April showers have brought the May flowers, and with that, the urge to get up and get outside is affecting practically everyone. People are heading to the parks, trails, or even their own backyards to take advantage of the beautiful weather in record numbers, but many new parents aren’t too sure how to make the most of the spring with a new baby in tow. Whether biking, hiking, jogging, or even taking a quick walk, a new baby doesn’t have to put a halt to your outdoor plans – the market is full of baby carriers, joggers, and trailers—which means that you can still get up and out there, and your baby can go with you. However, even though there are a lot of different options available, they can be the cause of pain and injury if not used properly. The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) urges you to exercise caution and good judgment while exercising with your baby, so you can both make the most of the spring months safely.
Biking –
When biking with a child on board, use a trailer that hitches to the back end of a bike. This is a safer option than a seat that sits directly on the bike. You also want to make sure to:
- Equip the trailer with a harness that can prevent your little one from wiggling or bouncing out.
- Install a screen that covers the front to protect your child from small rocks and other flying objects.
- Buy a trailer with large, bicycle-style tires to add stability and ease, protecting your little one from unnecessary jostling or bouncing.
- Fit your baby with a bike helmet too, and be sure that it is adjusted to provide maximum safety.
- Ride only on smooth surfaces.
Jogging –
If jogging is your exercise of choice, the baby jogger is your best option. It is important to not jog a carrier because a baby’s body is not adjusted to the cyclic pattern that is a part of running and the motion could do damage to the baby’s neck, spine, and/or brain. A baby jogger is a rolling pushcart that a parent can jog behind, using handlebars to maneuver. Like biking, it is important to make sure there is a harness to keep your child secured, as well as a screen. It is also important to stick to smooth surfaces. When picking out your jogger, here are some additional things to keep in mind:
- Buy a jogger with handlebars that are large, adjustable, and fit comfortably in your hands.
- Buy a jogger with handbrakes and a locking mechanism.
Walking / Hiking –
If walking or hiking with your little one is more your speed, a backpack-style or front-side baby carrier could be for you. However, choose with caution, as the ACA points out, the cervical spine of a child less than one-year-old is not fully developed. It is important at that age that the head does not bob around, so the backpack style carrier is not ideal because the parent cannot watch to make sure the child’s head is stable. You also need to make sure that:
- The carrier has wide straps that fit comfortably over the center of your collarbone. This will help distribute weight evenly.
- The carrier should include a harness to keep the child stable.
Enjoying the outdoors isn’t just about keeping your baby safe, you need to keep your well-being in mind too. Make sure to exercise caution when placing your little one in their trailer, jogger, or carrier, and don’t do anything to cause strain to your back. Stay as close to the car seat or trailer as possible and place the child into it without reaching, stretching, or twisting. If you have any questions, or pre-existing mobility issues in your way, our team at Carlson Chiropractic Center is standing by to help you and your baby gain and maintain a healthy lifestyle. So get outside and enjoy this beautiful spring!