Paediatric (Baby, Toddler & Young Teen) Osteopathy
Gentle Support for Growing Bodies
Every child is different, and their bodies go through many changes as they grow. Through her specialist knowledge and post-grad education, Phoebe offers paediatric & cranial osteopathy. A gentle, hands-on approach that aims to support your child’s comfort, movement, and overall wellbeing during these early stages of development.
Whether you’re bringing a newborn, toddler, or older child, your osteopath is trained to assess how the child’s body is functioning and adapting. We look at posture, movement patterns, and areas of tension, always considering what’s appropriate for your child’s age and stage.
A Safe and Supportive Environment
• You are welcome to hold, feed, change, or comfort your child at any time during the appointment.
• We encourage you to stay with your child throughout.
• All osteopaths at Ashby are registered with the General Osteopathic Council, and our practice follows professional standards of care and safeguarding.
0-2 year olds
0-2 year olds
Osteopathic care takes a gentle, whole-body approach to support your baby’s natural development and comfort. Babies’ bodies and systems are still developing; because of this, symptoms or difficulties in one area, can be connected to tension, discomfort or dysfunction elsewhere in their body.
Treatment, when suitable, uses light touch techniques, including cranial osteopathy, and is tailored to your child’s individual needs.
Many parents choose to visit an osteopath for a variety of reasons including if their child:
- appears uncomfortable
- struggles to turn their head one or both ways
- has disrupted sleep
- seems tense when held
- arches their back
- has had a procedure such as a frenulotomy (tongue-tie release), where parents notice their baby seems to hold tension afterwards
- has had a difficult experience that may have an ongoing impact
Osteopathic assessment may help identify areas of strain or imbalance and support comfort as your baby adapts and grows.
Important note
Osteopathy does not replace medical care or developmental checks, and we always recommend speaking to your GP or health visitor if you have any concerns about your child’s health. If we feel that further support or investigation is needed, we will refer you to an appropriate healthcare professional.
If you’re unsure whether osteopathy is right for your child, we’re happy to answer any questions.
A Safe and Supportive Environment
• You are welcome to hold, feed, change, or comfort your child at any time during the appointment.
• We encourage you to stay with your child throughout.
• All osteopaths at Ashby are registered with the General Osteopathic Council, and our practice follows professional standards of care and safeguarding.
Toddlers-Teens
Toddlers – Teens 
As children grow, parents sometimes notice things such as:
- Inability to relax
- Frequent bumps and tumbles affecting comfort
- Tension or stiffness in posture or movement
- Joint pains or changes in how they sit, crawl, walk or run
- Delayed progression to milestones that isn’t related to a medical disorder
Osteopathic treatment for toddlers is gentle and playful, using light techniques that are safe for small bodies. Sessions often include practical advice for parents to support comfort and movement at home.
In later childhood and the early teenage years, rapid growth spurts, changes in posture and new activities (like sport, dance or playing instruments) can sometimes lead parents to seek osteopathic care.
- General stiffness or postural changes linked with growth
- Discomfort after sport, dance, play or carrying heavy school bags
- Tension from long periods at desks, computers or devices
- Poor sleep
- Headaches
Our role is to assess movement, offer safe hands-on treatment if appropriate, and provide advice on posture, stretching and exercise.
Important note
Osteopathy does not replace medical care or developmental checks, and we always recommend speaking to your GP or health visitor if you have any concerns about your child’s health. If we feel that further support or investigation is needed, we will refer you to an appropriate healthcare professional.
If you’re unsure whether osteopathy is right for your child, we’re happy to answer any questions.
A Safe and Supportive Environment
• You are welcome to hold, feed, change, or comfort your child at any time during the appointment.
• We encourage you to stay with your child throughout.
• All osteopaths at Ashby are registered with the General Osteopathic Council, and our practice follows professional standards of care and safeguarding.
FAQs
What is paediatric osteopathy?
Paediatric osteopathy is a gentle, hands-on approach to assessing and treating babies and children. It focuses on supporting the way the body moves and functions, using soft touch to ease areas of tension or imbalance that may be affecting comfort, feeding, or development.
Is osteopathy safe for babies and children?
Yes. Osteopaths are trained to work safely with patients of all ages, including newborns and children. Techniques used with babies are very gentle and adapted to suit their size, age, and development. We always take the time to ensure your child is comfortable and supported during treatment.
What kinds of problems do parents bring babies to an osteopath for?
Common reasons include:
• Feeding or latching difficulties
• Tension in the neck or body (e.g. head preference, torticollis)
• Flat head shape (plagiocephaly)
• Wind, digestive discomfort or unsettled behaviour
• Sleep difficulties
• Support after tongue-tie division
• Discomfort following a difficult or assisted birth
We assess your baby as a whole to understand what may be contributing to their symptoms.
How does treatment work for babies?
Osteopathic treatment for babies involves very light touch. Techniques may include gentle holding, stretching, or movement of specific areas. Treatment is led by your baby’s comfort and responses. Some babies are calm and relaxed during treatment, while others may move or fuss — we follow their lead and always adapt to their needs.
Do you need to diagnose a problem before coming to see an osteopath?
No — many parents come to us with general concerns, like their baby seeming uncomfortable or favouring one side. We will always take time to understand your baby’s health history, birth experience, and current symptoms. If we feel that a referral to your GP, midwife, health visitor or another specialist is needed, we will let you know.
Do you treat tongue-tie?
Osteopaths do not diagnose or divide tongue-ties. However, we may be able to support babies before or after tongue-tie division, particularly where there is residual tension around the jaw, neck or shoulders affecting feeding or comfort. We often work alongside lactation consultants and other feeding professionals as part of your baby’s care.
How many treatments will my child need?
This varies depending on your child’s age, symptoms, and how they respond. Some children show changes quickly; others may benefit from a short course of treatment, some may need long term support.
After the first appointment, we’ll give you an honest recommendation and work with you to decide what’s best for your baby.
Can I stay with my baby during treatment?
Absolutely — we encourage it. You’re welcome to hold, feed, or comfort your child at any point. Treatment can often be done with your baby / toddler in your arms or on your lap if that’s where they’re happiest.
Do you work with other professionals?
Yes. We often work alongside GPs, midwives, health visitors, lactation consultants, tongue-tie specialists and other professionals involved in your child’s care. If we think someone else should be involved, we’ll communicate that clearly. Your information is confidential, consent will always be sought before any details can be shared.
Other Treatments we Offer
At Ashby Osteopaths, we take time to understand your concerns and work with you to find the most suitable approach. Our focus is always on safe, evidence-informed care — and if we feel a different type of support would be more appropriate for you, we’ll happily help you access it.
You can check availability and make your booking using the link below.
Home Visits
You can arrange to have an osteopath visit your home for your child’s appointment if you prefer. This is suitable only for children 5 and under.
For first appointments the cost is £120 for home visits within 5 miles of the clinic, and an additional charge of £2 per mile, if further.
Follow up appointments are £95 within 5 miles of the clinic, and an additional charge of £2 per mile, if further.
These appointments must be booked directly with the clinic, please call or email for availability.
