Osteopathic treatment for newborns, babies and toddlers may include cranial osteopathy, soft tissue massage and gentle mobilisations, depending your little one’s age and needs.
Cranial osteopathy is a gentle and subtle approach well-suited to infants, whose bodies often require only the lightest encouragement to find a more comfortable and balanced state.
A newborn who has had a stressful delivery will likely only require cranial osteopathy to help them find a more comfortable and balanced state. On the other hand, an 8-week-old with a flat head/head rotation preference or a toddler who is in-toeing may also need some soft tissue massage and joint mobilisation to encourage better range of movement. All treatments are provided on a case-by-case basis (there is no ‘one size’), and we always want parents to feel comfortable with the treatment.
Parents are often given guidance including exercises to do at home with their baby, recommendations on what to encourage and avoid, suggestions on purchases that may benefit them (e.g. an o-ball for a baby that has had a tongue-tie division), and feeding positions to complement the treatment and assist your baby’s development.
What can osteopathy help with for babies and toddlers?
- Postnatal check-ups (these can be useful for resolving subtle musculoskeletal asymmetries through the body)
- Difficulty settling (we will also discuss the likelihood of underlying issues that are not musculoskeletal, such as intolerances)
- Body tension from a difficult pregnancy and/or birth
- Releasing jaw tension associated with tongue and lip ties
- General aches and pains
- The impact of emotional distress on the body e.g. from a difficult pregnancy or birth
- Constipation
- Feeding difficulties
- Flat head syndrome (plagiocephaly and brachycephaly)
What will happen during my baby’s first appointment?
During your baby’s first appointment, their osteopath will take a detailed history, including information about the pregnancy, birth, and general health. A careful physical examination will then be carried out to assess joint mobility and symmetry, primitive and/or developing reflexes, and muscle tone.
If osteopathy is likely to benefit your baby, with your consent they will then receive treatment. Babies and toddlers usually enjoy treatment or fall asleep during it, and we have toys and books at the clinic to entertain them. Parents often feed their babies during treatment.
“I absolutely love Yasmin – she knows so well her job. I highly recommend her to anyone. We, both me and my child, received professional treatment.”
–Nargiza
