By Damaris Maisie, Physical Therapist Assistant, RWJBarnabas Health Ambulatory Care Center
While it may not have been challenging to place your newborn in the car seat without a protest, as they grow up, getting them in and out of their car seat may no longer be a walk in the park.
This repetitive lifting and carrying of your growing child can put you at risk of straining your back. Below are some quick tips to protect your back as your child continues to grow and is still in need of your assistance when getting in and out of the car seat.
- Keep them close to your body as you carry them
- Bend your knees, not your back
- Gently brace your abdominal muscles and lean forward through your hips to place or remove your child from their seat
- If your child can walk or stand, you can also have them assist by climbing in or out of their seat
- Some car seat options have a 360-turn option, so you can have the seat face the car door, for ease with placing and removing your child
Although challenging at times, just remember these times will pass sooner than you think and your child will be strapping the seat belt on without your assistance soon enough. Hang in there!
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The experienced and compassionate staff at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center Rehabilitation Centers, with locations in West Orange and Livingston, offers adults and children the specialized care they need to resume an active life after surgery, injury or illness. Staff is committed to providing patients with the most advanced services in a safe, caring and soothing environment. For high-risk patients who are unable to visit in person, telehealth is an option. Patients do not need a prescription for physical therapy services.
For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call 973-322-7500.
Damaris Ababio, PTA, MSCS, is a Physical Therapist Assistant at the RWJBarnabas Health Ambulatory Care Center. She treats patients with neurological and orthopedic conditions as well as balance and gait deficits. Damaris is currently a Multiple Sclerosis Certified Specialist (2018) and an LSVT BIG certified therapist (2020). She also serves as a member of the International Organization of Multiple Sclerosis Rehabilitation Professionals and the American Physical Therapy Association. When she’s not working, Damaris enjoys spending time with her family, participating in philanthropic work or carrying out DIY projects.