You're Carrying Your Baby Car Seat Wrong
Did you know there is actually a wrong way to hold a baby’s car seat? Despite the handle designed to make it easier to carry, it really isn’t, and most parents lift and hold the car seat in a way that put unnecessary, and potentially harmful, strain on the back, shoulder and knees.
This is because a baby’s car seat is designed around the safety and comfort of your baby and not much else. However, according to the experts, there is a “right” way of carrying a car seat without killing your shoulders and back.
What the Experts Say
Dr Emily Puente, a chiropractor, recently went viral with a post on how to carry a car seat correctly which helps ease the pressure off joints. Parents who gave it a go found that back pains eased greatly when trying Dr Puente’s method.
Too often, parents will carry a cart seat by carrying the heavyweight on one side of the body, with hands turned either forward or backwards, which does not make for very comfortable handling when trying to get in and out of the car, possibly whilst also trying to carry other things, like a changing bag.
Instead, try this method from Dr Puente: Start by kneeling down next to the car seat with your palm out flat. Hook the handle with your arm so that it sits in the crook of your elbow. Then, with your arm still in handle, put your forearm down the side of the car seat, so that it is holding the corner. Stand up carefully and ensure you have control have the car seat. If it feels uncomfortable, put it down to avoid any injury to yourself.
For more explanation on Dr Puente’s method, check out the video here.
Dr Puente adds: “I wanted to share that due to so many different makes and models of car seats, it is likely that this method won't work for all seats. This was merely an attempt to pass along a creative idea that was shared and works incredibly well for the majority of those who attempt it.” So, if this method does not work for you, you may need an alternative.
Some alternatives include hold the car seat right in front of you and as close as possible, to help maintain good posture as much as possible, or adding a strap to put over the shoulder to make the car seat easier to carry.
Safety First
Remember, if you have recently given birth or are recovering from a caesarean section, avoid heavy lifting altogether until you are fully healed, and, of course, always get your doctor’s advice.
With such a wide range available at Beautiful Bambino, you’re sure to find the perfect car seat that’s safe for both you and your little one. Take a look at our Car Seat Buying Guide or visit us in-store to try out carrying car seats for yourself and find the one that’s most comfortable for you.
Don’t know where to start? Have a look at our Car Seat Buying Guide for some helpful tips on what to look for.