Seen At 11: Mothers Turning To Controversial Practice Of Giving Chiropractic Care For Newborns

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Some mothers are turning to chiropractic care for their newborns, which some experts believe is dangerous.

CBS2's Meg Baker reported  baby massages, even chiropractic manipulations, are becoming more popular on babies and infants.

"Touch is really the first sense that develops in utero as a way of communicating," said Kelli Deflora, an instructor at Montclair Baby.

Candice Powell-Diaz said her newborn, who would cry constantly, seemed to find relief with gentle massages.

"I did the routine with him and he was nice and relaxed," Powell-Diaz said.

Deflora said specific motions can stimulate the central nervous system and help reduce stress.

But what some are considering more controversial are parents opting for chiropractic care for their newborns.

Melissa Kelly brought her day-and-a-half-old daughter in for her first adjustment because she found success in the care with her son.

"He, like, has never had any issues with ear infections," Kelly said. "He doesn't get sick."

Hartman Family Practice chiropractors claim baby adjustments may help to ease colic.

"There could be generalized fussiness. Maybe the baby's not sleeping right," Dr. Tami Hartman said. "But some things, they can truly observe -- if their child constantly looks mad."

The doctors said they use the same amount of pressure you would to check the ripeness of tomatoes.

"People think we're adjusting a child the way we would adjust an adult," Hartman said. "And it's absolutely not true."

However, Dr. Emily Dodwell, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon at Hospital for Special Surgery questioned the benefit or need for chiropractic care at such a young age.

"In general, we don't have any evidence that babies are born with any kind of spinal malalignment that requires chiropractic care," Dodwell said.

Dodwell added there are potential risks.

"There could involve stroke, fracture, disc herniation, spinal cord injurym nerve injury. So I would caution any parent that's considering chiropractic care to avoid any forceful manipulation," Dodwell said.

All experts agree, though, that touch is important for a happy baby.