What Actually Happens During a Baby's First Chiropractic Adjustment in Temecula
You've been thinking about it for weeks now. Maybe you read about the benefits of pediatric chiropractic care. Maybe a friend told you how much it helped her baby. Maybe you're desperate for answers after trying everything else for your baby's colic, reflux, or sleep struggles.
But there's one thing holding you back: What actually happens during a baby's chiropractic adjustment? And is it really safe?
If you're picturing the dramatic twisting and "cracking" sounds from adult chiropractic adjustments, let me stop you right there. What happens during a baby's chiropractic visit is completely different from what you might be imagining—and understanding this difference is key to feeling confident about bringing your little one in.
At Taproot Chiropractic in Temecula, parents tell us all the time: "I wish I'd known sooner how gentle this actually is. I wouldn't have waited so long."
Let's walk through exactly what happens during your baby's first chiropractic visit so you can make an informed decision for your family.
First, Let's Address the Biggest Concern: Safety
Before we dive into what the appointment looks like, let's talk about what's probably your number one question: Is this safe for my baby?
The short answer: Yes, absolutely.
The longer answer: Pediatric chiropractic care, when performed by a chiropractor trained in infant techniques, is exceptionally safe. Research consistently shows that adverse events from pediatric chiropractic care are extremely rare—and when they do occur, they're typically minor and temporary (like brief fussiness after an appointment).
Here's what the research tells us:
A comprehensive 2015 review by Todd et al. published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics examined 31 articles reporting serious adverse events across all manual therapy professions for infants and children. The study found that published cases of serious adverse events were rare, and importantly, no deaths associated with chiropractic care were found in the literature. When serious events did occur across manual therapy professions, they were most often associated with underlying preexisting pathology and high-velocity, extension, and rotational techniques—not the gentle, specific techniques used in pediatric chiropractic care.
Additional research tracking thousands of pediatric chiropractic visits shows adverse event rates are exceptionally low. One study found only 3 adverse events per 5,438 office visits from the treatment of 577 children—and these were minor events like brief fussiness, not serious complications.
But beyond statistics, here's what matters most: the techniques we use for babies are fundamentally different from adult adjustments.
It's Not Like Adult Adjustments—Not Even Close
If you've ever been to a chiropractor yourself, you might remember the quick thrust, the "pop" sound, the pressure. Here's what you need to know: we don't do any of that with babies.
The Pressure Comparison Everyone Needs to Hear
When I adjust an infant, I use the same amount of pressure you'd use to check a tomato for ripeness at the grocery store. That's it.
Actually, let me be even more specific: it's the same gentle pressure you'd use to press on your closed eyelid to check if it's comfortable. We're talking about a few ounces of pressure—barely enough for you to feel if someone did it to you.
Think about it this way:
Adult adjustment: Uses enough force to create joint movement and sometimes an audible release
Infant adjustment: Uses fingertip pressure to release tension and support nervous system regulation
Why the Difference?
Babies' bodies are fundamentally different from adults':
Their spines are more cartilage than bone—much softer and more pliable
Their nervous systems are incredibly responsive and adaptable
They don't have years of built-up tension and compensation patterns
Their bodies respond to very subtle input
This means babies don't need force to create change. In fact, force would be completely inappropriate and unnecessary. A baby's body responds beautifully to gentle, specific contact.
What Your Baby's First Visit Actually Looks Like
Let's walk through the appointment step by step so you know exactly what to expect.
Before the Adjustment: The Comprehensive Assessment
Your baby's first visit isn't just about the adjustment—it starts with understanding your baby's complete picture.
The Consultation (15-20 minutes):
We start by sitting down together and talking about:
Your pregnancy and birth story (this matters more than most parents realize)
Your baby's current symptoms and challenges
Feeding patterns, sleep habits, and developmental milestones
What you've already tried and what helped (or didn't)
Your goals for your baby's care
This isn't a rushed conversation. I want to hear your story—because birth trauma, pregnancy positioning, and early life stress all impact your baby's nervous system in ways that show up as symptoms.
The Physical Assessment:
Next, I'll observe and gently assess your baby:
How they move and hold their body
Range of motion in their neck, spine, and hips
Muscle tone and tension patterns
Primitive reflexes (these tell us a lot about neurological development)
Areas of tenderness or restriction
This is all done with your baby on a specialized infant adjustment pillow or in your arms—whatever keeps them most comfortable.
The Neurological Scan (The Game-Changer):
Here's where we get objective data about what's happening in your baby's nervous system. We use specialized scanning technology called INSiGHT scans that measure:
Thermal patterns: Shows us where inflammation and nerve stress exist along the spine
Heart rate variability: Tells us about nervous system regulation and stress response
These scans are completely non-invasive—no needles, no radiation, nothing uncomfortable. They take just a few minutes and give us a detailed picture of exactly where your baby's nervous system needs support.
This matters because we're not guessing. We can show you precisely where subluxation (nerve interference) exists and track how your baby's nervous system changes with care.
The First Adjustment: What You'll See
Now for the moment you're probably most curious about—the actual adjustment.
The Setup:
Your baby will be positioned comfortably, usually:
Lying on a specialized infant pillow on the adjusting table
In your arms if they're fussy or feeding
Sometimes even while nursing (many babies adjust beautifully while eating)
We work with your baby's comfort, not against it.
The Technique:
Using incredibly gentle, specific contacts with my fingertips, I'll address the areas of subluxation we identified in the assessment.
What this looks like:
Light fingertip pressure on specific points along the spine or skull
Gentle sustained contact (usually just a few seconds)
Sometimes a slight movement or stretch to release tension
No twisting, no "cracking," no forceful manipulation
The entire hands-on portion takes just 2-5 minutes. Babies don't need long appointments—their bodies respond quickly.
What You Might Hear:
Unlike adult adjustments, you typically won't hear any popping or cracking sounds with babies. What you might hear:
Your baby cooing or sighing (a nervous system release)
Me talking softly to your baby
Peaceful quiet
That's it. No dramatic sounds or movements.
How Babies Typically Respond During and After Adjustments
Here's what consistently surprises parents: most babies seem to like being adjusted.
During the Adjustment:
Common responses we see:
Deep relaxation: Many babies visibly relax, their body softening as tension releases
Falling asleep: It's incredibly common for babies to fall asleep during or immediately after adjustments
Contentment: Cooing, sighing, or just peaceful stillness
Some fussing: A small percentage of babies fuss briefly—usually because we're stretching tight muscles or positioning them in ways that engage restricted areas
If your baby does fuss, it's typically very brief and followed by visible relaxation.
Immediately After:
What parents report seeing right away:
Their baby seems "different"—calmer, more settled in their body
Improved range of motion (head turns more easily, body seems less rigid)
Better feeding at the next session
Longer or deeper sleep that night
The First 24-48 Hours:
After a first adjustment, babies are processing neurological change. Most babies do great, but some experience what we call "retracing":
Brief increase in fussiness (usually just a few hours)
Extra sleepiness as the nervous system integrates
Increased bowel movements (a sign the parasympathetic nervous system is activating)
Sometimes a low-grade fever (the body's natural healing response)
These aren't side effects—they're healing responses. They're signs that your baby's nervous system is shifting out of stress mode and into growth and repair mode. They're temporary and typically resolve within 24-48 hours.
The Science of Gentle: Why This Approach Works
You might be wondering: if the pressure is so light, how does it actually create change?
Great question. Here's the neurological explanation:
Your baby's nervous system is incredibly sensitive and responsive. When we apply specific, gentle pressure to areas of subluxation, we're providing proprioceptive input (information about position and movement) that the brain processes.
This input helps the brain:
Recognize where tension and restriction exist
Release protective muscle guarding
Restore proper nerve communication
Shift from sympathetic (stress) to parasympathetic (growth) mode
We're not forcing bones into place. We're providing information that allows your baby's nervous system to self-correct and regulate.
Think of it like resetting a computer that's frozen—we're giving the system the input it needs to restart and function properly.
My Training: Why Specialization Matters
Not all chiropractors are trained to work with infants, and this matters tremendously for your baby's safety and outcomes.
My specialized training includes:
International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) certification: Advanced training in pediatric-specific chiropractic techniques and nervous system assessment
The Pediatric Experience + Life University training: Specialized education in developmental chiropractic care and clinical application for infants and children
Brain-based developmental approach: Trained in the Brain Blossom Program methodology, which focuses on neurological development and the developmental hierarchy
Continuing education: Ongoing training in pediatric neurology, primitive reflexes, and developmental milestones
Hundreds of hours: Specific experience working with infants, from newborns to toddlers
This specialized training means I understand:
The unique anatomy and physiology of developing babies
How to identify and address nervous system stress safely
Normal versus concerning responses to care
When to refer out if chiropractic isn't the right fit
When you bring your baby to a chiropractor, always ask about their specific training in pediatrics. It makes all the difference. Learn more about Dr. Jennifer here.
Understanding Our Two-Question Framework
At Taproot Chiropractic, we approach every baby with two guiding questions that shape our assessment and care:
Question 1: Are there inefficiencies in how your baby's brain receives, processes, and sends information?
This is where subluxation comes in. When there's interference in nerve communication—whether from birth trauma, positioning in the womb, or accumulated stress—your baby's brain can't efficiently send and receive the signals needed for optimal function.
Our neurological scans and physical assessment identify exactly where these inefficiencies exist. Then, through gentle adjustments, we remove the interference so information can flow properly.
Question 2: What tools is your baby currently using to process and engage with their world?
Babies stuck in nervous system stress are using survival tools: tension, protection, dysregulation. These tools create the symptoms you're seeing—the crying, the feeding struggles, the sleep disruption.
Our care helps shift your baby's nervous system into growth mode, where they can access different tools: calm, coordination, regulation, and healthy development.
These questions help us look beyond symptoms to address the root neurological patterns affecting your baby's comfort and development.
What Happens After the First Adjustment?
The first visit is just the beginning. Here's what the care process typically looks like:
Initial Restorative Phase:
Frequent visits (usually 2-3 times per week)
We're retraining nervous system patterns and addressing built-up tension
You'll receive home care guidance to support your baby's nervous system between visits
We re-scan periodically to measure progress objectively
Stabilization Phase:
Visits space out to 1-2 times per week
Your baby's body is learning to hold adjustments longer
We're supporting developmental milestones and preventing regression
Maintenance/Wellness Phase (ongoing):
1-4 times per month
Supporting optimal development as your baby grows
Addressing new stressors (growth spurts, teething, developmental leaps)
Every baby is different, and we'll create a care plan specific to your baby's needs and your family's goals.
Preparing for Your Baby's First Visit
Want to make the appointment as smooth as possible? Here are some tips:
Bring (not required, just a recommendation):
A full diaper bag (we have a bassinet you can use for changing)
A bottle or plan to nurse (many babies adjust beautifully while feeding)
Your questions—write them down beforehand so you don't forget
Timing:
Schedule when your baby is typically happiest (not during usual nap time)
Allow extra time—don't rush from another appointment
Plan for 45-60 minutes for the first visit (follow-ups are shorter)
Your Role:
You're welcome to hold your baby during the entire visit if that's most comfortable
Ask questions—there are no silly questions when it comes to your baby's care
Trust your instincts—if something doesn't feel right, speak up
Frequently Asked Questions About Baby's First Adjustment
Will the adjustment hurt my baby?
No. The pressure used is so gentle that it's not painful. Some babies might fuss briefly if we're stretching tight muscles or working on areas that have been restricted, but this isn't pain—it's the sensation of movement in an area that's been stuck. Most babies are calm or even fall asleep.
What if my baby cries during the adjustment?
Some babies do cry, usually because:
They're in an unfamiliar environment
They don't like being positioned or held still
We're engaging restricted areas that feel unusual to them
If your baby cries, we'll pause, let you comfort them, and proceed only when they're settled. We never force care on a distressed baby. Many parents are surprised when their crying baby calms down mid-adjustment as tension releases.
How soon after birth can a baby be adjusted?
We can safely see babies within the first days of life. In fact, we encourage early assessment, especially after:
Long or very fast labors
Interventions like forceps, vacuum extraction, or C-section
Positioning issues in the womb (breech, transverse)
Birth complications
The earlier we can address birth trauma and nervous system stress, the better—before compensatory patterns become established.
What if my baby has a medical condition or is under medical care?
Chiropractic care can beautifully complement medical care. We work collaboratively with your pediatrician and any specialists involved in your baby's care. Always continue following your doctor's recommendations, and we'll communicate with your medical team as appropriate. There are very few conditions that would contraindicate gentle infant adjustments, but we'll thoroughly review your baby's health history.
How do I know if the adjustment "worked"?
You'll know through:
Objective measures: We re-scan to show you changes in nervous system function
Observable changes: Improved range of motion, reduced muscle tension
Functional improvements: Better feeding, longer sleep stretches, reduced crying
Developmental progress: Meeting milestones, improved regulation
Change happens at different rates for different babies, but most parents notice something positive within the first few visits.
Is chiropractic safe for babies?
Yes. When performed by a chiropractor with specialized pediatric training, chiropractic care for infants is very safe. Research shows that serious adverse events are extremely rare, and the gentle techniques used in pediatric care are fundamentally different from adult adjustments. The Todd et al. 2015 review found no deaths associated with chiropractic care in the published literature, and the minor adverse events that occasionally occur (like brief fussiness) are temporary and resolve quickly.
Making the Decision: Is This Right for Your Baby?
Only you can decide what's right for your family. But here's what I want you to know:
Your instinct that something can help your baby is valid. The challenges you're facing—the crying, the feeding struggles, the sleep disruption—aren't "just what babies do." They're signs that your baby's nervous system needs support.
Chiropractic care for infants is:
Safe: Extensively researched and supported by safety data
Gentle: Nothing like adult adjustments
Effective: Thousands of parents see real changes in their babies
Developmental: Supports your baby's entire neurological future, not just today's symptoms
The question isn't really "Is this safe?" The research clearly shows it is when performed by trained practitioners.
The real question is: "What might my baby's life look like with a nervous system that's free from interference and stress?"
Your Next Step: Start with a Phone Consultation
The best way to understand whether chiropractic care is right for your baby is to have a conversation about your specific situation.
We offer a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation where:
I can answer your specific questions about your baby's symptoms
We can discuss your baby's birth history and current challenges
You can learn more about our approach and what to expect
We can determine whether care might be a good fit for your family
Many parents tell us that having their questions answered directly completely changes their perspective and helps them feel confident about taking the next step.
Ready to discuss how gentle, neurologically-focused care might help your baby?
Schedule your free 15-minute phone consultation or call our Temecula office at [phone number].
Want to understand why your baby might need this care in the first place?
Read: 5 Signs Your Baby Needs a Chiropractor in Temecula
Trust Your Instincts—And Trust the Process
You're reading this because you're a parent who cares deeply about giving your baby the best possible start. You're willing to ask questions, do research, and explore options beyond "wait and see."
That instinct to seek answers? Trust it.
Your baby's symptoms are their nervous system asking for support. And gentle, specific chiropractic care might be exactly what they need to finally feel comfortable, regulated, and able to develop optimally.
At Taproot Chiropractic in Temecula, we're here to support your family with expertise, compassion, and care that's as gentle as it is effective.
Your baby deserves to thrive. Let's work together to give them that foundation.
