Carrying babies around in the car seat can really get heavy. Pumpkin seats are awkward and difficult to keep good posture while toting them around. Constantly carrying the car seat with your arm down by your side creates a lot of stress and traction on your arm, shoulder, neck, and back. When possible try wrapping your arm through the car seat handle and grabbing the seat at the base. This grip will allow for a more favorable position for your spine and arm, creating a much less stressful carry! Practice alternating which arm is used to even out the use of your body. These types of repetitive parenting movements play a real toll on the body long term, so any techniques to reduce stress on the body will save a lot of pain down the road!
Give it a try and let me know what you think!
~Dr. Steph
