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Parenting

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Original poster

Lifting baby with a bad back

12 replies

Elbbob · 01/10/2018 10:35

Any tips on coping with 8 mo when you have a bad back? It's lifting from low surfaces that's tricky such as picking her up from the floor (I sit or kneel to pick her up but then struggle to stand!) and lifting her out the playpen, which is a travel cot - she was on bassinet level so it was doable but recently she's become more mobile so had to remove the bassinet so it's now deep to lean in and put her in/take her out which is hard on my back.

Also what safe spaces do you use to put your baby in when you need to do things (shower, wash up etc). She's also too big for the bouncy chair...

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Elbbob · 01/10/2018 12:48

Hopeful (aching) bump

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Lana1234 · 01/10/2018 18:28

I have this atm with my 1yo! All I can really say is pain relief for now, heat pads and muscle rub as well. As for safe spaces I put him (he’s not walking yet) in the travel cot, his cot with toys or in his highchair. Hope your back feels better soon!

Wolfiefan · 01/10/2018 18:31

Stupid question? Have your stomach muscles knitted back together again? I had awful back pain. Mine has separated and I needed physio.

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smeerf · 01/10/2018 18:36

I am using my hip carrier (scootababy) lots at the moment for my 10kg DS - picked it up for £15 delivered from FB (2nd hand).

Original poster

Elbbob · 01/10/2018 19:40

Thanks all. @Wolfiefan I think my core is weak but the muscles are ok. I have just got over sciatica and so am doing pilates and have started seeing a physio. I'm just anxious about doing somethingvwith the baby and the sciatica coming back it was so awful.

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Original poster

Elbbob · 01/10/2018 19:42

@Lana1234 oh goodness I was hoping by the time she's 1 I wouldn't gave to lift her as much! Maybe not then...

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Wolfiefan · 01/10/2018 20:36

Sciatica is the worst. Awful pain. Hope you feel better soon OP.

Girlwhowearsglasses · 01/10/2018 20:48

I had twins but not a bad back - but picking two babies up was an education!

What helped?
Playpen with a gate to open - then you don’t have to lift baby over.
Putting baby in a vest and then leggings instead of a babygro - so only two press studs instead of seven +. Leaning over baby doing press studs up does your back.

When I bought a ‘play table’ for them life got easier because I would change nappies on it sitting next to them rather than standing over them.

Where do you change nappies? Can you fit your feet under? I know that’s a strange question but if you can’t put your feet under a divan bed you are using your back to reach over much more.

Please check you don’t have diastasis rectii - where your muscles have come apart down the middle. Mine was diagnosed by ultrasound and you could see the gap.

mommybear1 · 01/10/2018 21:19

Hi @Elbbob I feel your pain literally I have two herniated discs and a hefty 11mo who is very clingy. What works for me when picking up from the floor is to pick up with something nice to lean on to get back up eg a chair I coax the baby over to me as he's a keen crawler and go from there. Re the playpen another poster has suggested one with a door I agree I have a ticktock from eBay it opens at any point so you can again kneel and scoop it's surprisingly sturdy too so I can lean on it. The main problem I have is the cot it is on its lowest level so picking him up from a lying position is flipping hard! Other than getting my DH to do it I haven't found a solution yet (we often dream of a hydrolic type effort and imagine we should be on Dragon's Den ).

In terms of safe spaces when I pop to the loo a clean dry bath is a good shout to pop DS in without him screaming at me as he can play with his bath toys. With a shower I have to grin and bear the screaming and pop him in his cot with toys. With washing up I let him join in, I give him a saucepan and spoon to bash at .

EgremontRusset · 01/10/2018 21:23

Koo-di travel cot is good as it is side opening so DC can crawl out and you can lift with better posture. Works fine as a normal day to day cot.

user1493413286 · 01/10/2018 21:23

Safe spaces I used the cot with toys in it or the pram with plenty of toys to amuse DD for ten minutes while I had a shower; both of those should be easier on your back then a playpen

YetAnotherThing · 01/10/2018 21:34

My child is now older but I have a longstanding back issue including previous spinal surgery (predates dc). I would recommend that you play a long game too starting early building up their understanding you can’t lift them. For example as soon as possible encouraging them to climb into the car and their car seats without you lifting; understanding they have to walk even if a bit tired. They learn fast and love climbing. You have to be patient as it’s often a lot quicker to lift them. Also- start a Pilates class (made a massive difference to me).

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