New Parent Lifehack: How To Carry a Baby Car Seat Without Causing Back & Shoulder Pain

February 3, 2020Dr. Grant Radermacher

Are you carrying your baby’s car seat correctly?

Lugging around a baby in a car seat is a pain – they’re heavy and awkward, and it’s surprisingly common to see new parents come into my office with shoulder and upper back problems as a result. You can try to hold it in front of you with both hands or scoop it up with one arm, but neither are ideal for your posture.

But thankfully, there’s an easier way to carry a baby in a car seat to minimize strain on the body parts (specifically the shoulders, upper back and hips) that are being overworked to compensate for the weight of the carrier.

It’s all about balance!

It’s a simple change – here’s how you do it.

1. Turn the car seat so your baby is facing you.
2. Loop your arm that’s directly next to the car seat through the handle so the handle rests on the inside of your elbow.
3. Twist your hand so it’s facing away from your body, and use it to support the car seat underneath the handle.

This carrying method allows your body to better distribute the weight of the carrier instead of putting extra strain on your upper back, shoulder, and hip.

It’s not a one-size-fits-all lifehack and may not work for all body types or car seats, since there are so many different types on the market.

And of course, car seats aren’t the ideal mode for transporting babies all day. It’s usually preferable to carry them in your arms, using a wrap or pushing a stroller to minimize the stress on your body.

The Ascent Advantage

At Ascent Chiropractic, we see new moms on a near-daily basis with musculoskeletal problems as a result of having to carry their babies, whether it’s in car seats, baby-wearing, or (especially) from holding them while nursing. We know it’s hard work being a new parent and it takes a toll on your body physically.

Looking for a Brookfield chiropractor? We’d love to help you get out of pain and started with chiropractic care. Make an appointment at Ascent Chiropractic in Brookfield by calling 262-345-4166 or schedule an appointment with our online scheduling app.