Baby Chiropractor Adelaide
Help your baby feel and move like they should
Sure Start Chiropractic is a practice for parents that want their baby to feel great, sleep soundly and move freely.
Feel peace of mind knowing that your baby is on track and off to a good start.
Call 08 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
Difficulty turning the head equally, or fully, in both directions.
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, age-appropriate chiropractic care for infants, along with simple, practical home care guidance.
What our baby chiropractic includes
Assessment and explanation
We listen to your concerns, carefully check comfort and movement, and explain what we notice in clear terms.
- You share with us what you hope to achieve and any concerns you may have
- We perform a gentle but thorough assessment for your baby
- You hear what we find and the steps we suggest
Gentle hands-on options for infants
Techniques are very light and age-appropriate, with pauses for parents to ask questions.
- Gentle fingertip pressure, expertly applied, is typical; similar to the pressure tolerated on a closed eyelid
- Aim: restore comfort and “confidence” in local connective tissues, joint motion and the nervous system
- May also include soft-tissue massage, gentle mobilisation and stretching where suitable
- Parents are present throughout, and we proceed only with their consent.
Positioning and home strategies
Simple ideas help boost progress between visits and fit into daily routines
- Baby handling and positioning tips
- Pram, car seat and cot comfort suggestions
- Massage and simple exercises
- A short checklist so you know what to do
Safety and consent (infants)
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.
In our infant chiropractic approach, care focuses on restoring local joint motion “confidence” and comfort where it has been lost. We explain each step before we begin, parents are present throughout, and we proceed only with their consent. Parents can pause at any time, and we explain each step before proceeding.
What we screen before starting
Before commencing any treatment, we consider the health of the following body tissues:
- Connective tissues (muscles, ligaments and discs)
- Bone and cartilage
- Arteries and veins
- Brain, nerves and spinal cord
When we refer
If red flags are suspected, we pause and discuss next steps. Contraindications include possible spinal cord anomaly or compression, fracture, tumour, bone infection, vertebral artery abnormality, significant instability, or recent surgery.
Car seat or pram time unsettled? Gentle infant chiropractic with light treatment options and practical strategies that parents can use at home
What to expect from your baby’s consultation
From your first contact, we listen carefully to your concerns. We ask important questions about your child’s current presentation, pregnancy and delivery, illnesses, trauma, medication and more. During the visit, we assess posture, flexibility, tissue tone, and comfort, mostly on your lap, then explain our findings in simple terms. Care is tailored to your child’s age, using gentle, light-pressure techniques. You can pause, ask questions, or comfort your baby at any time.
You leave with a clear understanding of the findings, expected outcomes, number of visits, and likely timeframe. Home steps, positioning tips, and review times are included in the care plan so we can monitor progress together. For details on first appointments, please see our short step-by-step guide for new patients.
Still unsure if chiropractic is right for you?
Take advantage of our cost-free and obligation-free 15-minute consultation. 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.
Why choose Sure Start Health for baby chiropractic
Experienced paediatric focus
Dr Richard has over 25 years of experience and additional university training, with a fastidious age-appropriate approach for infants. Parents appreciate his clear explanations with agreed-upon visit schedules.
Gentle fingertip options
Light fingertip methods, including Neuro Impulse Protocol, are available when suitable. We explain each step, and you can pause at any time.
Simple strategies for home
You’ll receive advice on baby handling and positioning ideas you can use between visits, plus a review point so you know what to keep, add or change.
Independent clinic with easy access
Our Kingswood clinic is in Mitcham with parking near the door, including a wheelchair accessible parking bay, step-free entry and nearby public transport.
Fees and rebates for chiropractic services
Claim on the spot with HICAPS where your policy applies.
For complete information about fees, rebates and item codes, visit our Fees and Rebates page.
Our chiropractic policies
- Full payment is required at the time of treatment.
- If an appointment must be changed, 24 hours’ notice is appreciated.
- When less than 24 hours’ notice is given with a change or cancellation of appointment, a fee will apply. Read our Cancellation Policy here.
- Appointment reminders will be sent via SMS as a courtesy. They are not a substitute for remembering your scheduled appointments.
- If you have any questions or concerns about any element of your care (financial, clinical, other), please speak candidly to your Chiropractor.
- Please help our office run smoothly by arriving in our reception area a few minutes before each appointment. If you’re running late, please call us so we can advise you on how to proceed.
- Our Privacy Policy.
- Our Child Safe Policy, and related feedback forms.
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.