How to check posture on your toddler and older children

 How to check posture on your toddler and older children

During the first months and years of your child's life, he or she grows from a helpless infant into a fearless adventurer. A child's natural curiosity about the world is accompanied by significant physical growth, weight gain, and emotional development. Your toddler's spine is the housing and protection for their nervous system and, by age 2, has doubled in size. The brain, spinal cord and nerves are the master controller of all their body's systems. Your toddler has learned how to roll over, sit, crawl, stand and fall in the past year which may have caused stress to a growing spine and nervous system. Don't wait for your child to manifest symptoms, but periodically check your child's posture.

·         Having your child stand against the wall you can check the bottom of their ear lobes. Are they level?

·         Place your hands on top of their shoulders and later on their hips, if your hands are not level this could be your first sign as a parent that you child's spine is not growing straight.

·         Have them face away from you and look at their spine- is it straight or does it curve to the side?

·         Have them bend forward and touch their toes, does the spine move easily, does it curve to the side or stay straight?

·         Does your child drag their feet or just drags one foot

·         Does your child toe in or out when they walk?

·         Does your child complain about leg, or knee pain? Or ‘growing pains’

If you answer yes to any of these observations your child’s spine should be assessed. Dr. Joelle Johnson and Dr. Stephen Kelly are located at Family First Chiropractic and Wellness at 142 Erickson Drive, Red Deer. Call 403-304-7980 to make an appointment or visit our website at www.family1stchiro.ca