The subject of children and babies getting chiropractic care is discussed in this month’s Newsletter (if you didn’t get that, sign up here).
A patient sent an email yesterday to ask about getting their, almost 3 year old, child in for care – wanting to know what I thought about that and how to make it happen.
So I thought I would review our unofficial ‘policy’ (actually more of a preference). Before I do that I will say that: (1) I would encourage everyone to have their children checked as early as is feasible, and (2) I refer to chiropractors who specialize in pediatrics when the patient is too little to lie on my table and hold still.
That said, here is how it usually happens and I like it when it works out this way. First, get the kid used to the office and what goes on here by bringing them in with you. That makes them comfortable, gets them used to the whole idea, and alleviates any fears that they may have. Plus, ‘if they are good’ they get treats: that helps. Second, if the child does not eventually insist on getting up on the table for ‘their turn’, we can gently bring up the subject, check for their reaction, and adjust our efforts accordingly. Usually, it is their idea to ‘be next’ and off we go. By the time they are old enough to lie up on the table and hold still while I check them, it is no problem, not drama ensues, and things go very well.
All of that assumes a kid that isn’t suffering or is obvious not right, and a parent that is onboard with the idea of preventing problems before they develop. Since I do not charge anything for the kids (up to a certain age), it is usually fine with the parents. (The last thing that I want is for the kid not to get checked because the parent is thinking about the fee.)
So there you go.
DrD
