What do fussy babies and kids who struggle with focus or emotional regulation have in common? The answer may surprise you—and give you new hope as a parent.
If you’ve ever been told, “Don’t worry, they’ll grow out of it,” you’re not alone. Many parents hear that when dealing with colic. But here’s the truth: babies don’t simply “grow out” of colic—they grow through it. What that experience looks like depends largely on how their nervous system adapts and heals.
At Foundation of Stone Pediatric & Perinatal Family Chiropractic, we see colic as your baby’s way of communicating that their nervous system is working extra hard to process stress and adapt to their new environment. The endless crying, back arching, and sleepless nights aren’t random—they’re signs that your baby’s body is trying to find balance.
The Nervous System Connection
While colic often gets labeled as a digestive issue, the real story runs deeper. The digestive system is fully controlled by the nervous system, and when that system becomes overwhelmed, everything from digestion to sleep can get “stuck.”
The vagus nerve—sometimes called the “master nerve”—connects the brainstem to the heart, lungs, and digestive tract. If stress or tension affects this nerve during birth or early development, it can interrupt communication between the brain and body, leading to discomfort, tension, and difficulty calming.
When we look at colic through this lens, it makes sense why many babies who struggled with colic as infants later show signs of sensory challenges, emotional dysregulation, or focus concerns as they grow. The underlying stress pattern simply changes form as the child develops.
Understanding Birth and Early Stress
Every birth story is unique. Sometimes, interventions such as inductions, cesarean sections, or assisted deliveries are necessary—but even gentle births can create physical tension in a baby’s spine and neck. Add in stress during pregnancy, and a baby’s nervous system can enter the world already on high alert.
That’s why many colicky babies arch their backs or stiffen their bodies—they’re instinctively trying to release that tension. Their little bodies are working hard to find ease and connection.
The Stress Pattern Timeline
When tension and stress remain unaddressed, parents may notice a pattern that looks something like this:
- Colic (0-6 months): excessive crying, digestive discomfort, difficulty sleeping
- Chronic ear infections (6-18 months): frequent infections or congestion
- Speech or developmental delays (18-36 months): slower to talk or coordinate movement
- Sensory sensitivities (3-5 years): overwhelmed by noises, lights, or textures
- Focus and behavioral challenges (5+ years): difficulty concentrating or regulating emotions
These are all ways the body continues to communicate stress in the nervous system. The goal of chiropractic care is to help release that stress, restore balance, and allow the body to function and adapt as it was designed to.
What You Can Do as a Parent
- Trust your instincts. You know your baby best. If something feels off, you’re probably right.
- Look for care that addresses the whole child. Seek practitioners who understand how the nervous system influences digestion, development, and emotional regulation.
- Reflect on your birth and pregnancy journey. Sometimes, those early experiences hold clues to what your baby’s body is still processing.
- Focus on connection, not correction. Your baby isn’t broken—they just need help getting unstuck.
Hope for Your Family
When the stress and tension in a baby’s nervous system are addressed, incredible changes can happen. Babies who once cried for hours become calm and content. Sleep and digestion improve. Parents feel less stressed and more connected.
At Foundation of Stone Pediatric & Perinatal Family Chiropractic, we use gentle, nervous system-focused chiropractic care to help release stored stress patterns so your baby’s body can heal, regulate, and grow the way it’s meant to.
You are not overreacting or doing anything wrong—you’re simply listening to what your baby is trying to communicate. And with the right support, your child can move from stuck and stressed to calm and thriving.
If you’re ready to learn more or schedule an assessment, we’d love to connect. If you’re outside the Knoxville area, you can find a PX Docs-aligned office near you for support on your family’s journey.
Your baby’s nervous system holds incredible potential for healing—and that potential begins when their foundation is restored.