Even before they’re born, babies go through an incredible journey. During pregnancy, their tiny bodies are constantly growing and shifting, often in tight spaces. Positioning in the womb, limited room to move, or even the way the baby engages with the pelvis can sometimes create tension or asymmetries long before birth. Then, birth itself—no matter how smooth or complicated—can add extra stress to their developing bodies.
From the moment they arrive, babies are adjusting to a brand-new world. Feeding, sleeping, digesting, moving—it’s all new, and sometimes their little bodies need a bit of extra support as they settle in and grow.
That’s where baby bodywork comes in.
Baby bodywork is a gentle, holistic approach to supporting your baby’s physical comfort, alignment, and development. Whether your baby is experiencing tension from birth, trouble latching, or struggling to sleep, bodywork offers safe, hands-on support to help them (and you!) feel more at ease.
What Is Baby Bodywork?
Baby bodywork involves soft, therapeutic touch techniques such as:
- Gentle tissue release to ease muscle tension
- Craniosacral therapy to support the nervous system and overall balance
- Jaw and tongue assessments to help with feeding comfort
Gentle support for the digestive system to relieve discomfort
These techniques help relieve physical tension, restore balance, and support the nervous system, which plays a key role in regulating digestion, sleep, and feeding.
It’s not about forcing the body—it’s about supporting it. Bodywork is especially helpful for babies who experienced a long or difficult birth, who are recovering from a tongue/lip tie procedure, or who simply seem uncomfortable in their body.
Who Provides It—And Which Option Should I Choose?
At Rooted Family in Ottawa, we offer a variety of gentle, hands-on modalities that all aim to support your baby’s comfort and development. These approaches are quite similar in their goals and techniques, so choosing the right practitioner often comes down to what feels best for you and your baby’s unique needs.
Chiropractic Care for Babies
Yes—chiropractic care for babies is safe, gentle, and baby-specific.
At Rooted Family, our chiropractors use light touch and low-force adjustments tailored to your baby’s age and needs. These adjustments can help ease physical tension and improve alignment, helping your baby:
- Latch and feed more comfortably
- Relieve gas and digestive discomfort
- Sleep more soundly
- Address flat spots or neck preference (like torticollis)
- Ease symptoms of colic or irritability
Think of it as support for the growing spine and nervous system—building the foundation for healthy development.
Osteopathy & Physiotherapy for Babies
Our osteopaths and physiotherapists focus on how your baby’s body moves and functions as a whole. Using gentle techniques, they work to release restrictions in muscles, joints, and connective tissue, supporting balance and optimal movement patterns.
These sessions are particularly helpful if your baby:
- Has difficulty with rolling, crawling, or meeting motor milestones
- Shows stiffness or favoring one side
- Experienced birth trauma, breech positioning, or a long labour
- Needs follow-up support for tongue/lip ties or torticollis
Registered Massage Therapy (RMT) for Babies
Our Registered Massage Therapist Kelly Watters-Gibbons specializes in baby bodywork. More than just a gentle massage, sessions focus on supporting feeding, releasing areas of tension, and enhancing overall comfort. This includes craniosacral therapy and gentle techniques targeting the jaw, neck, shoulders, and digestive system to help babies feel more relaxed in their bodies. The work may also involve delicate oral support to address feeding challenges, improve tongue mobility, and relieve tension related to tongue ties—both before and after treatment.
When to Consider Baby Bodywork
Every baby is different—but here are some signs your baby might benefit from bodywork:
- Difficulty latching or feeding
- Preference for turning their head one way
- Discomfort during tummy time
- Digestive issues like reflux or gassiness
- Fussiness or trouble sleeping
- Tongue or lip ties
- Traumatic or assisted birth
Even if your baby doesn’t have clear “issues,” bodywork can be a proactive, preventative way to support comfort and ease early on.
What Parents Are Saying
“We’ve been receiving osteopathic treatment for our 10-week-old baby’s neck tightness and rotation. The care has been gentle, professional, and very effective in addressing the issue. We also appreciated the guidance on at-home exercises, which have made a huge difference. During our visits, breastfeeding challenges were also addressed with great support. We always look forward to these appointments and highly recommend osteopathic care for infants”.
— Julie, Ottawa mom
Meet Our Infant Bodywork Team
Our team of baby bodywork practitioners bring a blend of clinical expertise and deep compassion to every appointment.We believe in working collaboratively with families to create personalized care plans that respect your goals and your baby’s unique needs.
Book a Baby Bodywork Session
If your baby is having trouble feeding, sleeping, settling—or just doesn’t seem comfortable—baby bodywork might be a helpful next step.
Our team is here to help you explore your options and find a path that feels good for your family.
📅 Ready to get started?
Book a baby bodywork consultation today.
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