Written by Karen Habershon DC MChiro CCEP

There is so much confusion when it comes to treating anyone but even more so babies. As a parent all you want is the best for your baby and, when struggling with the excessive amount of information available on the internet and friends and family offering varying advice, many feel very confused and lost.

So, what is Cranial Sacral treatment?

Cranial Sacral therapy (aka CranioSacral therapy) is a gentle way of working with the body using a light touch, mainly on the bones of the head and sacrum (a triangular bone at the bottom of the spinal column). It is so gentle that it is suitable for everyone from babies to the elderly. It was originally developed by two osteopaths, John Sutherland and Andrew Stills. But many professions now use it including chiropractors. 

The great thing is it’s non-invasive and natural (drug free).

It’s so gentle, forces used are no greater than those you would use to test the ripeness of a tomato. Treatment may be applied to the skull (cranium), neck, back and sacrum or a combination of them. It is very relaxing and calming for your baby (in fact many fall asleep during their gentle treatment!). 

Parents often joke about us coming home with them and call us ‘baby whisperers’.

Working with paediatrics is not for every Chiropractor, but those who do, generally have a huge passion for it and will guide you within their skills and ability, and , in some cases, referring you to another healthcare professional if deemed necessary.

Our priority is your baby getting the correct care. 

A Chiropractor’s extensive training prepares them for spotting what they can and can’t help with. A paediatric Chiropractor will examine your baby, check for development such as milestones, do a physical examination and then give advice on various aspects/issues. Treatment consists of very gentle body work during which the baby usually relaxes, laughs or falls asleep (or farts and poops!) Or all of the above.

Why would you take your baby to a Chiropractor?

• Babies love Cranial Chiropractic! They often love it so much they fall asleep.

• Many parents bring their babies to us with a whole host of issues or even just for a ‘post-birth check-up’.

• Cranial work may help to relax your baby.

The difference between an Osteopath and Chiropractor

This is a question that comes up a lot. The short answer is that every Chiropractor and Osteopath is unique and different and will have special interest and skills – It is more important to find someone that works for you. Both professions use similar techniques. You need to feel comfortable and confident with your choice.

Perhaps not the answer you were looking for but it’s the truth. A good Chiropractor and Osteopath wants your baby to have the best care available to them and therefore will only persist with treatment they feel will be beneficial.

Here are a few key questions you should consider when selecting a Chiropractor or Osteopath 

·       Are they qualified?

·       Are they registered?

·       Do they have a special interest in Paediatrics?

·       Do they have additional training in Paediatric care?

·       Have you seen recommendations for them?

Chiropractors aim to improve the bodies mechanics to allow natural healing. The human body has the ability to heal itself, but sometimes a helping hand can help kick start this process and relieve unnecessary discomfort.

For more information about Chiropractic Cranial Sacral Therapy for babies visit: The CranioSacral Therapy Association and The Upledger Institute (The developer of CranioSacral Therapy).

While you are here why not check out our video guides on various topics including behaviour, sleep, teens and tweens and more - for information - click here.

Don’t forget that we offer parent consultations should you need support with anything from sleep to behaviour and so much more! Details of the packages we offer can be found here.

We also have a podcast - ‘Newborn to Teen and Everything in Between’ - listen here.