Pushing strollers, picking up children, and carrying children—not to mention picking up their toys and messes—are daily tasks for parents. Although they seem like simple mundane tasks, they can lead to injury if not performed properly. Our therapists have gathered some tips to help parents properly perform these daily tasks while avoiding injury.
Picking Your Child up from the Floor
When you’re lifting your child up from the floor, the safest way to do it is with a half-kneel posture. While standing close to your child, place one foot slightly in front of the other. While keeping your back straight, bend your hips and knees to slowly lower yourself down onto one knee. Now that you’re down on one knee, use both arms to securely grasp your child and hold them close to your body. To return to a standing position, slowly push yourself up with your legs while tightening your abdominal muscles. When you’re placing your child down on the floor from a standing position, use the same half-kneel technique.
Carrying and Holding Your Child
One of the most common stances when holding a child is to hold them in one arm while balancing them on your hip. This position should be avoided, as it puts too much weight on one side of your body. Instead, you should aim for symmetry and always hold your child close to your torso while keeping them balanced in the center of your body.
Lifting Your Child out of Their Crib
Keep your feet a shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent while you lift your child out of their crib. Keep your head up while you arch your lower back. Bend slightly at your hips and use both arms to grasp your child and hold them securely to your chest. Gently straighten your hips and knees so that you are in a normal, upright standing position. When placing your child back in their crib, use the same technique in reverse. If the rail on the crib lowers, it is best to have the rail as low as possible while lifting your child in our out of their crib.
Pushing a Stroller
When using a stroller, it’s important to remember that the force that it takes to push the stroller should come from your entire body, not just from your arms. While keeping your back straight and your shoulders back, keep your body as close to the stroller as possible. Pushing the stroller too far in front of you can cause you to hunch your back and shoulders.