PEDIATRIC CHIROPRACTOR

BACK TO SCHOOL, BACK TO FOCUSING

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As Labor Day marks the “unofficial” end of summer, the kids get ready for another week of school.  Some parents struggle to let go, while others can’t wait to get their kids back into a routine.  It’s early in the school year so if your child is already struggling to focus, concentrate, or behave, take action now.

In our office, we help many children balance their energy levels.  Some children crave constant input and when they don’t receive it, they create it.  When their bodies have subluxations, or misaligned vertebra, their nervous system can go into overdrive.  Their gas pedal (or sympathetic nervous system) is stuck on and they can’t get themselves out of “flight or fight.”  They can’t sit still, they can’t focus, they can’t thrive and learn.  Chiropractors help by activating the brake pedal (or the parasympathetic nervous system) and allow their body to slow down and regulate itself.  Adjustments and also proprioceptive activities can help these kiddos throughout the school year.

Impact Chiropractic specializes in pediatric chiropractic in Fort Collins.  We know how important it is for your child to learn and get the most out of school.  Bring them in to get adjusted, but also incorporate some of the following proprioceptive activities during their school day.

  1. Ask the teacher to give them classroom chores.  This will get them up and moving, and give them an important task to complete.
  2. Tie a Theraband around the front of their desk for them to kick.
  3. Buy them pencil grips
  4. Allow them to have a balloon filled with flour or sillyputty, to keep their hands busy.
  5. Give them gum to chew, if allowed by the school and/or the teacher
  6. Active recess games such as jump rope, football, playing catch with heavy balls/bean bags

For more ideas about how to get your child to focus during class, ask one of our doctors!  Back to school should be fun and exciting for your kiddos, and not be stressful and difficult.  Keep the kids well adjusted so they can get the most out of their school day!

Check in with our Facebook page for updates, educational articles, and cute pictures of our wonderful patients.

BEST BABY CARRIER FOR BABY

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Let’s face it, moms can only do so much.  They multitask every single day, all day long, usually with babies in there arms and picking up after toddlers/adolescents/husbands.  If you’re one of these moms, baby wearing may be a great option for you.  You can be close to your little one and still be able to use both of your hands.

There are many baby carriers on the market, so lets talk about the best options for you and baby.  We want to avoid any developmental problems with their hips, and keep their bodies properly positioned.  The risk of hip dysplasia (abnormal growth of the hip joint) is a frequent concern when talking about carriers.  Hip dysplasia can be present at birth or can develop throughout the first year of a child’s life.  Infants have softer tissue and bone than adults do, so the hip can slip out of place and become subluxated (misaligned) and become problematic.  Parents can reduce the risk of hip dysplasia by encouraging hips to be spread apart, without being in an extended position.

When choosing a carrier, avoid the narrow-based options.  Look for options that support the baby’s hips/thighs.  When placing the child in the carrier, tilt their pelvis inward and have their feet below their knees.  Don’t force your baby into any position that doesn’t seem easy or comfortable.  Below is a diagram taken from carrymeaway.com

safe babywearing

The first image shows a narrow based carrier with legs hanging down with no support.  When using these types of carriers, the hip takes the full weight of the legs.

The second image shows a medium based carrier.  The legs are still not well supported, but this is a better option than the first.  These carriers will still not properly support the weight of the leg.

The third image is the wide based option.  The knees are above the hips, with no weight being placed onto the hip joints.

The fourth image shows a side view of the wide based carrier.  Again, you can note the position of the knees.

Here is a short list of a few of the best wide based carriers:  Boba 4G, Ergo, Beco Gemini/Soleil, Tula.

WHAT ABOUT SLINGS/WRAPS?
Slings are a great option for moms who want to be close to their little ones.  Remember that slings should also support the baby’s legs and spinal alignment.  Use a soft fabric that will conform to the baby’s spine, and encourage proper cervical spine development.  Again, a short list of the best slings/wraps:  Moby Wrap, Wrapsody Stretch-Hybrid, Hana baby wrap, Boba stretchy wrap, Girasol woven wrap, Didymos woven, and ring slings.

Let us know if you would like any help using your wraps, and let us know what works best for you and your precious babe.  If you have any concerns about your baby’s hips bring them in for a chiropractic evaluation and examination.  Chiropractic is safe and gentle on kiddos, plus both of our Fort Collins doctors are pediatric certified!

For more great information on carriers visit https://www.carrymeaway.com/learncenter/baby-carriers-and-healthy-hips-busting-some-myths/