Every movement when lifting and holding a baby must be done with extreme care, including by people who have done it often. Even though they feel sure they understand the right way, they may be holding the baby the wrong way. By learning how to safely lift and hold your baby, you and your baby stay safe.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Lifting a Newborn Bayi
Step 1. Use leg strength to lift baby
You may prefer to bend over when you pick up your baby, especially if he is lower than your tummy. Instead of slouching, bend your knees while lowering your body slightly before lifting the baby. This method makes the weight evenly distributed between the soles of the feet and knees so that the pressure on the back is reduced.
- Bend knees when lifting a baby is very beneficial for women who have just given birth. The leg muscles are much stronger than the back muscles.
- Before lifting the baby, spread your feet and knees at least shoulder width apart.
- If you need to squat slightly to lift the baby, do so while straightening your back and pushing your buttocks back.
- If you have just had a cesarean, have someone else pick up the baby and give it to you. Do this until you are fully recovered.
Step 2. Support the baby's head
Tuck one hand under the baby's head and the other under the buttocks. Once your palms are in the right position, slowly lift the baby up to your chest before you return to standing. Get in the habit of bringing your baby close to your chest before you stand up straight.
- Before lifting, you must support the newborn's head because the neck muscles are not yet strong.
- Hold the baby's head gently so you don't press on his soft crown.
- Even if the baby is being swaddled or in a sleeping bag, the baby's head should be supported when picked up.
- Rely on the strength of your palms, rather than your wrists, when picking up your baby, as this can cause a sprained wrist.
- Close your thumbs to your palms. The wide distance between the thumb and the palm of the hand can cause tension in the tendon that functions to move the thumb.
- In general, babies are able to hold their head up without support after 3-4 months of age.
Step 3. Use the tripod technique
This technique is very necessary if you want to lift the baby off the floor. Place one foot next to the baby and then lower the body while kneeling with the other leg. Make sure you kneel as close to the baby's feet as possible. Lift baby off the floor at hip height and lay him on his thighs parallel to the floor. Hug the baby with both arms and bring it close to the chest.
- Do this step while straightening your back and holding your head up.
- To protect your back, back your buttocks as you lower yourself closer to the baby.
Step 4. Use the pivot technique
Do this step if you want to turn around after picking up the baby. First, lift the baby in the manner described above and then bring the baby closer to the chest. Then, rotate the sole of the foot 90° in the intended direction followed by the sole of the other foot.
- When you want to turn, change the position of the soles of the feet without twisting the waist. Your back can be injured if you twist your upper body. So, turn the sole of the foot in the intended direction.
- Don't rotate your feet too fast. Move your feet slowly and calmly.
Step 5. Weigh the baby to support the buttocks and back
Rest the baby's head on the chest and hold the baby's buttocks with the elbows, the back with the forearms, and the neck with the palms. Place the baby's head in the crease of the elbow of the other arm and hold the buttocks. If you are already holding your baby with one hand, use the other to interact and play with him.
- Make sure you still support the baby's head when you want to rock it.
- Cuddling is the best way to hold a newborn baby.
Step 6. Rest baby on shoulder while holding
After the baby rests on your chest and shoulder, place one hand on his buttocks. Use the other hand to support the head and neck. Make sure you hold the baby while straightening your back and activating your abdominal muscles.
- When carried on the shoulder, your baby can look behind you and hear your heartbeat.
- Move the baby to the other shoulder so that the arm muscles are not sore or injured.
- Use your arm muscles thoroughly as you hold the baby. The forearm muscles are small muscles so they are not strong enough to hold the baby.
- Get used to holding the baby while straightening the wrist. Rely on the strength of your elbows and shoulder muscles when lifting and carrying your baby.
- If you want to rock the baby, do so before leaning the baby on your shoulder.
- Do not point your wrists and fingers on the floor while you are holding the baby.
- Make sure your baby's head is over your shoulder or turn his face to the side so he can breathe.
Step 7. Use a baby carrier
One of the safest ways to hold a baby is to use a cloth baby carrier tied to one shoulder. When being held, make sure the baby's face is not covered by the cloth or your body so that he can breathe.
- Bend your knees if you want to take something down while holding your baby in a sling.
- Transfer the sling to the other shoulder so that your back doesn't hurt and your spine stays straight.
- Read the instructions for use before you use the baby carrier. A sling can be used for babies with a certain weight.
Step 8. Use a baby carrier on your chest
Carrying your baby on your chest keeps you and your baby close. This carrier allows the baby's weight to be evenly distributed on both shoulders. Tie the ends of the sling strap around your waist and shoulders. When holding your baby, make sure he or she is facing backwards, not forwards.
- The curve of the baby's back and hips is under pressure when he is held facing forward. This can cause problems in his body during growth.
- Your spine is also protected if you hold the baby backwards because the pressure on the spine and back is reduced.
Part 2 of 3: Lifting and Carrying a Several Months Old Baby
Step 1. Pick up the baby
When lifting a baby a few months old, you don't need to support his head and neck. Approach the baby and bend both knees to lift him up. Hold the baby's body under his armpits and lift him close to you.
- Do not support the baby's armpit with the thumb. When picking up the baby, keep your fingers together and palms out to protect the wrists.
- Use the same method you lowered your baby to the floor or bed.
Step 2. Hold baby on chest facing forward
Press the baby's back to the chest. Wrap one arm around his waist and use the other arm to support his buttocks. Babies can see the scenery when held like this. If the baby starts to fuss, change the position of the hands so that he calms down again.
- Cross your left arm in front of the baby's body in front of his left shoulder and hold his right thigh. Support the buttocks with the right arm. At this time, the baby's arms can hug your left arm and his head is near your left elbow. Your palms are near the baby's groin.
- You can rock your baby gently to calm him down.
Step 3. Carry the baby on the shoulder
A few months old baby can be carried on the shoulder because he can look back over your shoulder and enjoy the view. You can carry with one or both hands depending on the baby's weight and your needs with your hands.
Make sure your back is straight as you pick up the baby and carry him on your shoulders. Your back muscles can feel sore if you arch your back
Step 4. Carry baby on your back
If your baby is able to hold his head up without support and his thigh joints are flexible enough, you can carry him on your back in a baby sling. This position makes you always close to him and easier to move. Put the baby in the sling and fasten the strap around the shoulders. Make sure your baby feels like he's hugging your back, but that he can move freely.
- The heavier the baby being carried, the tighter the strap must be pulled.
- When you want to use a baby carrier for the first time, wear it over the bed to be more secure. You should ask someone else for help.
- Read the instructions for use and the conditions regarding the baby's weight before using the carrier.
- Usually, babies can be carried on their backs when they are 6 months old.
Step 5. Place the baby in the car seat
If the car seat is near the car door, put 1 foot into the car while facing the car seat and then sit the baby in the car seat. If the car seat is in the middle seat, get in the car and seat the baby in the car seat. Do the same if you want to lift the baby from the car seat.
- This can be difficult if your baby is very active or you are in a hurry, but try to do it with the right posture.
- If you have to, stand outside the car and twist your waist while sitting or lifting the baby. Remember, this method can trigger shoulder, knee, back, wrist, and neck injuries.
Step 6. Choose a carrier with a wide strap
As the baby gains weight, usually the shoulders, neck, and back feel sore. Look for a sling that has wide shoulder and waist straps. The waist strap is useful for supporting the baby and reducing pressure on the shoulders.
- Buy a baby carrier that is soft and easy to clean.
- Before buying, try several models of baby carriers.
Part 3 of 3: Preventing Injury
Step 1. Remember that "BACK" stands for
Applying the correct technique when lifting and holding a baby is not easy. Also, maybe you forgot to do the suggested steps. However, there is a surefire tip abbreviated as BACK that helps you remember important things to protect your baby and yourself.
- B from the word back: make sure your back is always straight.
- A from the word avoid: do not twist the waist when lifting or holding the baby.
- C from the word close: bring the baby close to your body.
- K from the word keep: move to flow slowly.
Step 2. Prevent pain from mommy thumb
Women who have just given birth and people who regularly carry babies often experience inflammation of the thumb and wrist known as mommy thumb, such as De Quervain's tendinitis (inflammation of the tendon sheath at the base of the thumb). You may have mommy thumb if the area around your thumb is swollen, painful, or you can't use your thumb to grip something.
- Use an ice cube or other cold object to apply pressure to your thumb or wrist for pain relief.
- When lifting your baby, use your palms instead of relying on wrist strength. Weigh the baby using the forearm and fingers. Relax your fingers as you hold your baby.
- See a doctor if your thumb and wrist are still sore or swollen after applying an ice pack or resting.
Step 3. Increase hip and back flexibility
Many couples experience hip and back injuries when they have a new baby. Prevent this by increasing hip and back flexibility, for example by doing back stretches and practicing yoga.
- If you have recently given birth, consult your doctor before exercising again. Ask your doctor for sports that are safe and suitable for your physical condition.
- Exercise is beneficial for health even if you only do light stretches while your baby is sleeping.
Step 4. Do not carry the baby on the hips
In addition to feeling light, you can use one hand to work if you carry the baby on your hip. However, one side of the back and hips will feel sore because you have to maintain balance with the baby on the hips. This method can cause pelvic pain and changes in the shape of the back, hips, and pelvis.
- If you must carry the baby on your hips, hold the baby with both hands and alternately carry him on the left and right hips.
- When holding the baby on the hips, do not protrude the hips to the side. Stand straight while straightening your back. Use the strength of your biceps when holding your baby, instead of using your wrists and forearms.
Tips
- Hold the baby in various positions so you don't get injured because the muscles are overused.
- Find the most appropriate position by trying different ways of holding the baby.
- Choose an ergonomic baby carrier as this product is designed to maintain good posture and prevent injury.
