If you are bringing your baby in for treatment it may be worth trying to time the appointment to coincide with a nap or a time when your baby is usually settled.
Please feel free to bring any toys or comforters etc which will make the process easier! If your baby is having immunisations we find it is better to let them settle for a day or two afterwards before treatment if they are out of sorts.
For toddlers and young children we do have some books and CDs which can help amuse them during treatment, but please feel free to bring any particular favourites with you. Usually treatment will take place with the child lying on their back on the treatment table for 20 minutes or so (although sometimes other techniques, usually with the child sitting, are used) – so it is best to bring toys which can be played with in this position.
It is a good idea for toddlers or older children to prepare them for treatment by explaining that the osteopath will touch their head, back or tummy, that it will probably feel nice and is to help them feel better. If a child is old enough to contribute to his/her own case history we will usually talk to them directly so that they feel involved. If there is some aspect of the problem or history you would prefer to discuss without the child hearing then please give us a call before the appointment to have a chat, or for short messages you can write down any information to pass on while the child is there.
Our osteopaths usually wear white clinic coats and we feel that this can be a positive experience for the child – learning that white coats do not always mean jags! However, if your child has an unusually strong dislike of white coats due to previous experience and would not tolerate this please let us know before you come in for treatment.
