I will admit, this is a topic that I suggested due to personal experience. As my son has grown into toddlerhood and topped 20 pounds, and now that he is no longer in the basket that I can strap him into before putting it into the car, I have had some problems getting him into the car seat without wrenching my back. I was eager to hear what Ann had to say as she had some great advice while I was pregnant. Thankfully, her words of wisdom, along with a few experts from the APTA, have made it much less likely that I’ll hurt my back any time soon. At least from carrying my son.
How to carry a baby without breaking your back
with advice from Ann Cowlin, MA, CSM, CCE
One of the biggest surprises of parenthood is the toll it takes on your body. Yes, sleep deprivation and constant feedings can wear you down. But the joy of picking up your baby to hold her close can lead to a variety of aches and pains, especially in your back. Keep these tips in mind to reduce pain and improve your time with your little one.
The number one thing to remember, says Ann Cowlin, the creator of Dancing Thru Pregnancy, a fitness program for expectant mothers (and a Physiquality partner), is to “bring your infant or child close to your center line (or your center of gravity) before standing up.” For example, if you’re picking your baby up off of the floor, kneel on the floor to get closer to him, pick him up and snuggle him into your chest, then stand up.