Tips on putting baby in cot without hurting hamstrings

[Figandflute]

I have developed very sore backs of legs/hamstrings. I am pretty sure it is from bending over my 8 month old in their cot to pick them up, shush them etc. I feel strain / tightness at back of legs when I bend over. I think sitting on the floor with them isnt helping either.

Looking for tips about how to bend over cot without continuously hurting myself! Fed up of having yet another ache / pain!

I think I'd focus on stretching your hamstrings tbh! They're my favourite stretches - quick, easy, and oh so satisfying.

But to answer your question, can you put your hips/belly on the cot bars and then pivot from there?

I saw an Osteopath when my DS was younger and I was getting a lot of back pain from holding / carrying him. She recommended putting a low step or a stack of big books by the cot and putting one foot on there when lowering him down, so that my quads bore more of the weight.
Not sure if that could help you, if you feel the backs of your thighs are getting overworked.
Now DS is a bit older I try to do a few stetches and squats whilst he's playing, which he finds hilarious.