Baby Osteopath treatment and treatment of children

A baby check is a systematic and gentle examination of your baby's mobility, symmetry and general function. Among other things, the practitioner examines the neck, back, chest, pelvis, hips and skull, and asks about the pregnancy, birth, sleep, crying and feeding. The purpose is to assess whether tension or reduced mobility may affect the baby's wellbeing. The examination is always adapted to the baby's age, reactions and needs.

A baby check may be relevant if your baby seems tense, prefers to turn their head to one side, has an uneven movement pattern, or has difficulty settling. Some parents also seek help after a long, very fast or assisted birth. However, crying, sleep problems and restlessness can have many different causes. We therefore assess each baby individually and recommend contacting a doctor or health visitor when symptoms should be examined further.

During the first consultation, we talk with you about the pregnancy, the birth and what you're experiencing day to day. The practitioner then observes the baby's spontaneous movements and gently examines mobility and symmetry throughout the body. The baby can usually stay close to a parent for most of the visit, and there is room for breaks, feeding and comforting. Based on the examination, we explain our assessment and adapt any course of treatment accordingly.

Treatment of babies is carried out with calm, light manual techniques adapted to the baby's size, age and cues. We don't work with a baby the same way we would with an adult. The practitioner continuously monitors the baby's reactions and pauses if the baby becomes hungry, tired or needs closeness. Parents are present throughout the entire consultation and are told what is being examined and treated, so the process feels as reassuring as possible.

Excessive crying and restlessness are often referred to as colic, but the cause is not always clear, and crying is also a normal part of infant development. During a baby check, we can examine whether there is tension, asymmetry or reduced mobility that may be relevant to the baby's overall function. Osteopathy should not be regarded as a proven cure for colic, and the effect cannot be guaranteed. In cases of persistent or concerning crying, the baby should also be assessed by a doctor or health visitor.

If your baby consistently looks to the same side, has difficulty turning their head, or develops a noticeable skull asymmetry, we can examine the mobility of the neck, back, chest and the rest of the body. We assess whether tension or movement patterns may be contributing to the asymmetry, and advise you on handling and relevant activities at home. A misshapen head or suspected torticollis should always be assessed individually, and if needed, we recommend further examination by a doctor or another relevant healthcare professional.

The number of treatments depends on what the examination shows, how long the issue has been present, and how the baby responds. We therefore don't automatically plan a long course of treatment. After the first consultation, you will receive a specific assessment of whether a follow-up seems relevant and, if so, what its purpose should be. Some babies are seen a few times, while others need no further treatment. The course is adjusted continuously, and you will have the opportunity to ask questions along the way.

Osteopathic treatment does not replace a medical examination. Seek medical attention or emergency help if your baby has a fever, difficulty breathing, seems lethargic or floppy, is eating significantly less, has fewer wet nappies, vomits forcefully, or cries in an unusual and inconsolable way. Also trust your instincts if something feels different. Once serious illness has been ruled out, a baby check can be considered as a supplement, focusing on mobility, symmetry and tension.