Gentle Chiropractic Care for Newborns: Helping Your Baby Release Tension

Did you know that most newborns are born with tension in their tiny bodies? After all, they’ve spent nine months curled up in the womb, and no matter how they enter the world—whether through a vaginal birth or cesarean, after a fast or slow labor—birth itself can be a stressful experience. Even just adapting to life outside the womb brings new challenges for their delicate bodies and nervous systems. Sometimes, that tension can show up in ways that make your baby uncomfortable.

Chiropractic care offers a safe and gentle way to help your baby’s body unwind, move with more ease, and thrive.

Here are some of the common ways newborn tension might show up:

• Crying That Just Won’t Stop

  • Crying is your baby’s first language—it’s how they let you know when they’re hungry, tired, or just need to be held. But if your baby cries for many hours a day, seems inconsolable, or arches their body with crying, this can be a sign of discomfort. When tension builds up in the spine or muscles, it can make your little one feel unsettled and fussy.

• Colic and Spit-Up Discomfort

  • Ever notice your baby wincing or squirming when they spit up? The mid-back is home to nerves that connect directly to the diaphragm and stomach. If communication through the nervous system is disrupted, it can make spitting up more uncomfortable, leading to increased fussiness or what many families describe as “colic.” Gentle chiropractic adjustments help restore clear communication so your baby’s body can function more comfortably.

• Trouble with Different Positions

  • Does your baby cry every time you buckle them into the car seat or try tummy time? Just like adults, babies avoid certain positions if those postures feel uncomfortable. Tension in different areas of the spine can make it hard for a newborn to tolerate being on their back, tummy, or secure in their seat. Releasing those restrictions often helps babies feel more at ease in multiple positions.

• Preferring to Look One Way

  • If your little one always looks to one side or seems uncomfortable turning their head, they may be experiencing tension in the head, neck, or jaw. This can also impact important milestones, like breastfeeding or motor development. A common condition known as torticollis—tightness or spasm of the neck muscle—limits movement and can cause ongoing imbalance if left unaddressed. Chiropractic care gently encourages better alignment and freedom of movement.

• Discomfort with Bowel Movements or Passing Gas

  • Digestive comfort is a big part of a happy baby. Sometimes tension in the glutes, pelvic floor, or lower back can affect how babies pass gas or have bowel movements. When the nervous system isn’t communicating properly with the bowels, it can leave your baby straining or uncomfortable. Gentle chiropractic adjustments and soft tissue work can improve this function, bringing relief for both baby and parent.

What a Chiropractic Visit for Babies Looks Like

Chiropractic care for infants is very gentle—there is absolutely no popping or cracking. During your visit, we’ll talk about your pregnancy, birth experience, and how your baby behaves during the day and night. We perform a thorough exam, looking at how your baby moves, their natural tendencies, primitive reflexes, and overall comfort.

If an adjustment is needed, it involves the lightest touch—no more pressure than you would comfortably place on your own eyelid. Babies often find sessions soothing, and they will not feel sore afterward. Parents are also shown simple stretches to do at home, so you can be confident in supporting your baby between visits.

Why Families Choose Dr. Mikayla

Dr. Mikayla works with babies and children every single day, drawing on her focused training through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association. She has taken extensive coursework in pediatric chiropractic care, giving her the confidence and knowledge to support newborns safely and effectively. Her goal is always to help families feel at ease and empower parents with tools to help their babies thrive.

If your newborn seems to be struggling with tension, discomfort, or any of the challenges above, chiropractic care may make a world of difference. Call our office today or book your appointment below—we’d love to help your little one feel more comfortable, connected, and calm.