Infant & Pediatric Chiropractic Care in East Vancouver
Children’s journeys are filled with rapid growth and the inevitable tumbles that come with exploring their world. At The Chiro Culture, we understand that these moments, while part of growing up, can sometimes lead to increased tension and discomfort impacting their overall well-being and development. With pediatric chiropractic care, led by Dr. Pavin and Dr. Erin, we aim to focus on tips, movement, and motor milestones to support your child’s development, ensuring they can continue to learn, play, and grow without discomfort.
Newborn And Infant Care (0–12 months)
The birth process, even an uncomplicated one, can sometimes place significant physical demands on a newborn’s neck, spine, and cranium. This can result in tension that affects how a baby turns their head, latches, feeds, and sleeps. We frequently see newborns for:
- Difficulty latching or feeding on one side
- Preference for turning their head one direction (torticollis)
- Flat spots developing on the skull (positional plagiocephaly)
- Colic, reflux, or unexplained fussiness
- Sleep disruptions related to physical discomfort
Adjustments for newborns use no more pressure than you’d use to check the ripeness of a tomato. Gentle, safe, and effective.
Children (1–12 years)
As kids grow, move through milestones, sports, and screen time, their spines tend to also experience micro stressors. We support children through:
- Motor milestone delays or asymmetries in tummy time, crawling, sitting, or walking
- Postural patterns from heavy backpacks, devices, or prolonged sitting
- Sports-related strains and growing pains
- General wellness and nervous system support
Benefits of Taking Your Baby or Child to the Chiropractor
Improved Nervous System Function
The nervous system controls everything — how your child grows, sleeps, digests, and develops. The spine houses and protects the spinal cord, and when spinal joints aren’t moving properly, that communication can be affected. Gentle chiropractic adjustments restore normal joint mechanics and support healthy nervous system function from the very beginning of life.
Latch, Feeding, & Digestive Support
One of the most common reasons parents bring newborns to us is feeding difficulty. Tension through the neck, jaw, and cranium from the birth process can affect how a baby opens their mouth, coordinates their suck, and latches comfortably. Chiropractic assessment and gentle care can reduce that tension, supporting more efficient feeding for both baby and mom. We also frequently see babies for gassiness, reflux, and colic that has a physical component.
Support for Motor Milestones & Development
Tummy time, rolling, sitting, crawling, walking; each milestone builds on the last. When there’s asymmetry, tension, or restriction in a baby’s spine or hips, it can affect how they move through these stages. Early assessment helps identify any imbalances and supports your child in hitting their milestones comfortably and on their own timeline.
Torticollis and Head Shape
Positional torticollis — a preference for turning the head to one side — is common after birth and often goes hand in hand with flat spot development (positional plagiocephaly). Early chiropractic care addresses the underlying muscular and joint tension that contributes to both, and works alongside any helmet therapy or physiotherapy your child may already be receiving. The earlier it’s addressed, the better the outcomes.
Posture, Screen Time, and Growing Pains
As kids get older, new physical stressors show up: heavy backpacks, hours of screen time, sport specialization, and the postural habits that develop from all of the above. Chiropractic care for children and tweens addresses the spinal patterns that form during these years — reducing tension, improving posture, and catching issues before they become adult problems. Growing pains in the legs and hips also respond well to chiropractic care, which is something many parents don’t realize.
Gentle, Safe Care At Every Age
The most common question we get from parents is: “Is this really safe for my child?” The answer is yes — with one important clarification. Pediatric chiropractic looks nothing like adult chiropractic. There are no forceful manipulations. Adjustments for newborns use fingertip pressure — no more than you’d use to check a tomato for ripeness. For older children, techniques are adapted to their size, age, and comfort level. Both Dr. Pavin and Dr. Erin have advanced pediatric training through the ICPA, and many of their patients are under a year old.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does chiropractic hurt?
Nope! Chiropractic adjustments do not hurt or cause any pain. Techniques and approaches for children are safe, gentle, and effective.
Is chiropractic safe for children?
Yes! Performing a history intake and thorough assessment allows us to work with your kiddos in a safe manner as paediatric chiropractors.
What is the youngest age to go to a chiropractor?
It is not uncommon to see children in their first few days or weeks of life if there are early concerns or challenges such as difficulty feeding or latching. It depends on the reason for visiting a paediatric chiropractor in the first place.
How do I know if my baby needs to see a chiropractor?
Common signs/symptoms you can look for or may experience are latching/feeding difficulty, increased digestive gas, head favouring or not turning to one side, torticollis, flat spots. The best way is to speak with one of our doctors to see if we can help.
Do you work alongside other healthcare providers for infants?
Yes! For feeding challenges in particular, we frequently co-manage with lactation consultants, midwives, bodyworkers and pediatric dentists. We see our role as part of your child’s care team, not the only person on it.
Take the step towards health with our holistic chiropractic approach.