I have two young children, so I know how hard they can be on your back (and your nerves at times...jk). Here are some activities you may have noticed to be difficult and some ideas for improved BODY MECHANICS.
1. Getting your child out of the crib. As soon as your babies are able, have them stand up before you lift them out. Have them stand at the part of the crib closest to you. Squat using your legs and keep your back straight as you lift them. If you must bend down, lean your tummy on the front of the crib and go down or come up very slowly. Do not twist your back.
2. Putting sheets on the crib mattress. The best tool I have seen for this is a sheet saver. It is a sheet that attaches to the bars on the crib itself. So you can change the sheet by simply kneeling down and attaching the loops around the bars (a total of about 8 loops). If you have traditional sheets, you may find it easier to take the mattress out of the crib before changing them. Use two people if possible because that is difficult in itself! Also you could put several fitted sheets on at once, each with a waterproof pad underneath. If the top one gets soiled, you can simply remove it and you still have a few clean ones below.
3. Picking up the child. Squat down every time! It is an exercise! Squat using your legs, and keep your back straight. You will feel your legs getting stronger! Do this whenever you pick up the child. Start picking them up less once they can do things like climb into the car seat by themselves. They will appreciate the independence.
To be continued!
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