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It has previously been shown that skin-to-skin contact between a child and the mother, and vice versa, is very important. Carrying the child is also important, and nowadays often in a carrier, where the child can be very close to the mother.
However, carrying a child in your arms is a very debatable matter, mainly regarding the way you hold them. The Brightside portal reported on several holding methods that you should avoid, or rather replace with others. A number of common methods can harm the child’s health, and that is why you should pay increased attention to this.
Supported head
When you hold a child, it is very important that you support their head. Newborns do not have developed neck muscles and if it is not properly supported, it could cause breathing difficulties and injuries.
Baby carrier
Although many mothers consider a carrier to be an excellent aid and a way to stay close to their child, it is important that the child is positioned correctly there as well. Their legs should definitely not just hang, because this can lead to hip problems. It is better when they are slightly bent.
Where to point the face
Your baby’s face should be above your shoulder while being carried, certainly not on it. Otherwise you may again endanger their breathing and a piece of your clothing could also get into their mouth.
Change sides
If you tend to carry your child only on one side, you should definitely change that. Not only is it better for you and your spine so it is loaded evenly, but it is the same for your child, whose neck muscles on one side may develop less and who may later have problems turning their head.
Spine
You should not hold the child only by the bottom and the head. Besides the fact that this is not a very safe position, the spine is stressed at this time due to insufficient back support. Therefore you should move one whole arm so that it also supports the back.
Facing you
Many children do not like it when they cannot see their surroundings, but it is definitely much safer when they face you and you can see them. It is harder for you to manage them, but at the same time it is better for their posture, especially if you do not forget to support their legs and back.
Hands and forearms
Many parents tend to pull a child by the arm to kindergarten, especially when they do not obey. It is clear that this is not good at all, especially for children who are not yet five years old. Children have weak bones that strengthen over the years, and frequent pulling could cause the ulna to be partially displaced in the joint.
