Imagine being a new parent, feeling helpless as your baby cries for hours each night. Colic can be an incredibly stressful experience, not just for the infant but for the entire family. Defined as excessive, unexplained crying in an otherwise healthy baby—typically more than three hours a day, at least three days a week—colic affects up to 20% of infants and often leaves parents searching for answers. While the condition usually resolves on its own by four to six months of age, many parents seek gentle, natural solutions to ease their baby’s discomfort and support family wellbeing. Chiropractic care offers one such approach.
What Is Colic? Common Signs and Family Impact
Colic is characterised by episodes of intense, inconsolable crying, often occurring in the late afternoon or evening. Babies may show signs of discomfort such as clenching their fists, arching their back, or having a bloated tummy. Although not harmful in the long term, colic can significantly impact a family’s sleep, emotional health, and confidence in early parenting.
What Causes Colic? Understanding the Mystery
The exact cause of colic is still unknown. Experts suggest several possibilities, including digestive immaturity, gas buildup, sensitivity to stimulation, or an underdeveloped nervous system. Conventional advice includes soothing techniques, dietary changes for breastfeeding parents, and in some cases, medications. However, these options are not always effective or preferred by families seeking drug-free approaches.
Can Chiropractic Care Help Colicky Babies?
Chiropractic care for infants involves gentle, specific adjustments that aim to reduce tension in the spine and nervous system. When the spine is properly aligned, it may help improve how the body functions overall, including digestion and comfort. The focus isn’t on treating colic directly, but on supporting the baby’s natural ability to settle and regulate their nervous system.
Paediatric chiropractors use techniques that are extremely gentle—often no more pressure than you’d use to test the ripeness of a tomato. These adjustments may help alleviate musculoskeletal strain from birth and assist the infant in relaxing more effectively.
To learn more about how infant chiropractic works, read this overview on Healthdirect.gov.au.
What to Expect at a Chiropractic Appointment for Your Baby
At True North Chiropractic, every new baby visit begins with a detailed consultation and health history. The chiropractor assesses spinal alignment and muscle tone using gentle touch, observing your baby’s movement and posture.
If chiropractic care is recommended, the practitioner uses light fingertip pressure to adjust restricted joints or release tight areas. This process is non-invasive, safe when provided by trained professionals, and often so calming that babies sleep through it.
Parents are given a tailored care plan that includes home advice and guidance on supporting their baby’s comfort, such as tummy time techniques or sleep positioning.
Colic is a common infant condition. For general information, visit Better Health Victoria.
Final Thoughts: Natural Support for Settled Babies
If you’re navigating the challenges of a colicky baby, chiropractic care may offer a natural, supportive approach. By gently addressing spinal and muscular tension, this form of care supports your baby’s nervous system and overall comfort. At True North Chiropractic, we tailor every care plan to your child’s unique needs, considering factors such as sleep, nutrition, and posture.
Book a paediatric chiropractic assessment today and explore how gentle care might help your baby feel more settled.
