Bringing home a new baby can be exciting, but it's important to recognize the potential dangers your new child could be facing. Spinal problems in infancy can have lasting effects on a child's development, so taking the time to learn about some potential causes of spinal trauma can be beneficial.

Here are three types of spinal trauma to be watching for during the first few months of your child's life.

1. Spondylolisthesis

Unlike the adult spine, which has four curvatures, your newborn child's spine only has two curvatures. The remaining two curves develop over time as your child matures. One curve that doesn't develop until later in your child's life is the lumbar curvature. This curvature is located in the lower back, and helps to counteract the effects of gravity by keeping the body's center of balance in alignment.

Placing your child in a carrier that allows his or her feet to dangle freely could place undue stress on the lower back. Spondylolisthesis occurs when this spinal stress causes one vertebra to slip forward on the one below it. Using a carrier that doesn't subject your baby to the pull of gravity will help your baby avoid Spondylolisthesis.

2. Spinal Cord Damage

If you had a difficult delivery, you need to be sure that you are watching for signs of spinal cord damage when you bring your new baby home. During the birthing process, rotational stress can be applied to your child's spinal axis.

If you notice that your baby has abnormal reflexes or exhibits an inability to move, these could be signs of spinal cord damage. Fortunately, many of the spinal cord injuries sustained during birth can be corrected through the use of a brace of the administration of steroids.

3. Spinal Injuries

Although your child may not be extremely active during the first few months of life, even seemingly minor physical traumas can result in spinal injuries. Over the first month of your child's life his or her spinal column will grow 50% in length. The developing spinal cord is vulnerable to injury.

Taking your baby to a chiropractic or spinal specialist will allow you to monitor for potential injuries so they can be treated before they have a permanent effect on your child's development.

Caring for your new baby requires that you care for his or her spinal cord. By taking the time to learn about some common forms of trauma, the importance of spinal care for your new baby will become apparent.

For professional physical therapy, contact a company such as Mormile Physical Therapy.