If you feel unstable while squatting, put one knee on the ground to steady yourself. Never bend at the waist to pick up your toddler. This can cause unnecessary strain on your back and makes lifting much more difficult.
Reaching out to pick them up can strain your back. Never lift a child from their armpits, which can be painful for them and you. Avoid lifting up a child by their forearms or hands, as this can cause an injury known as “nursemaid’s elbow. ”
If you can, ask your toddler to hold onto you with their arms on your shoulders and legs around your waist awhile you stand. This will help keep them in place, and will allow you to use one of your hands to stabilize yourself with a wall or piece of furniture if necessary. Try to avoid twisting your back or torso while standing, which can cause an injury.
Having your child face backwards over your shoulder is a great position to soothe a toddler who is getting ready for nap time or bedtime. [8] X Expert Source Jessie DavidsonChild Care Specialist Expert Interview. 7 July 2021. You can face your toddler forwards by supporting under the toddler’s bottom with one hand and putting your other hand across their chest. This position is great for playing with a toddler by pretending they are driving a car or flying an airplane. [9] X Expert Source Jessie DavidsonChild Care Specialist Expert Interview. 7 July 2021. For extra support, ask your toddler to hold onto you with their legs. If possible, try to keep them from wrapping their arms around your neck, which can cause you to bend forward. If you need to shift your toddler to one side, wait until you’re in a standing position, and use your arms to move them. Avoid twisting your back or torso to shift them to your side.
The advantage of carrying your toddler on your hip is that it’s easy to gently rock the toddler by swaying back and forth. [12] X Expert Source Jessie DavidsonChild Care Specialist Expert Interview. 7 July 2021. Remember to use your arms, rather than your back or torso, to move your toddler from one side to another.
As a general rule, a well-fitting sling will be tight, and you will be able to look down and see that your toddler is close enough for you to kiss them. Their back should be well-supported and their head should be up with their chin off of their chest. Bring your toddler to the store with you and try out several slings with them to find the one that is the most comfortable for you both.
If your toddler is squirmy or doesn’t want to be held, wait until they calm down to put on the sling. You’ll only have one arm available to hold them, which can be dangerous if they’re trying to get to the ground.
Using this technique, your toddler will be positioned on the side of your non-dominant hand, leaving your dominant hand free. If you’d prefer to have your non-dominant hand free, place the ring on that shoulder.
Try to keep both of your toddler’s legs in front of your body to make positioning the sling easier. Once they’re in the sling, they can adjust their legs to a position that is more comfortable.
If your toddler isn’t cooperating with this step, try slipping the fabric under one leg and then the other, rather than both at the same time. Try to keep the fabric bunched while you’re sliding it out from under the toddler. This will make the process easier and prevent you and your toddler from getting tangled in the fabric.
Leave the bottom half of your toddler’s legs and feet outside of the sling so they can find a comfortable position.
If you feel your toddler coming loose as you walk, pull on the end of the fabric to re-tighten the sling.
The instructions can also include helpful tips for getting a comfortable fit and walking with the extra weight of a toddler on your back. There are a few different types of carriers. A carrier for hiking will require a different position than one for day-to-day use. It’s best to try out several carriers with the toddler in the store before selecting one.
If the strap feels too tight, pull on the buckle to loosen it.
Try not to twist your torso or back as you’re moving the toddler. You can loosen the carrier or strain your back with too much movement.
It may be helpful to ask the child to hold onto your shoulders or neck for stability as you move them. They might also be able to put their leg in the carrier while you guide them.
Many parents prefer to carry their toddlers higher on their backs because the extra weight is easier to manage. Try various different positions to see what’s most comfortable for you.
The lower strap of the carrier should be secure around your waist, and should hit just below the toddler’s backside. If they’re lower in the carrier when you stand, lean over again and bounce them a few times to push them higher on your back. Then, tighten the waist strap and stand up.
As you walk, you may need to tighten or loosen the shoulder and chest straps. Never unbuckle the waist belt when your toddler is in the carrier, as this can cause them to slip out of the carrier.
