Exercising With a Baby Carrier

If you’re a parent to a newborn you’re likely struggling to find time for yourself. Therefore, you are also probably exploring the idea of completing tasks, such as exercising, with your baby. In order for you to workout outdoors with your baby, you will need a carrier to keep the child safe.

But what about you?

Yes, we know that the safety of the child is the most important aspect of everything but your health is also important. That means you need to make sure you’re using whichever baby carrier you chose correctly, and that it isn’t causing you any physical pain or discomfort.

We’ve put together an article of best-practices in order to keep you and your baby safe while using a carrier.

Biking With Your Baby

When biking with a child on board it is immensely important which type of mechanism you use to secure the child to the bike. Unfortunately, a typical carrier, which is a seat that goes directly on the bike, might reduce the bicycle’s stability, causing it to possibly falter and injure the parent and the child. The more effective solution is a “trailer” which is attached to the side of the bike and actually adds stability.

A trailer is a ride-along carrier that hitches to the back of the bike and rolls along with it. The trailer should be fitted with a harness that can be placed over the body of your child. Be sure that the harness is complex enough to assure the child can’t unlock it. There are some trailers which offer a screen to cover the front, adding protection against airborne objects. It is also recommended to select a trailer with larger tires, like that of a bicycle, because they increase stability as well.

Of course, biking with the baby on board will be more strenuous than biking solo – so look for smooth surfaces and be conscious of your posture while pedaling.

Jogging With Your Baby

Jogging with your babu

If you are trying to bring your child along for a jog, a BOB stroller is your best option. The BOB stroller is a rolling push-stroller that allows you to run behind it and use the handlebars to steer. It is also advised that you select a stroller which has a harness to keep the child secure and is also equipped with handbrakes for added safety.

For your health, you should be conscious of where the handlebar is positioned because you don’t want to be bending over while you jog as this can cause back pain.

On-person Baby Carriers

Baby Carrier Front

Walking or hiking is another popular activity for people with babies because the slower pace allows for more control. Typically, these workouts involve a backpack-style or front-side baby carrier.

According to The American Chiropractic Association, the backpack carrier involves a major health concern because the parent can’t see to make sure the baby’s head is stable. Since the child’s spine isn’t developed and this could cause injury, a front-side carrier is the better option. Once the child is old enough to sit up comfortably on their own, you may want to think about a backpack style carrier for they are easier for the longer walks/hikes.

For the parents wearing the carriers, make sure to find one with wide straps for your shoulders and waist. Not only will this be more stable for the child, but, it will assist in properly distributing the weight of the carrier; reducing the pressure and potential pain.

WARNING: Make sure that no running or jogging is done while carrying a child in any type of on-person carrier as this can cause damage to the baby’s neck, spine, and/or brain.

Taking Care of Your Health

When taking care of a newborn or an infant, it is easy to forget about taking care of yourself. Remember that when lifting a child you should never bend at the waist and instead should use your legs. Always be conscious of your posture and positioning when you are exercising with any device made to hold children.

If you or your child experience any discomfort as the result of exercising or any other reason, don’t hesitate to call Dr. Reinhardt for a diagnosis. The doctor is certified in Chiropractic Care for children, so he can diagnose and treat you and your baby. Don’t hesitate to get the advice you need to exercise with your children safely.