Babies and Childen

During birth pressure is exerted on a babies head as the uterus pushes down during a contraction, their cranium is designed to absorb these stresses and pressures by having the capacity to be moulded during delivery.

The cranial bones in the head of a baby are not fused and they are able to overlap and bend to enable the head to squeeze through the small bony pelvic outlet.

The baby if in optimum position should tuck its chin onto its chest to reduce the diameter of the head however this doesn’t always happen and the neck and head can then be subject to strain.

Almost all babies are born with a degree of cranial moulding (pointed heads / disfigured faces and heads) this is normal and usually disappears within a few hours or days. Yawning, suckling and crying will help with regaining the normal cranial alignment, although a complete reversal may not happen if it has been a difficult birth.

Osteopathy is a gentle treatment suitable for children and babies is designed to give a baby / child a full check of their body, spine and cranium. Osteopaths are trained to screen for medical conditions and will tell you if you need to see another health professional such as your doctor or midwife. If you are concerned about your child / baby’s health we would recommend that you receive medical attention first.