Back pain can be caused by a vast number of circumstances. One often-overlooked activity that leads to strain and discomfort in the back is holding a baby. A phenomenon experienced by many new parents, persistent back pain can make it difficult for mothers and fathers to care for their little one comfortably. Discover what you can do to prevent it with the helpful guide below.

A Guide to Preventing Back Pain While Holding a Baby

The Best Way to Hold Babies

The secret to holding babies without straining your back lies in using your largest muscles to bear the child’s weight. This can be achieved by holding babies close to the midline, using the bicep instead of the forearm or hand to bear their weight. Their legs should hug your back and front, and the child should be situated at your side. This positions them as close to the body as possible, which helps to distribute their weight while still allowing you to maintain an open chest and proper posture. It also takes the weight off your spine, thereby helping to prevent back pain. 

Helpful Tools 

One popular method for holding babies is placing the child on the front of the parent’s body in a hands-free carrier. While the carrier seems to be the preferred mode for carrying babies today, it could present issues, particularly because it strains the parent’s upper back. A better alternative for children over the age of six months is carrying them on the back.

Placing a child as close to the spine as possible will prevent them from overloading your shoulders. It will also allow you to maintain good posture instead of hunching forward. While parents around the world use simple cloth wraps to support their babies on their backs, you can also look for ergonomic back carriers to support spinal health.

While back pain from carrying children is largely preventable, spinal injuries can still happen to busy parents–and virtually anyone else. If you’re experiencing discomfort in your back or neck and would like to address the root cause of the issue, turn to O’Fallon Pain Relief Associates in St. Charles County, MO. Offering chiropractic care, physical therapy, and pain management solutions, this one-stop care center can help you feel and function your best once again. Request an appointment by visiting their website or by calling (636) 978-3000.