Lifting and carrying a baby requires the utmost care, even from those who are confident in themselves and their abilities. Sometimes, in fact, in the act of holding a child even those who think they are doing well assume incorrect postures. Learning to lift and carry a baby will ensure your and his safety at the same time.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Holding a Newborn
Step 1. Lift it up with your legs
Bending your back to lift a baby, especially if it is at a lower level, can be tempting. Instead, before lifting the baby, bend your knees to lower yourself to their level. The act of bending the knees shifts the weight and pressure off the back.
- Bending your knees is especially important if you have recently given birth. Your legs are much stronger than your back.
- As you lift it, your legs and knees should be at least shoulder width apart.
- If you have to squat down to pick up the baby, push your pelvis back and keep your back as straight as possible.
Step 2. Support the baby's head
Slide your hand under his head and put your other hand under his butt. When you feel that the grip is firm, take the baby and bring him to the chest. Before lifting, always bring the baby to your chest.
- Supporting the head is crucial when dealing with a newborn, because his neck muscles are not yet well developed.
- To raise it, rely on the palms of your hands more than your wrists. Lifting a child can put too much strain on the wrist.
- Keep your thumb close to your hand. Keeping it away from the hand risks putting excessive tension on the tendons that govern it.
- Generally a baby is able to keep his head straight without external help only from the third or fourth month.
Step 3. Use the tripod technique
It is very useful when it comes to lifting the baby off the ground. Place one foot next to the baby and crouch on one knee. Make sure the knee on the ground is next to the baby. Slide the baby up to mid-thigh and lift it up until it rests on the raised knee. Put both forearms under the baby and bring him closer to the chest.
- When practicing this technique, keep your back straight and your eyes facing forward.
- To protect your back, push your hips back as you bend over.
Step 4. Use the pin technique
It is very useful when you have to turn around to lift the baby. Lift it as you normally would and hold it close to your body. Rotate your lead foot 90 degrees in the direction you intend to go. Bring the other foot to the same spot as well.
- Basically, it's about moving your feet only instead of rotating your whole body. If you rotate your upper body instead of changing the position of your feet, you risk hurting your back.
- Try not to turn around too quickly. Pivot slowly and in a controlled manner.
Step 5. Rock the baby
Rest the baby's head on your chest and slide your hand from under your butt to support the neck. Move the baby's head into the crook of the elbow and place your other hand under his butt. When he is well placed along your arm, you can use the other arm to interact and play with him.
- As you settle him in this position, support his neck.
- The position of the crib is ideal for holding a newborn baby.
Step 6. Hold the baby on the shoulder
Place it on your chest and shoulder. Place one hand on the baby's bottom and, with the other, support his head and neck. While holding the baby, keep your back straight and your abs contracted.
- This position allows him to look out over your shoulders and feel your heartbeat.
- Change the shoulder you lean it on from time to time to prevent wear and tear.
- When holding the baby, use your whole arm. The forearm is made up of small muscles, which are best not to strain.
- Keep your wrist straight and use your elbow and shoulder to carry the baby.
- Avoid pointing your wrist and fingers down while carrying the baby.
Step 7. Use a baby sling
It is a cloth support to carry the baby on one shoulder and is a very safe solution. Just check that the band or your body does not cover their face while you are carrying them. The baby may have difficulty breathing.
- If you use the sling and have to bend down to get something off the ground, bend your knees.
- Change the shoulder with which you support the band from time to time, to avoid sprains and not to strain one shoulder too much.
- Always read the instructions attached to the band. For proper use, you must not go under a certain weight.
Step 8. Use a front pouch
Carrying the baby in the carrier in front of you allows you to keep it close and distribute its weight evenly. Fasten the baby carrier and secure it around your waist and shoulders. The child must have his face turned towards you and not outwards.
- Positioning him with his face outwards risks straining his spine and hips, and creating development problems in the future.
- Placing the baby inward also protects your spine. If it's facing out, put more pressure on your back.
Part 2 of 3: Holding and Carrying an Older Child
Step 1. Lift the baby
If he is older, there is no need to support his head and neck. Approach him and crouch to pull him up. Put your hands under his armpits and lift him towards you.
- Don't try to hook his armpits with your thumbs. Keep your fingers together and your hands cupped. This is to protect your wrists.
- To put the baby down, use the same procedure.
Step 2. Carry the baby with him facing forward
Place the baby on his back against your chest. With one hand surround his waist and with the other support his bottom. This position allows him to look around. You can use a variation of this position to calm him down when he cries.
- Put your left arm over his shoulder and hold his right leg at thigh level. The baby should have his arms level with yours and his head level with your elbow. Your hands must meet at his pelvis.
- In this position you can also gently rock him to calm him down.
Step 3. Hold the baby on the shoulder
Older children like to be held in this position. Hold him with his face facing you and put his arms around your shoulders. You can use one hand or both - it depends on how much the baby weighs and if you need a free hand.
Keep your back straight while holding it on your shoulder. Curving your back is likely to strain you
Step 4. Carry the baby on your back
If he is able to hold his head and neck up, and if his legs and hips open naturally, you can start putting him in the carrier and carrying him on your back. This position allows you to stay close to him, while maintaining a lot of mobility. Put the baby in the carrier and attach the shoulder straps. The baby must fit close to your body, but with freedom of movement.
- The heavier the baby, the tighter the baby carrier should be.
- In the beginning, when you are learning to use the baby carrier, practice on a bed to be safe. Ideally, there is someone else to help you.
- Before using the baby carrier, carefully read the instructions and indications on weight limits.
- Your baby should be ready to be placed in the carrier at approximately 6 months of age.
Step 5. Put the baby in the car seat
If the seat is placed on one of the outer rear seats, enter the car with one leg and place the child in the seat facing him. To remove it, do the same operation. This pose relieves the pressure on your back a little. If the seat is in the middle seat, get into the car and place the child on it while facing him.
- If the child is fidgeting a lot or you are in a hurry, this may be difficult, but still try to be as correct as possible.
- The worst thing you can do is keep both feet on the ground and squirm to get the baby into the passenger compartment and place him in the seat. You can seriously hurt your shoulders, knees, back, wrists and neck.
Step 6. Use a baby carrier with wide straps
As your child grows, they may begin to feel their weight and their shoulders, neck and back may become strained. In this case, get a baby carrier with wide, padded shoulder straps and a belt, which serves to support the baby's weight and relieve pressure on the shoulders.
- Choose a soft, washable fabric baby carrier.
- Before you buy one, try out different models.
Part 3 of 3: Avoid Getting Hurt
Step 1. Memorize the acronym BACK
Learning the correct technique for lifting and carrying a baby can become challenging and it can happen that you forget the steps of the various procedures. Here are some key principles applicable to each context. BACK is a quick and easy way to keep in mind the most important safety recommendations.
- B is going to keep the back straight.
- A is to avoid writhing to lift or carry the baby.
- C is about to hold the baby close to your body.
- K is going to keep smooth motion, without making sudden jerks.
Step 2. Avoid thumb tendonitis
New mothers and people who lift babies for work are often prone to inflammation of the thumb and wrist. This disorder is called "sickness of nurses and embroiderers" and its scientific name is De Quervain's Syndrome. If you have pain or swelling in the thumb area, if you feel stiff or have difficulty grasping or pinching something with your thumb, you may have thumb tendonitis.
- To relieve symptoms, apply ice to your wrist or a cold compress.
- To lift the baby, use your palms rather than your wrists. Cradle the baby with your forearm and relax the fingers of the hand.
- If neither ice nor rest provide relief, see a doctor.
Step 3. Increase flexibility in your hips and back
Hip and back injuries are common among new parents. Regaining flexibility in the hips and back helps prevent injuries of this type. A little bit of stretching and undemanding yoga poses help you regain flexibility.
- If you are a new mother, get a medical check-up before starting a sport again. Make sure you can do it safely and ask which exercises are recommended for your condition and safety.
- Taking advantage of the baby's sleep to do some undemanding stretching will certainly benefit you.
Step 4. Do not carry the baby on its side
Carrying it on your side is certainly comfortable and allows you to do more with your free hand. Keep in mind, however, that keeping the baby balanced on one side puts a lot of strain on the back and hips, unbalanced and on one part of the body only. This practice can cause pelvic pain and sprains in the back, hips and pelvis.
- If you really have to carry the baby on your side, switch sides every now and then and remember to hold the baby with both arms.
- If you are not carrying the baby on your side, try not to stick your hip out. Maintain a position as straight as possible, with your back straight. To hold the baby, use the strength of the bicep instead of that of the wrist and forearm.
Advice
- Buy an ergonomic baby carrier. They are specially made to maintain the symmetry of movements and to reduce the risk of injury.
- The technique of carrying the child often varies to avoid wear injuries.
- Try different techniques and positions until you find the right one for you.
