“I just feel like something isn’t quite right…”
As chiropractors with a special interest in babies and children, this is one of the most common things we hear from parents.
Often, parents cannot always explain exactly what they are noticing.
They simply have a feeling.
Maybe their baby hates tummy time.
Maybe feeding has been difficult.
Maybe their baby always looks one way, seems uncomfortable, or just doesn’t settle the way they expected.
The reality is that babies cannot tell us where they are uncomfortable.
They communicate through movement, feeding, sleep, behaviour, and development.
While every baby develops differently and many of these signs can occur for a variety of reasons, they can sometimes indicate that a baby may benefit from a thorough assessment.
Here are 10 common reasons parents bring their babies to our practice.
1. Your Baby Hates Tummy Time
Tummy time can be challenging for many babies initially.
However, if your baby becomes extremely distressed, cannot tolerate it for more than a short period, constantly buries their face into the floor, or struggles to lift and turn their head, it may be worth having them assessed.
We often look at:
- Neck mobility
- Shoulder function
- Muscle tone
- Head positioning
- Spinal movement
- Developmental patterns
Research suggests that supervised tummy time is associated with improvements in motor development and may help support the development of head, neck and upper body strength in infancy.¹
2. They Always Look or Turn One Way
Have you noticed your baby constantly looking to one side?
Perhaps they prefer feeding on one side, sleep with their head turned one direction, or become upset when encouraged to look the other way.
This can sometimes be associated with muscular tightness, positional preferences, or conditions such as torticollis.
Persistent head preference has been associated with an increased risk of positional plagiocephaly and may influence movement symmetry during early development.²
3. Feeding Has Been Challenging
Many parents seek an assessment because feeding simply doesn’t feel easy.
Some signs may include:
- Difficulty latching
- Preference for one breast
- Clicking while feeding
- Constant pulling off the breast
- Excessive wind
- Fussiness during feeds
- Fatigue while feeding
Successful infant feeding requires complex coordination between the jaw, tongue, head, neck and respiratory system.³
When assessing babies, we often look at the entire feeding picture, including posture, movement patterns and overall function.
4. Your Baby Seems Unusually Unsettled
All babies cry.
However, some babies appear uncomfortable much of the time.
Parents often describe:
- Difficulty settling
- Frequent crying
- Irritability
- Wanting to be held constantly
- Appearing uncomfortable when lying flat
While there can be many reasons for these behaviours, parents often choose to have their baby assessed to better understand whether physical tension or movement restrictions may be contributing factors.
5. They Developed a Flat Spot on Their Head
Flat spots are becoming increasingly common.
Sometimes babies naturally spend more time resting on one side due to positional preferences or limited neck movement.
During an assessment we may look at:
- Head shape
- Neck mobility
- Muscle balance
- Developmental movement patterns
The earlier movement restrictions and positioning habits are identified, the easier it may be to support healthy movement patterns.
6. They Arch Their Back Frequently
Does your baby regularly throw themselves backwards?
Arch excessively during feeds?
Become upset when lying on their back?
Parents often mention these observations during consultations.
Arching can occur for many reasons, and an assessment may help identify whether there are movement patterns, muscular imbalances or other factors that warrant further investigation.
7. They Dislike Their Car Seat, Capsule or Pram
Many babies enjoy movement and being out and about.
Others seem uncomfortable whenever they are placed into certain positions.
Parents often tell us:
“They scream every time we put them in the capsule.”
“They hate the car.”
“They only settle when being carried upright.”
While every baby has preferences, persistent discomfort in particular positions may be worth assessing.
8. Delayed or Difficult Milestones
Every child develops at their own pace.
However, parents sometimes seek an assessment if their baby appears to be struggling with:
- Rolling
- Sitting
- Crawling
- Head control
- Coordinated movement
A thorough developmental assessment allows us to observe movement patterns, symmetry, posture and motor development.
9. Birth Was Physically Demanding
Some parents choose to have their baby checked following a particularly challenging birth experience.
Examples may include:
- Long labours
- Fast births
- Assisted deliveries
- Emergency caesarean sections
- Significant moulding of the head
- Breech positioning
- Multiple births
Studies have demonstrated that significant mechanical forces occur during labour and delivery, particularly through the infant’s head, neck and shoulders as they pass through the birth canal.⁴
This does not automatically mean something is wrong, but many parents appreciate having their baby assessed following these experiences.
10. Your Parental Instinct Is Telling You Something
This might be the most important sign of all.
Parents spend more time with their baby than anyone else.
You notice the little things.
The way they move.
The way they feed.
The way they settle.
The way they respond.
Sometimes parents come in saying:
“I can’t explain it. I just want to make sure everything is okay.”
And honestly?
That is a perfectly valid reason to seek an assessment.
What Happens During A Baby Assessment?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that a baby assessment is simply about looking at the spine.
In our practice, we perform a thorough assessment that may include:
- Birth history
- Feeding history
- Sleep patterns
- Developmental milestones
- Head shape and positioning
- Neck mobility
- Spinal and pelvic movement
- Reflexes
- Muscle tone
- Movement patterns
- Overall function and symmetry
Every baby is different, which is why every assessment is tailored to the individual child.
Supporting Babies Through Their Early Development
The first year of life involves incredible growth and development.
Parents often seek assessments because they want reassurance, answers, guidance, or support during this important stage.
Whether your baby is struggling with tummy time, showing a head preference, experiencing feeding challenges, or you’re simply wanting peace of mind, a thorough assessment can help provide greater understanding of how your baby is moving, developing and functioning.
Sometimes parents leave feeling reassured that everything is progressing beautifully.
Other times, we identify areas where additional support may be beneficial.
Either way, many parents tell us they feel more confident after gaining a better understanding of their baby’s development and individual needs.
References
- Hewitt L, Kerr E, Stanley RM, Okely AD. Tummy Time and Infant Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review. Pediatrics. 2020;145(6):e20192168.
- Hutchison BL, Thompson JM, Mitchell EA. Determinants of nonsynostotic plagiocephaly: a case-control study. Pediatrics. 2003;112(4):e316.
- Geddes DT, Sakalidis VS. Ultrasound Imaging of Breastfeeding—A Window to the Inside: Methodology, Normal Appearances, and Application. Journal of Human Lactation. 2016;32(2):340-349.
- Menticoglou SM, Manning FA, Harman CR, Morrison I. Perinatal outcome in relation to the mechanical forces of labour and delivery. Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology.
- American Academy of Pediatrics. Prevention and Management of Positional Skull Deformities in Infants. Pediatrics. 2011;128(6):1236–1241.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Developmental Milestones. Retrieved from the CDC developmental milestones resource.
- Kuo YL, Liao HF, Chen PC, Hsieh WS, Hwang AW. The influence of wakeful prone positioning on motor development during the early life. Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics. 2008.
