What to Expect at Your Child’s First Chiropractic Visit

It’s completely normal to feel a little nervous about bringing your child to a chiropractor—especially if it’s your first time! Not knowing what to expect can feel overwhelming, but at Well Family Chiropractic, we believe in clarity and honesty. We don’t want anyone to wonder what their child’s chiropractic care will look like! We want you to feel confident and comfortable every step of the way.

One of the biggest concerns parents have is whether chiropractic adjustments will be too forceful for their infant or child. Rest assured, pediatric chiropractic care is incredibly gentle, using light touches tailored to your child’s needs, size, and age. Typically, newborns and infants are adjusted with no more pressure than you’d use to test the ripeness of a tomato. For older kids, adjustments remain gentle but can also be engaging and fun—sometimes incorporating movement, like jumping, to help their bodies adjust naturally.

Many parents have commented that they see almost instant improvements in the well-being of their child. Gentle chiropractic adjustments support optimal development and resilience, allowing your child’s nervous system to thrive and the body to heal naturally. We focus on supporting their growing bodies and nervous systems to help them feel and function at their best. For more information, check out our blog about the benefits of pediatric chiropractic care.

Making Your Child’s First Chiropractic Appointment

Before we get the honor of meeting you and your little one in person, we’ll chat over the phone. You can book your New Patient appointment online, request an appointment, or give us a call—whatever is easiest for you! Our team is happy to answer any questions and gather important health information before your visit. Prior to our call, it’s also a great idea to read through our FAQs, which should help answer any questions you have about insurance, adjustment costs, and our approach.

During this call, we’ll also walk you through any intake forms that need to be completed ahead of time and take care of your appointment deposit. We’re here to make the process as smooth as possible!

When You Arrive For Your Appointment

 
When you walk through our doors, we want you to feel right at home. Kick off your shoes, take a deep breath, and get comfy. Our office is designed for families, with a comfortable waiting room, kids’ play area, a diaper changing station, and a cozy nursing/feeding room.

After you check-in at the front desk, you’ll meet one of our doctors, who will take the time to hear your story, answer any questions, and learn about your child’s health history.

We’ll ask about family lifestyle, pregnancy, birth, and anything else that might help us understand your child’s needs. Every child is unique, and we take a personalized approach to their care.

Postural Assessment

 
Next, we’ll take a look at your child’s posture and movement. For infants, this means gently guiding their head, shoulders, and hips to observe how they move. For older kids, we’ll assess posture and walking patterns to see if there are any imbalances or areas of tension.

Scans: A Look Inside the Nervous System

 
We use INSiGHT Scans for all our new patients, which are completely safe, non-invasive, and painless! The device we use is like a handheld thermometer and gives us an inside look as to how your child’s nervous system is functioning and how it is communicating with the brain. These scans give us valuable insight into how their brain and body are communicating, allowing us to create a care plan that’s tailored just for them. We will use the results to determine the best route of care for your child’s unique body and individual needs.

Your Follow-Up Appointment

 
After the scans, we will conclude the the initial appointment! The doctors will take time to discuss the results of your scans and determine a game plan to help your child reach their goals. You will be able to come back to the office and have a sit-down conversation to discuss options for care. At the second appointment, your child will be ready to get adjusted as well! The doctors will meet your child where they are at and will comfort them through the whole process.

Next Steps

Pediatric chiropractic care can support your child’s nervous system, and support them as they grow and develop. At Well Family Chiropractic, we specialize in care for babies, kids, and families, providing gentle, effective adjustments to support healthy development. To learn more about how chiropractic care can support your little one’s growth or to get started, request an appointment today. We are so excited to welcome your family into our care!

Still unsure? To determine if your child may benefit from chiropractic care, check out 10 Signs Your Baby Needs to See a Chiropractor.