By Peggy L. Gurock
Issue of May 15, 2009 / 14 Iyar 5769
With the weather getting warmer and kids playing outside, it’s time to warn parents and children about a trend that could lead to serious injuries.
It’s the growing practice of babies, even toddlers, being carried on the hips of their older siblings and parents. It may look cute, but carrying a 20 or 30 pound child on a hip can lead to severe back problems, especially for a six, seven or eight year old girl or boy, whose muscular structure is still developing.
Orthopedists say when the hip is thrust out to carry a child, the body is bent in a “C” shape, and that can put a tremendous amount of stress on the back and the spine.
“They twist their bodies as they try to keep themselves balanced,” says Dr. Edward Toriello of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. “That could create problems with the lower back and the muscles along the sides of the lower back on both sides of the spine.”
Dr. Toriello points out that the further away from the center of the body that a weight (or a child) is carried, the more stress on the body; over a long period of time, that can lead to back and spine injuries. When the child is held on the hip, it’s far away from that center axis. A better idea if you have to carry a baby is to use a baby carrier, like a “Snugli.”
Experts say that the problems with a young person carrying a baby is similar to an older child carrying a backpack on just one shoulder — the weight is not distributed equally on both sides of the body. For a short period of time, it is not a problem, but a longer time could lead to injuries.
According to Dr. Toriello, even older siblings or mothers can develop back or spine problems from carrying a child on the hip over a long period of time.
The best idea, the experts say, is to use a stroller.
And, as Dr. Toriello says, “there’s nothing wrong with kids walking, holding hands.”
Peggy L. Gurock is a school-based Senior Occupational Therapist, employed by Trinitas Children’s Therapy Services. She is the founder of the Orthodox Jewish Occupational Therapy Chavrusa and can be reached at peggy [at] ojotc.org.
