Romford and Ilford Chiropractic Clinic

1. Babies & Common Colds
313 High Road Chadwell Heath
Romford , Essex RM6 6AX
Tel : 0208 252 1010 : 0208 262 3140
www.chiropracticcare.co.uk
Benefits of chiropractic for babies
Chiropractic is the third largest field of natural medicine. Chiropractic uses gentle pressure
and adjustment of the spine to relieve nerve irritation that run through the centre of the spinal
column. The spinal cord carries information throughout the body and is responsible for all
bodily functions, so if the vertebrae’s in the spine are even slightly twisted, this can cause a
knock-on effect in the rest of the body.
Many chiropractors believe that all babies should have their spines assessed shortly after
birth. Julian Keel, a doctor of chiropractic specialising in pregnancy and paediatrics, says: "I feel it is so important to get
babies checked as soon as possible. The treatment of babies has the effect of relieving the physical discomfort of stresses
that have become 'locked' into the system of connective tissues”.
Babies are susceptible to colds because their immune system is still developing and gaining strength. Colds can easily
spread when someone sneezes and coughs. It is therefore important to always cover your mouth when you cough and to
wash your hands after blowing your nose. A cold may last 10 days to two weeks, so make sure your baby gets plenty of
rest during this period.
Encourage your baby to take extra breast or bottle feeds. Keeping your baby hydrated will keep fever down.
Babies are too young to blow their own nose so help them breath easily by wiping their nose for them. You can dab a little
vaseline (petroleum jelly) outside your baby’s nostrils to avoid dryness.
If your baby is having trouble feeding with a stuffy nose, saline nasal drops may help to unblock their nose, allowing them
to feed more easily.
A vapour rub may help your baby breath more easily when applied to chest and back.
Breathing in steam may help loosen mucus. Don’t however put baby close to hot steaming water, as there is a risk of
scolding. Take your baby into the bathroom while you turn on hot water or shower, close the door and sit in the steamy
room for a few minutes. Then change your baby into dry clothes.
Breast feeding is one of the best way to protect your baby’s health. It allows your baby to receive anti bodies in your blood,
which will help your baby fight infections. Avoid taking your baby to areas where people are smoking.
Cold symptoms
* Fever * Stuffy, runny nose * Cough
* Loss of appetite * Reddened eyes * Swollen lymph glands
* Sore throat * Unsettled sleeping patterns