Lifting, carrying and feeding young children places stress upon your hands, especially on your thumb and wrist area.
The following suggestions may be helpful:
- Scoop your baby with your thumb and wrist relaxed when picking them up from a car seat or cot. Keep a wide base of support and keep your child close to your body.
- Avoid long periods of sustained holding or gripping. Use a bouncer or play-mat instead.
- Watch the position of your thumbs when feeding – rest the babies head in the palm of your hand with your thumbs relaxed. Use a pillow for support.
- Change your feeding position regularly.
- When feeding hold your babies head with the palm of your hand, keep your wrist straight and thumb relaxed.
- If expressing milk, use an electric pump.
- Carry your baby close to you; use a sling or a pouch.
- When driving or pushing a pram, keep your thumb next to your index finger (and not sticking out to the side).
- Put the car seat/capsule close to the passenger door for easier lifting.
