Buzz
Your little whirlwind may seem to possess boundless energy, but there will be moments when you'll need to scoop them up and transport them, whether due to exhaustion or to extricate them from a potentially precarious situation. When it's time to carry your toddler, it's imperative to do so safely to prevent any mishaps. As you lift them, you have the option to keep them facing you, nestle them snugly in a sling, or secure them in a carrier on your back.
Step-by-Step Guide
Ensuring Toddler Safety During Pickup
Position yourself in front of your toddler and squat down. Place yourself so that your feet are approximately shoulder-width apart, and squat down until you're at eye level with them. Maintain a straight, relaxed posture with your back and neck.
- If you feel unsteady while squatting, lower one knee to the ground for stability.
- Avoid bending at the waist to lift your toddler, as this can strain your back unnecessarily and make lifting more challenging.
Wrap one arm around their back and the other beneath their bottom. Maintain your gaze ahead as you draw them close to your chest. Ensure their back and legs are secure, positioning them on your body for lifting.
- Lifting from the armpits can strain your back. Never raise a child in this manner, as it can be uncomfortable for both you and them.
- Avoid lifting a child by their forearms or hands, as it can result in a condition known as “nursemaid's elbow.”
Engage your leg muscles to rise and lift them off the ground. Utilize your leg and core strength to stand up slowly. Maintain a straight back and keep the toddler close to your body as you stand.
- If possible, encourage your toddler to hold onto your shoulders with their arms and wrap their legs around your waist while you stand. This will help stabilize them and allow you to use one hand to steady yourself with a nearby wall or furniture if needed.
- Avoid twisting your back or torso while standing, as this can lead to injury.
Keep them snug against your front. The most convenient way to carry a toddler is on your front, with their weight supported by your chest and arms. Wrap your arms around their back and beneath their bottom.
- Having your child face backward over your shoulder is ideal for calming a toddler before nap or bedtime.
- You can face your toddler forward by supporting their bottom with one hand and placing your other hand across their chest. This position is perfect for imaginative play, such as pretending to drive a car or fly an airplane.
- For added stability, encourage your toddler to grip you with their legs. Try to discourage them from wrapping their arms around your neck, as this can cause you to bend forward.
- If you need to shift your toddler to one side, wait until you're standing and use your arms to move them. Avoid twisting your back or torso to move them sideways.
Avoid prolonged carrying on one side of your body. Some parents experience hip issues from carrying their toddler on one hip for extended periods. Whenever possible, carry your toddler on your front and switch sides every few minutes if you must hold them to the side.
- Carrying your toddler on your hip allows for gentle rocking by swaying back and forth.
- Remember to use your arms, not your back or torso, to shift your toddler from side to side.
Expert Opinion
Q
How do you position your child on your lap?
EXPERT INSIGHT
Response from Jessie Davidson:
When you're seated, turn the toddler to face you, ensuring stability by holding them under the arms, around the waist, or by their hands. Then, gently move your knees up and down to provide a soothing bounce for the toddler. Feel free to engage in conversation, sing, or make funny faces while doing so.
Safely Using a Toddler Sling
Test out several slings before deciding on one that offers safety and comfort. When shopping for a sling, whether at a specialty store or supermarket, opt for a sling constructed with a metal ring and durable fabric like cotton, wool, or tri-blend. Ensure your toddler falls within the height and weight limit specified on the packaging. If possible, try on the sling in-store with your toddler.
- A properly fitting sling should feel snug, allowing you to easily see and kiss your toddler. Their back should be adequately supported, and their head should be upright with their chin lifted.
- Bring your toddler along when testing out slings to find the most comfortable option for both of you.
Grasp the sling ring with your non-dominant hand. Hold the sling's ring with your non-dominant hand while you hold the toddler to one side with your dominant arm. Ensure they're secure and comfortable as you prepare to put on the sling.
- If your toddler is restless or unwilling to be held, wait until they settle down before putting on the sling. Having only one free arm while holding them can be risky if they attempt to wriggle away.
Place the ring over your head and onto your dominant shoulder. Position the sling across your body like a sash, with the ring on the same side as the toddler and the majority of the fabric resting on the opposite hip.
- This method positions your toddler on the side of your non-dominant hand, leaving your dominant hand free. If you prefer your non-dominant hand to be free, place the ring on that shoulder instead.
Transfer the toddler to the side where the sling fabric is draped. Using your arms, shift the toddler across your body to the side where the fabric is draped. The fabric should extend beneath their bottom, with their legs positioned in front of the fabric on your body's front.
- Strive to keep both of the toddler's legs in front of your body for easier sling positioning. Once in the sling, they can adjust their leg position for comfort.
Insert your dominant hand through the sling and guide their feet through. Slip your hand beneath the fabric on your body's front, reaching under the toddler's legs to pull the fabric from underneath them and position it behind their bottom. Utilize your non-dominant arm to assist in guiding their legs through the fabric loop.
- If your toddler is uncooperative during this step, try sliding the fabric under one leg at a time rather than both simultaneously.
- Keep the fabric gathered while sliding it out from under the toddler to simplify the process and prevent entanglement.
Use your hands to smooth the fabric from your toddler's knees to their back. After wrapping the sling around both of you, pull the fabric up your toddler's back until it reaches just below their shoulder blades. Ensure the lower part is positioned behind their knees to provide optimal support.
- Allow the bottom half of your toddler's legs and feet to remain outside of the sling so they can find a comfortable position.
Adjust the sling by pulling the extra fabric through the ring. To ensure your toddler's security, tug on the fabric end outside the ring. Pull it forward, upward, and downward until you sense your toddler is snug against your body and firmly nestled in the sling.
- If you notice your toddler loosening while you walk, pull on the fabric end to tighten the sling again.
Utilizing a Back Carrier
Review the carrier's instructions to ensure proper usage. Before placing your toddler in a carrier, refer to the provided instructions. Familiarize yourself with the correct positioning of the carrier and where your toddler should be seated.
- The instructions may offer useful advice for achieving a comfortable fit and navigating with the added weight of a toddler on your back.
- Various types of carriers are available. A carrier designed for hiking will require a different setup compared to one used for everyday activities.
- Consider testing multiple carriers with your toddler in-store before making a selection.
Secure the carrier around your waist and adjust the strap for a snug fit. Wrap the carrier's bottom around your waist and fasten the buckle until it clicks. Then, pull the strap until the carrier fits comfortably around your waist, ensuring it's not too tight.
- If the strap feels too constricting, release the buckle to loosen it.
Wear one shoulder strap and lift the toddler. Place one strap over your shoulder and lift your toddler as usual. Use your arms to position them on the side of your body without a shoulder strap, ensuring one leg is in front of your body and the other behind.
- Avoid twisting your torso or back while moving the toddler, as this can strain your back or loosen the carrier.
Lean forward and slide the child between the carrier and your back. Bend at the waist and gently guide the child onto your back. With your free arm, guide one of their legs toward the strap side of the carrier. Ensure their leg goes through the opening on that side.
- Encourage the child to hold onto your shoulders or neck for stability as you maneuver them. They can also assist in placing their leg in the carrier while you guide them.
Secure the other strap and adjust their position with your hands. Pull the remaining strap over your shoulder and ensure the child's legs are outside the carrier on both sides of your body. Use your hands to align the panel along their back and gently bounce them to elevate them on your back.
- Many parents prefer carrying toddlers higher on their backs for better weight distribution. Experiment with different positions to find what works best for you.
Fasten the front strap and stand upright. Buckle the strap across your chest and adjust its tightness. Then, gradually straighten your back to shift the child's weight into the carrier.
- The lower strap should be securely fastened around your waist, just below the child's bottom. If they sit lower in the carrier when you stand, lean forward and gently bounce them to raise them higher on your back. Then, tighten the waist strap and stand up straight.
Adjust the child's position on your back using the shoulder straps. While standing, pull the loose ends of the shoulder straps to tighten them and bring the child closer to your back. To have them lean away slightly, loosen the straps using the buckles.
- During movement, you may need to adjust the shoulder and chest straps. Never undo the waist belt while the child is in the carrier, as it may cause them to slip out.
Useful Tips
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Be attentive to your toddler's cues; they'll often let you know if they're uncomfortable in a particular position.
Important Warnings
- Be mindful of your child's height while carrying them. If they're tall, their head might surpass yours. Watch out for low ceilings and door frames!
- Begin carrying your toddler slowly and steadily. Your body will naturally adjust to the new weight after a few steps.
