Bending at the knees is particularly important if you have recently given birth. Your legs are much stronger than your back. Your feet and knees should be at least shoulder-width apart when you lift. If you have to squat to pick up the baby, stick your buttocks out and keep your back as flat as possible. If you had a C-section birth, you may want to have someone lift the baby and hand it to you until you’ve fully recovered. [3] X Research source
Head support is critical for newborns because their neck muscles are not developed. [6] X Research source Be careful not to press on the soft spots on the baby’s head. [7] X Research source Support the baby the same way if it’s swaddled or in a sleep sack. Rely on your palms instead of your wrists to lift. Lifting a baby can put a strain on your wrist. [8] X Research source Keep your thumbs close to your hand. Large gaps between your thumb and the rest of your hand will put a strain on the tendons that control your thumb. Babies typically can keep their head up with minimal support around three or four months of age. [9] X Research source
Keep your back straight and your head facing forward as you do this technique. To protect your back, make sure your buttocks is pushed out as you bend.
Move your feet instead of twisting your body. You can hurt your back if you turn your upper body instead of changing the position of your feet. Try not to turn too quickly. Pivot at a slow,controlled pace.
Support your baby’s neck as you get your baby settled into the cradle position. Cradling is ideal for holding a newborn baby.
This position allows the baby to look over your shoulder and hear your heartbeat. Alternate the shoulder that you carry the baby on. This can prevent overuse injuries. Use your entire arm as you hold the baby. Your forearm is comprised of small muscles that may not be used to carrying a baby. Keep your wrist straight and use your elbow and shoulder muscles to carry the baby. [12] X Research source If you’re going to swaddle the baby, do it before you hold it on your shoulder. Avoid pointing your wrists and fingers towards the floor as you carry your baby. Make sure the baby’s head is over your shoulder or turned to the side so it can breathe. [13] X Research source
Bend at your knees if you pick something while holding your baby in the sling. You can alternate the shoulder that your sling is on to help with alignment issues and from tiring one of your shoulders out. Always read the instructions when you use a sling. There is a weight minimum for using the sling.
Facing the baby outwards puts pressure on the baby’s spinal curves and hips. This can result on developmental issues for your baby in the future. Facing the baby towards you will also protect your spine. If your baby is facing outwards, more pressure is put on your spine and back.
Try not to hook your thumbs under the baby’s armpits. Keep your fingers together and cup your hands instead. This will help protect your wrists. [17] X Research source You can use this same technique to put the baby down as well.
Put your left arm over the baby’s left shoulder and hold the baby’s right thigh. The baby should have one arm on each side of your arm and his or her head should be near your elbow. Your hands should meet near the baby’s crotch area. [19] X Research source You can gently bounce in this position as well to soothe your baby.
Keep your back straight when you hold the baby up to your shoulder. Arching your back can result in a back strain. [21] X Research source
Keep your back straight when you hold the baby up to your shoulder. Arching your back can result in a back strain. [21] X Research source
The heavier the baby, the tighter the straps need to be. When you are first learning to use the baby carrier, practice over a bed for safety purposes. It may also be helpful to have another person help you. Always read the weight requirements and instructions before you use the baby carrier. Your baby should be ready for back carrying at about 6 months of age.
It can be hard to do this if your baby is moving a lot or you are in a rush, but try to be in a good position the majority of the time. The worst thing you can do is keep both of your feet on the ground and twist your entire body to place the baby in the car seat. You can injure your shoulders, knees, back, wrists, and neck.
Choose baby carriers that are made from soft fabrics and are easy to clean. Try on different baby carriers before you purchase one. [24] X Research source
B is for keeping your back straight. A is for avoiding twisting to lift or carry the baby. C is for keeping the baby close to your body. K is for keeping your movements smooth.
Apply ice or a cold compress to your wrist to alleviate symptoms. Use your palms instead of relying on your wrist to lift your baby. Cradle the baby with your forearm and fingers and relax your fingers as you hold the baby. See a physician if icing or resting your thumb and wrist does not alleviate the symptoms.
If you are a new mother, talk to your doctor before you begin exercising again. Make sure that it is safe for you to begin exercising and discuss what type of exercises are safe and realistic for you. Even some light stretching while your baby is taking a nap will be beneficial.
Alternate hips and hold the baby with both arms if you carry the baby on your hip. If you do carry the baby on your hip, try not to stick your hip out. Stand as upright as possible and keep your back straight. Use your bicep to hold the baby instead of your wrist and forearms. [27] X Research source
