Had I not experienced it firsthand, I wouldn’t have believed that babies could benefit from chiropractic care. Our first experience was when my daughter was 10 months old and close to needing tubes for chronic ear infections.

Her first ear infection happened at around four months old. I can still remember the tortured screams and feeling in my heart when I had to take her in for injectable antibiotics since her prescribed antibiotics didn’t work. If you’ve ever had a child with an ear infection, you know that it’s about more than just a little ear pain. It’s the screaming, the pain, yeast infections and digestive issues from antibiotics, the not sleeping for days–and it’s totally out of your control.

Most doctors say there’s nothing you can do to prevent ear infections and not much to speed healing. Many moms who have found chiropractic care, myself included, will tell you otherwise. My daughter hasn’t had a single ear infection since we started regular chiropractic care over two years ago.

But that’s not where the benefits end. Regular chiropractic care can help babies who have colic, reflux, trouble breastfeeding, asthma, difficulty breathing, digestive issues and many more ailments.

Babies often experience spinal misalignment when going through the birth canal or during a C-section; these spinal misalignments can make them more susceptible to symptoms of disease. When there is spinal misalignment the nervous system doesn’t function at its maximum capacity. Chiropractic care in the early years ensures that your baby’s little body and nervous system is functioning at its fullest potential. It also stimulates the immune system and enhances their overall health.

Nowadays there seem to be chiropractic offices on every corner. Finding someone you can trust can be more difficult. Ask your friends if they know a good pediatric chiropractor, getting a referral from someone you trust can instantly put you at ease. You can also search for someone in your area that has been certified by the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association.

Taking your baby to the chiropractor for the first time can be scary, so don’t be shy about asking questions. Ask the chiropractor to explain what they’ll be doing and to demonstrate the pressure they’ll be applying to your child so you feel good about knowing they won’t be getting hurt. Find someone you feel comfortable with and who’ll take the time to examine your child and address any concerns you may have- always follow your gut.

Jacqueline Banks is a certified Holistic Health Counselor focused on nutrition and green living strategies. She works with women in all stages of motherhood, from mothers struggling with conception, through pregnancy, lactation and beyond to ensure the best health and nutrition for both mother and baby.