Parent Guide
Your Child's First Chiropractic Visit: What to Expect
At your child's first chiropractic visit, you talk with the doctor, your child gets a gentle exam, and you get first answers. The full review of findings and care options usually happens at the second visit.
Updated · The Chiropractic Doctors, Grand Rapids, MI
What Happens at a Child's First Chiropractic Visit
The first visit is about getting to know your child. It is calm and low key. Here is how it goes, step by step.
1. Paperwork first
You fill out the pediatric intake form. It asks about your child’s health, birth, and what you have noticed. Doing it online at home saves time.
2. A talk with the doctor
The doctor asks what brought you in. Tell them about sleep, feeding, sports, or anything that worries you. Small details help.
3. A gentle exam
The doctor does a gentle spinal evaluation sized to your child. For babies, the touch is very light.
4. First answers
You leave with first answers to your questions. Ask anything. There are no silly questions about your kid.
5. The second visit
Usually at the second visit, the doctor reviews the findings and the care options with you. You decide what is right for your family.
You can get the paperwork done early with our pediatric intake form.
First Visit Checklist for Parents
| Bring | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Pediatric intake form | Gives the doctor your child’s history before you sit down. |
| Insurance card | Lets our team check your plan’s chiropractic benefits. |
| Notes on what you noticed | Sleep, feeding, posture, or sports. Write down when it started. |
| Your questions | A short list makes sure nothing is missed. |
| A snack or favorite toy | Helps little ones stay calm and happy. |
How to Help Your Child Feel Ready
Kids do best when they know what is coming. Keep it simple.
- Tell them it is a talk and a gentle check of their back.
- Pick a time when they are not tired or hungry.
- Let older kids ask the doctor their own questions.
- For babies, a feed before the visit can help them settle.
Want to read more first? The NIH has a plain guide to chiropractic care, and the American Academy of Pediatrics shares tips by age at HealthyChildren.org.
What Comes After the First Visit
At the second visit, the doctor walks you through what the exam found. You hear the care options in plain words. Then you choose what fits your family.
Care for kids looks nothing like an adult adjustment. Our team uses light fingertip pressure sized to your child. See our pediatric chiropractor in Grand Rapids page for the full picture.
Pediatric Chiropractor in Grand Rapids
The Chiropractic Doctors is at 5747 28th Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. Dr. Phinney and Dr. Papes see infants, children, and teens. Families come from Cascade, Kentwood, Forest Hills, Ada, and Wyoming.
Expecting a baby? See pregnancy chiropractic care. For the whole family, see family wellness care.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Talk with your child's doctor about any health concern.
Parent Questions About the First Visit
When do we hear the care options?
Usually at the second visit. The first visit is a talk with the doctor, a gentle exam, and first answers to your questions. At the second visit, Dr. Phinney or Dr. Papes reviews the findings and care options with you.
How old does my child need to be?
Infants can be seen within the first few weeks of life. Our doctors see infants, toddlers, children, and teens at our 28th Street SE office in Grand Rapids.
What should I bring to my child’s first visit?
Bring the pediatric intake form, your insurance card, and a short list of what you have noticed and want to ask. You can fill out the form online before you come.
Does insurance cover a child’s chiropractic visit?
Many family insurance plans in Michigan include chiropractic benefits for dependents. Call (616) 432-3103 with your insurance card and our team will check your plan.