Safe, gentle and tailored care — from newborns to teenagers
Children’s bodies grow and change faster than at any other time in their lives. At Mt Eden Chiropractic we provide expert, age-appropriate chiropractic care that supports your child’s nervous system, spine and overall development — from their very first days through to their important teen years. Our Auckland based chiropractic team holds advanced training in paediatric chiropractic making us the best choice for your infant, child or teen.
The nervous system is the very first thing to develop in the womb, and it continues to play a central role in every aspect of a child’s health and growth. During childhood, the spine undergoes more rapid change than at any other stage of life — which is precisely why ensuring proper alignment and nervous system function matters so much at this early age.
From the physical demands of birth itself, to learning to crawl, walk and run, bumps and falls, heavy schoolbags and long hours of screen time — children’s bodies are constantly under load. Yet, because children have such an adaptive capacity, these problems are often brushed off as “growing pains” or just a “phase they’re going through.” Many parents are surprised to learn how early these stresses can begin to affect a child’s wellbeing.
Our patients often report that chiropractic care has also been helpful for colic, ear infections, erratic sleeping habits, bedwetting, scoliosis, “growing pains”. Many common childhood health complaints can be helped by the right chiropractic care .
How do chiropractors work with children and babies?
The concern that many parents have is that chiropractic adjustments will be too forceful. They mistakenly think that their child will receive adjustments like ones they receive as adults. Not only do we adjust our techniques, modified for each patient’s size and unique spinal problem, an infant’s spine rarely has the long-standing muscle tightness seen in adults. This makes a child’s chiropractic adjustments gentle but just as effective.
By knowing exactly where to adjust, newborns and infants can be adjusted with no more pressure than you’d use to test the ripeness of a tomato. Many parents have commented that they see almost instant improvements in the well-being of their baby or child. Members of our team hold an advanced degree in paediatrics (DICCP). This makes us the best choice to care for your child. Get in touch with our team today or book a new patient appointment for your child online.
Who we see:
We provide specialised chiropractic care for children of all ages:
Newborns & infants
Toddlers & pre-school age
School-age children
Teenagers
Conditions we may help with: Parents have reported improvements in a wide range of childhood health concerns following chiropractic care, including:
This is understandably the question we hear most from parents. The answer is yes. Research consistently shows that chiropractic care for infants and children is very safe and rarely associated with any adverse effects. We use evidenced-based and gentle techniques, and our team hold advanced qualifications specifically in treating babies and children.
Importantly, children are not treated like small adults. Every adjustment is specifically tailored to a child’s age, size and stage of development. For newborns, adjustments involve no more pressure than you’d use to gently test the softness of a ripe piece of fruit — it is a very light, precise touch. There is no forceful manipulation.
Newborns & infants: Extremely gentle fingertip pressure only. No cracking or manipulation. Often babies sleep right through.
Young children: Techniques are adapted to their smaller, more flexible spines and also the child’s behaviour. Adjustment sessions do not take long and are child-friendly.
Teens: Adjustments closer to adult care but still tailored for your teen’s developmental stage. Great for sports injuries, posture issues and “school bag load”.
What to expect at your first visit
Your child’s first appointment includes a thorough assessment — we take our time to get to know your child, their health history and your concerns. There’s no pressure and no rush. We’ll explain everything we’re doing in plain language, and your child’s comfort is always our top priority.
A thorough assessment is carried out before any chiropractic care begins. Depending on your child’s age and needs, this may include posture analysis, range of motion assessment, neurological checks and orthopaedic testing. We’ll then explain our findings clearly and discuss a care plan that suits your family.
Your child will be seen by a Chiropractor who has a specialist Paediatric degree (DICCP).
We charge $115 for a new child/baby visit and we ask parents to allow 30 minutes for this appointment, particularly for a newborn’s first visit. Further visits/adjustments after this are $75. We also provide family fee of $175 for an entire family adjustment ( this includes mum dad and all kids under 18). This is a great way to check in with your whole family’s health.
In addition we have prepay bundles of 12/24/36/48 visits where the fees reduce accordingly per visit. Visit Our Fees page for more information or get in touch with our team who will be happy to advise you.
Frequently Asked Questions
My baby/child seems OK in general— should they still be checked by a chiropractor?
Many spinal issues in children cause no obvious pain but can still affect nervous system function and development over time. A chiropractic check-up can give you peace of mind and catch any issues early.
How will my child feel after a chiropractic adjustment?
Most children feel relaxed and settled afterwards. Some babies become very sleepy, which is perfectly normal. Occasionally mild muscle tenderness may occur for a day, particularly in older children and teenagers — this passes quickly.
How many chiropractic appointments will my child need?
This depends on your child’s individual needs. Some children respond quickly in just a few visits; others benefit from regular supportive care over a longer period. We’ll always discuss a recommended plan with you and reassess regularly.
Do I need a referral from my GP to see a chiropractor?
No referral is needed. You can book directly with us at any time. We do work collaboratively with GPs and other health professionals when needed.
Ready to support your child’s health?
We’d love to meet your family. Book online or give us a call — we’re always happy to answer your questions before you commit to an appointment.