Crying in babies can be completely normal! It’s how they communicate!

It’s completely normal for young babies to cry—in fact, research shows that infants typically cry for 2–3 hours a day, especially during their early weeks of life. Crying often peaks around 6–8 weeks, just as parents are adjusting to life with their newborn.

When families come to us, they’re often exhausted, emotional, and overwhelmed, having received conflicting advice from friends, family, and even different health providers. It’s important to acknowledge that persistent crying can heavily impact the entire family dynamic and is linked to increased rates of postnatal depression.

That’s why thorough assessment, gentle support, and holistic options—including chiropractic care—can make a real difference.

Why Do Babies Cry So Much?

There are many reasons a baby might be unsettled. Some are medical and need urgent attention; others are more functional or developmental. Here's a general overview:

1. Medical Causes (Need to be ruled out)

Infections (Sepsis): Babies may become irritable, lethargic, or have temperature changes.
Gut Problems: Conditions like intussusception or cow’s milk protein intolerance can cause intense discomfort.
Reflux: Babies who arch their backs, cry during feeds, or refuse feeding may suffer from digestive irritation. (See section on tone and chiropractic.. how we might be able to help)
Constipation: Straining, pain during bowel movements, or infrequent stools can be a cause. (See section on digestion and chiropractic and how we might be able to help)
Structural Concerns: Issues such as hair tourniquets (stray hair wrapped around a finger or toe), fractures, or joint inflammation can result in distress.

These serious conditions must be excluded first, which is why a full history and examination are vital.

2. Common Non-Medical Causes

Hunger: The most common reason babies cry.
Tiredness: Newborns need up to 16 hours of sleep a day, and overtired babies often cry inconsolably.
Discomfort: Wet nappies, temperature discomfort, or tight clothing.
Gas/Wind: Babies might cry due to trapped air in their tummies, especially after feeds. Click here for a video of an exercise that might help.
Overstimulated: The world is new! Gradually expose them to the world.. if you do too much too quickly it can be overstimulating. Calm them with skin on skin, wear them on you in a wrap or carrier. The end of the day… think of it like a download. The “witching hours” really are just your baby needing to let all their emotion out, to be cuddled and fed.
Normal Development ("Colic"): Some babies experience predictable bouts of crying, especially in the late afternoon and evening. This typically resolves by 4 months of age.

How Chiropractic Can Support Crying Babies

1. Assessing and Improving Nervous System Function

The birth process, even when smooth, can place significant stress on a baby's delicate spine and nervous system. Tension or subtle misalignments, particularly in the neck, upper back, or pelvis, can contribute to discomfort, poor digestion, feeding difficulties, and sleep challenges—all common triggers for crying.

A chiropractor trained in paediatrics can gently assess and, where appropriate, adjust the infant to help restore normal function, allowing their body to relax and self-regulate more efficiently.

2. Understanding Muscle Tone and Reflux

Many babies experiencing reflux symptoms—such as frequent spitting up, irritability after feeds, or arching their backs—may have underlying issues with muscle tone and spinal tension.
If a baby's body has a tonal imbalance (floppy or too rigid), particularly through the diaphragm, neck, or upper back, it can impact the function of the lower oesophageal sphincter, allowing stomach contents to reflux upward.

Equally, upper cervical fixations/restrictions/subluxation can cause vagus nerve irritation, which underpins sleep, digestion, tone…

Gentle chiropractic adjustments and soft tissue techniques can help relieve tension, improve brain-body connection and nerve innervation, promoting better digestive comfort and reducing reflux, digestivem and sleep symptoms.

3. Primitive Reflexes, Latch, and Feeding Discomfort

Newborns rely heavily on their primitive reflexes, particularly the rooting and sucking reflexes, to feed effectively.
However, if these reflexes are uncoordinated, weak, or overly strong—often due to nervous system stress or cranial restrictions—it can lead to:

Poor latch or shallow attachment to the breast or bottle
Increased intake of air during feeds
Greater wind, bloating, and digestive discomfort
Frustration and distress for both baby and parent during feeding

At Nomad Chiropractic, we assess the integrity and integration of these primitive reflexes.
By helping optimise neurological function and cranial balance, we aim to improve a baby's ability to feed more comfortably and efficiently.

We also believe in a team approach.
We frequently co-manage cases with IBCLCs (International Board Certified Lactation Consultants), who are experts in assessing latch mechanics, oral function, and feeding support. Together, we create an integrated plan to help babies feed well, grow strong, and feel settled.

4. Supporting Digestive Comfort

Optimising nerve communication between the brain, gut, and body can reduce colic-like symptoms and promote better digestion. When the nervous system is calm and balanced, babies are better able to manage wind, bloating, and gut motility naturally.

5. Encouraging Better Sleep Patterns

A balanced nervous system promotes deeper, more restorative sleep. Chiropractic care mayhelp establish healthy sleep-wake rhythms, allowing babies to fall asleep more easily and stay asleep longer, which supports their development and helps parents, too.

6. Empowering and Educating Parents

At Nomad Chiropractic, we don’t just provide care—we also listen.
We take the time to hear parents' concerns, offer reassurance, and share evidence-based strategies for managing sleep, feeding, and settling at home. Our goal is to empower parents with knowledge and confidence, reducing the stress and overwhelm that often accompany an unsettled baby.

Important Considerations

Chiropractic care for infants is **gentle, specific, and safe** when delivered by a trained professional.
Techniques for babies are vastly different from adult adjustments, involving soft, sustained pressure similar to checking the ripeness of a tomato.
We work collaboratively with other healthcare providers, including paediatricians, IBCLCs, and maternal health nurses, to ensure your baby receives holistic and thorough care.

If your little one is unsettled, crying excessively, or struggling with sleep or feeding, help is available. A comprehensive chiropractic and lactation assessment could be the first step toward greater comfort, calmer days—and quieter nights.

Contact us today to learn more about how chiropractic care can help your family thrive.

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