how to carry a toddler
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How to carry a toddler

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How to carry a toddler

Carrying a toddler might seem simple, but it can quickly become a back-breaking challenge for many parents. Between the constant bending, lifting, and juggling, it’s easy to strain your body while trying to keep your little one close.

Whether it’s a quick pick-up or a long walk, learning to carry your toddler can save you from aches and pains and even prevent long-term injuries. This guide will show you How to carry a toddler safely so you and your child stay happy and healthy. Ready to lift smarter, not harder? Let’s dive in!

How to Protect Your Back While Lifting and Carrying Your Child

Here’s a simple guide to safely pick up and carry your child without straining your back:

Picking Up Your Child

  1. Think Hip Hinge
    • Bend at your hips, not your waist.
    • Imagine you’re reaching into a dishwasher, keeping your back straight.
  2. Engage Your Core
    • Tighten your core muscles (don’t suck in your belly button, as that can round your back).
    • A neutral spine position is essential to avoid herniating your discs.
  3. Lift Smoothly
    • Get close to your child before lifting.
    • Avoid jerky movements.

Carrying Your Child

  1. Avoid Shifting Your Weight
    • Don’t lean into one hip or let your body sag while holding your child.
    • This posture strains your back, hips, and shoulders.
  2. Stand Tall
    • Keep your back upright, shoulders relaxed, and your core engaged.
    • Distribute the Weight evenly as much as possible.
  3. Use Two Hands When Possible
    • Hold your child with both hands, especially when walking, for better stability.
  4. Alternate Positions
    • Switch sides or hand positions regularly to prevent overloading one side.

Key Tips for Long-Term Strength

  • Engage your muscles, not your ligaments.
  • Building strength over time will make carrying your child easier and healthier.

Stay mindful of your posture; you’ll protect your back while bonding with your child!

Related Article: Will Baby carrier hurt my back?

 

How to Safely Pick Up and Carry Your Toddler- 3 safe methods

Sometimes, your toddler must be carried when tired or in an unsafe area. Here’s how to pick them up and have them in different ways while protecting yourself and them.

Method 1: Picking Up a Toddler Safely

  1. Squat in Front of Your Toddler
    • Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
    • Squat your toddler’s level, keeping your back and neck straight.
    • If squatting feels unsteady, kneel on one knee. Avoid bending at the waist to prevent back strain.
  2. Position Your Hands Correctly
    • Place one hand around their back and the other under their bottom.
    • Bring them close to your chest and avoid pulling on their arms or hands, which can cause injuries.
  3. Lift with Your Legs
    • Use your leg and core muscles to stand up while holding your toddler close.
    • Ask them to hold onto your shoulders or wrap their legs around your waist for extra stability.
    • Avoid twisting your back while lifting.
  4. Hold Them Close to Your Body
    • Keep your toddler’s Weight against your chest, supporting their back and bottom.
    • Avoid letting them wrap their arms around your neck, as this can pull you forward.
  5. Don’t Carry on One Hip for Too Long
    • Carrying your toddler on one hip for extended periods can strain your back and hips.
    • Switch sides frequently or keep them in front of you for better balance.

Method 2: Using a Sling

  1. Choose the Right Sling
    • Look for a sturdy sling with a metal ring and fabric like cotton or wool.
    • Ensure the sling fits tightly and supports your toddler’s back, with their chin off their chest.
  2. Put the Sling On
    • Hold the sling in your non-dominant hand and drape it across your body like a sash.
    • The ring should rest on the shoulder of the side where your toddler will sit.
  3. Position Your Toddler in the Sling
    • Shift your toddler to the side where the fabric rests.
    • Pull their legs through the sling and position the fabric under their bottom and up to their back.
  4. Secure the Sling
    • Tighten the fabric through the ring until your toddler is snug and close to your body.

Method 3: Using a Back Carrier

  1. Read the Instructions
    • Check the carrier’s manual to ensure you use it correctly and safely.
  2. Secure the Carrier Around Your Waist
    • Fasten the waist strap snugly and make sure it clicks into place.
  3. Place Your Toddler in the Carrier
    • Put one shoulder strap on and lift your toddler onto your back.
    • Lean forward and gently guide their legs through the carrier’s openings.
  4. Adjust the Carrier
    • Put on the other strap and ensure the fabric supports your toddler’s back and legs.
    • Buckle the chest strap and tighten the shoulder straps to keep your toddler secure.
  5. Stand Up Straight
    • Once your toddler is in place, adjust the straps for a snug and comfortable fit.
    • Avoid unbuckling the waist strap while carrying your toddler.

Related Article: Are carriers safe for newborns

What is the safest way to lift a toddler?

Safest Way to Lift a Toddler

  1. Avoid Twisting: Keep your body straight and aligned to prevent strain.
  2. Get Close to the Child: Move as close as possible before lifting to minimize pressure on your back.
  3. Bend with Your Hips and Knees: Keep your back straight, push your hips back, and squat down to the toddler’s level.
  4. Engage Your Core: Tighten your abdominal muscles for support.
  5. Lift with Your Legs: Use your thigh muscles to stand, exhaling as you lift.

How to Carry a Toddler- Different Positions

  • Front, Inward-Facing Position: This position is ideal for infants and younger toddlers. It keeps them close to your chest for comfort and support.
  • Back Carry Position: Best for older toddlers and preschoolers. It distributes the Weight evenly and reduces strain on your back and shoulders.
  • Hip Carry: Convenient for short periods but can cause imbalance if used too long.

When babywearing, always ensure:

  • The carrier provides proper support for the toddler’s back and hips.
  • Their face remains visible and unobstructed to ensure safe breathing.
  • The carrier suits the child’s Weight and age.

Switch positions periodically to avoid overloading one part of your body!

What is the correct way to carry a child?

Correct Way to Carry a Child

  1. Keep Your Back Straight: Avoid slouching or twisting your spine while carrying your child.
  2. Distribute Weight Evenly: Stand tall with a balanced posture to minimize strain on your back and hips.
  3. Front Carry:
    • Hold your child securely with both hands in front of your body.
    • Position their legs wrapped around your waist for stability.
    • Support their bottom with one hand and their back with the other.
  4. Avoid Prolonged Hip Carrying:
    • While carrying on your hip may feel natural, it can strain your back if done for long periods.
    • If needed, switch sides frequently to distribute Weight evenly.
  5. Use a Carrier for Support:
    • A properly fitted baby carrier or sling can help distribute Weight evenly across your back, shoulders, and hips.
    • Choose a carrier suitable for your child’s age and Weight.

Key Tip: Always engage your core muscles to support your posture and reduce the risk of injury.

Is it OK to lift a toddler by hand?

No, lifting a toddler by their hands or arms is unsafe. This can cause injuries such as nursemaid’s elbow, a common condition where the elbow joint partially dislocates. Instead:

  • Lift from under the armpits: Use both hands to support your child under their arms.
  • Maintain good posture: Bend at the knees (not your waist) and engage your leg muscles when lifting.
  • Avoid sudden jerking motions: Keep movements smooth and controlled to ensure your child’s safety and comfort.

Always prioritize supporting their torso to avoid strain on their joints.

How not to carry a baby?

To ensure your baby’s safety and comfort, avoid these common mistakes when lifting or holding them:

  1. Never Lift by the Arms:
    • Pulling or lifting a baby by their arms can stress their joints and lead to injuries like nursemaid’s elbow.
  2. Avoid Lifting Only by the Underarms:
    • While underarm support is common, it should not be the sole point of contact. Always support their torso and head.
  3. Do Not Skip Head and Neck Support (for infants):
    • Babies under six months need their head and neck properly supported to prevent strain or injury.
  4. Don’t Hold Them in Unsafe Positions:
    • Avoid positions where their head or limbs dangle unsupported.
    • Ensure they are snug against your body to prevent accidental drops or jerky movements.
  5. Avoid Carrying on One Hip for Too Long:
    • Prolonged hip carrying can strain your back and hips and make the baby feel unstable.

Key Reminder

Always use proper lifting techniques, such as bending your knees, keeping your back straight, and supporting your body fully. This ensures your safety and your baby’s comfort.

For more info read on our guides on Baby Carriers 

How to Carry a Child Without Hurting Your Back

Carrying your child, especially babies and toddlers, can sometimes lead to back pain or injury. The good news is that with the right techniques, you can reduce the risk of injury while keeping your little one close.

Why Carrying a Child Can Hurt

  • Frequent Lifting: Parents may lift their children 50 times daily. This repetitive motion, especially with the added Weight of infant car seats, can strain your back.
  • Imbalance: Carrying a car seat on one side or holding a child in one position for a long time can create imbalances, leading to discomfort and pain.
  • Improper Posture: Stooping or hovering over a child before picking them up can also increase the likelihood of back strain.

Proper Carrying Techniques

  1. Bend Your Knees, Not Your Back:
    • Avoid bending at the waist. Instead, bend your knees and lift using the strength of your legs. This helps prevent unnecessary strain on your back.
  2. Maintain Good Posture:
    • Keep your shoulders down and chest back. Hold your child close to your chest and avoid twisting your body when you lift them.
  3. Position Your Feet:
    • Stand with your feet hip-width apart. This helps balance your body and braces it for lifting.
  4. Use Alternative Methods:
    • Consider carrying your child with a stroller, baby carrier, or hip seat. These tools can help relieve back strain.

Proactively Protecting Your Back

To avoid injury, you can also focus on strengthening your back before lifting your child:

  • Stretching and Yoga: Helps maintain flexibility and reduce tension.
  • Core Exercises: Strengthening your core can provide better support for your back.
  • Light Weightlifting: This can help build overall body strength, making lifting easier.

Resources Used For The Article: 

 

 

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