Keeping your Back Safe & Healthy

October 5, 2009

Nannies and parents across Canada lift, carry, bend and twist all day for their children. These movements are done so natuarlly, you may not realize what you’re doing. Unforntuately, nannies and parents hurt themselves on a regular basis by not lifting your child correctly. Your well-being is just as important as your child’s well-being, so here are some tips to ensure that you keep your back safe.

  • Stand with your feet shoulder width apart, giving you a stable base of support
  • Lift using both arms while keeping your back straight and using your thigh muscles to push up
    • your thigh muscles are among the largest and strongest in your body
  • Always try to life from a squatting position; pull the child near you, then lift both of you using your legs, not back
  • Lift the child as close to the car seat, stroller, etc as you can; avoid twisting or stretching, putting extra stress on your back
  • When moving a child, use your feet to pivot until you’re facing the right way, then bend your knees and keep your back straight while you lower the child

With the many responsibilities required when looking after a child, you might find it difficult to keep yourself in shape and get enough exercise. When you think about all this lifting and bending, you’re doing a workout all day! Take 10 minutes to help your body – when you have a few spare moments, during nap time etc, instead of sitting down or putting away laundry or dishes, take a few minutes to stretch. Stretching and proper movements may be all you need to prevent injury from caring for your children.

Read all of our Health & Safety tips!

Source: Adapted from http://www.torontochiropractor.ca/parents-lifting-tips.htm

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