One-third of 191 parents studied report using complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) at least once a year for their children, say authors of a study published in the Journal of Pediatric Health Care. Additionally, almost half have used CAM at some point. Therapies included massage, vitamins, herbs, meditation, chiropractic, homeopathy, prayer and spiritual healing, biofeedback, acupuncture, hypnosis and nutritional supplements.

The Midwest parent sampling was admittedly homogenous, with more than 93 percent of subjects being female and 80 percent Caucasian. The majority was middle class, with 90 percent having private insurance. Supporting previous research, parents who were older, better educated, had older children, Caucasian and used CAM themselves were more likely to use CAM for their children. While older parents were more likely to use herbal products, younger mothers were more likely to use infant massage.