for some conditions, ongoing maintenance visits might be recommended to manage symptoms and prevent recurrence.
Gentle infant chiropractic with light treatment options and practical strategies that parents can use at home
Still unsure if chiropractic is right for you?
Take advantage of our cost-free and obligation-free 15-minute consultation (can be found at online bookings). Meet the Chiropractor, ask questions, share your concerns and get a better idea of what to expect and if chiropractic will likely be suitable for your needs.
Contact Sure Start Chiropractic
If you’re a parent with questions about your baby’s comfort, feeding, sleep, head shape, tummy time, pram or car seat, tell us what you’re seeing. Contact us today for an initial consultation.