You’ve fed them, changed them, rocked them for what feels like the hundredth time. Still crying. If this is your evening on repeat, there’s a fair chance your baby has colic. And honestly? That’s one of the more common things we see at our practice.
Paediatric chiropractic care is helping families right here in Centurion find real colic relief for their babies, without medication and without invasive procedures.Learn more about our gentle approach to colic and reflux relief to get a sense of how it all works.
We’re going to cover what colic actually looks like, what could be happening inside your baby’s body, and why chiropractic techniques designed for newborns are making such a difference for local families.
How to Spot Colic Early
Most parents first notice it between six and eight weeks. The crying is louder and more intense than the usual fussing, and it tends to start around the same time each evening. Goes on for hours. Nothing seems to help.
Look out for clenched fists, knees pulled up tight, or your baby arching backwards. Those are telltale colic signs. Recognising them sooner rather than later gives you a head start on getting the right kind of help in place.
What Could Be Behind the Crying?
Colic doesn’t come from just one thing. A brand-new digestive system that’s still learning the ropes plays a big part. Trapped wind and feeds that aren’t processing smoothly are really common at this stage.
Reflux can be part of the picture too. That little valve between the stomach and oesophagus hasn’t fully matured yet, so milk can travel back up and cause discomfort. And then there’s the birth itself. Even an uncomplicated delivery is physically demanding for a newborn. Muscular tension around the spine and neck can stick around afterwards, making it harder for your baby to properly settle.
The good part? Every single one of these factors responds well to the kind of care we offer. A holistic assessment lets us look at everything together rather than guessing at just one cause.
What Paediatric Chiropractic Care Actually Involves
At The Chiropractors, we work with the whole body, not just one area. Our team uses craniosacral techniques and spinal adjustments that are specifically designed for newborns. How light is the touch? About the same pressure you’d use checking whether an avocado is ripe. Parents are always surprised by how soft it is.
The goal is to release musculoskeletal tension so the spine and nervous system can do their job properly. Once that happens, babies tend to digest more comfortably and sleep with less fuss.
So what are we actually working on during a session?
Muscular tension is usually the first thing we address. Birth can create tightness through the neck, shoulders, and spine, and releasing it often brings noticeable relief straight away, particularly around feed times.
Nervous system support is the other big piece. The spine and the nerves running through it are tightly connected. Small restrictions in the spine can interfere with how the nerves involved in digestion do their work, so freeing those up makes a real difference.
Feeding often improves as a result, because jaw, neck, and upper back tension all affect how a baby latches. And sleep? That’s usually what parents mention first at the follow-up. Less physical discomfort means babies drift off more easily and stay settled for longer stretches.
What Happens at the First Visit
New to chiropractic for babies? Completely normal. We start with a proper chat about your baby’s birth, how feeds have been going, and what the crying pattern looks like. No rushing. We want the full picture before we start anything hands-on.
The adjustment itself is incredibly soft. A lot of babies just lie there happily. Some fall asleep mid-session, which always makes us smile. You stay in the room the whole time, and we talk you through each step so there are no surprises.
We’ve been at this for over 20 years now, right here in Centurion, Eldoraigne, and the surrounding areas. Walking families through the colic phase and coming out the other side? Honestly, it’s one of the best parts of the job.
Things You Can Try at Home Between Visits
Chiropractic care takes care of the physical side. Between visits, though, there are a handful of really simple things you can do at home that parents tell us make a noticeable difference.
Tummy time builds core strength and gets the digestive system moving. Keep sessions short at first. A minute or two is plenty when they’re still getting used to it.
Smaller feeds, more often. Rather than bigger volumes in one go, breaking feeds into smaller portions can ease the load on a developing tummy. Keeping your baby slightly upright during and after feeds helps too.
The football hold is a classic for a reason. Lay your baby tummy-down along your forearm, give a gentle rock, and you’d be amazed how quickly some babies calm down.
And look after yourself while you’re at it. Seriously. You’re doing brilliantly. Swap shifts with your partner, call in a favour from someone you trust, and don’t feel bad about stepping out of the room for five minutes to regroup. Not giving up. Smart parenting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is chiropractic care safe for newborns?
Completely. Paediatric techniques are built specifically for tiny bodies and use extremely light pressure. We’ve been working with babies from just a few weeks old for over two decades now. Safety isn’t something we take lightly.
How quickly do babies respond?
That varies. Some parents tell us their baby was calmer that same evening. Others see things improve gradually across a few sessions. We’ll map out a realistic care plan at your first consultation so you know what to expect.
Do I need a referral from my paediatrician?
No, you don’t. Book directly with us whenever you’re ready. If you’d like us to coordinate with your paediatrician or GP, we’re happy to do that too.
Calmer Days Start Here
These early months should be something you look back on fondly. If colic has been making that difficult, we can help. It’s what we do best.
Get in touch with our team to book your consultation and start moving towards a calmer, more settled household.
