pain prevention Archives - Moving Like A Mother

There are probably 348293498 million different baby diaper bags on the market. Striped, flowered, solid print, one strap, two straps, backpack, satchel…hell there’s probably fanny packs. With so many options it can be very hard to know which is best. So, while I don’t have any opinion on the color or print of your diaper bag (that’s a lie…solid neutral tones are best) I have a strong opinion on the type of diaper bag you select. A backpack is best! No ifs, ands, or butts about it. For the sake of your physical well being please choose a diaper bag, everyday bag, or purse, that is 2 wide straps and falls about midway on your back…aka a backpack. Here’s why a backpack is better.

Good for your body

A backpack is the most ergonomically friendly baby crap hauler. It distributes the workload evenly over both shoulders and therefore, over both sides of your body. When one side of your body is carrying a heavier, unequal workload it causes the opposing side to have to work extra hard to keep your body upright and in a balanced midline position. This constant extra work load on those muscles can lead to strains, muscle knots, and pain.

Two wide straps

The diaper backpacks generally have two wide straps. Size does matter. Skinny or string style straps will begin to dig into your shoulders and upper trap muscles after time causing muscle strain and pain. Again, a wider strap will more evenly distribute the workload of the bag. And when you have diapers, bottles, sippy cups, wipes, three changes of clothes, sunscreen, toys, snacks, cellphone, wallet, water bottle and anything else you need to haul along you are gonna want that weight distributed.

Two free hands

You will have two, I repeat, two free hands. You will need all the hands you can get when you’re trying to purchase something and simultaneously hold your toddler’s hand and put your baby’s pacifier back in.

No swinging or dangling

With a backpack there won’t be any wild swinging that can come from a single strap bag. When we selected our first diaper bag I was very overwhelmed by all the options at Buy Buy Baby. I cried after first going into the store to register. No joke. So, I quickly picked the first thing I saw which was an attractive looking single strap, large diaper bag with lots of pockets. Even when I used it across my body it would swing all over the place when I tried bending over or reaching far outside by base of support banging into everryyyythinggg. So annoyingggggg. A well fitting backpack stays put right where it should…on your back.

Style

Honestly, the physical therapist in me is soooo happy that backpacks are in style. These days you can find a stylish backpack to use as a purse or kiddie-crap hauler. I actually have this one below from Amazon for little trips with my kids. It’s smaller and more stylish than the big diaper bag. And its waterproof and easily wipes clean if something get spilled. Plus the zipper opens on the backside so i can keep my wallet in it without fear of theft.

TUCCH Backpack for Women, Anti-theft Ladies Casual Daypack Backpacks Lightweight Water Resistant Nylon College Rucksack Fashion Shoulder Work Bag for Travel/Business/Girls 15L, Black, Medium

I also think my husband prefers the backpack diaper bag look. It’s more manly and sporty looking than the traditional single strap diaper bag. Kyle can feel like he’s heading out a manly trek through the Wisconsin backwoods…although navigating the rough terrain of the neighborhood playground is a close second. Below is the diaper bag we have and I can honestly say me and my husband are big fans. Lots of pockets, thick well fitting straps, nice neutral color. Several of our family and friends have the same bag and our only issue is knowing which is ours when we go to social gatherings.

Diaper Bag Backpack, RUVALINO Multifunction Travel Back Pack Maternity Baby Changing Bags, Large Capacity, Waterproof and Stylish, Gray

There are a lot of options out there but do your body a favor and select a backpack style bag when picking out a new diaper bag or purse. Trust me, when you’re heading out to family gatherings, fairs, festivals (eventually), or just to the store, you will be grateful to have your 30# bag spread over two shoulders instead of one.

–Monica

What causes neck pain:

Having a baby and a toddler is quite the upper body workout. It is something I didn’t fully understand until I experienced it first hand. If you’re not endlessly holding your 15lb baby you’re putting your 30lb toddler in their booster seat. And in between wrangling your toddler into their car seat you’re picking your baby up out of the crib. I mean, I don’t think my shoulders have ever been so strong. No joke. And then in your “down” time you’re sitting slumped over trying to get your baby to latch, giving them a bottle, pumping, or just scrunched up on the couch too exhausted to move. All of this is setting your body up for neck pain.

My Experience with Neck Pain

Around the time my second baby was 3 months old I was doing some desk work when I began to straighten up and, BOOM, instant crippling pain right at the base of my neck. It was that sharp and intense pain when your eyes widen and you completely freeze. Crap. Instantly I knew I had strained something.

Luckily, I work with many wonderfully skilled physical therapists (winky face emoji) who performed some manual techniques and were able to help sooth my immediate pain. But then it was up to me to correct muscle and tissue imbalances in my upper back/ lower neck region. To this day I can still feel small twinges giving me some warning signs that my neck will flare up if I don’t work to keep those muscles strong and if I am not careful with how I’m moving and caring for my kids.

So now I bet you’re wondering what I did to treat my neck pain. I rested, watched how I was lifting and holding my children, performed self massage, and did these exercises below. If you suffer from neck or upper back pain you can try these easy at home stretches.

Exercises to treat neck or upper back pain:

1. Prayer stretch– lay on your hands and knees with your arms outstretched forward. Tuck your chin and rest your head on the support surface. Hold for 30-60 seconds.

2. Levator scapula stretch– Depress your right shoulder. Grab the back right aspect of your head and gentle pull down towards your left foot. Angle of head should be towards your left armpit. (Sometimes i call this the “smell your armpit stretch”). Hold for 30 seconds. Repeat 2x.

3. Chin tuck– Think about lengthening the back of your neck while tucking your chin in and down as though trying to give yourself a double chin. (Disclaimer: NO ONE looks attractive doing this exercise….but it’s good for ya) Repeat slowly 10 x.

4. Upper trapezius stretch– Depress your right shoulder and grab the right side of your head. Gentle pull towards your left shoulder. Hold for 30 seconds or more. Repeat 2x on each side.

5. Scapular squeezes- Keeping your shoulders down, pinch your shoulder blades together as if you were trying to get them to meet in the middle of your back. Repeat 10 times.

The best offense is a good defense so I highly recommend the tips below to avoid caregiver neck pain.

Tips to Avoid neck/upper back pain:

Avoid reaching or lifting far outside of your base of support
Switch the hip or side you are carrying your toddler or baby and don’t hold your child for too long (if possible).
Try to hold your baby or toddler with both arms and as close to body center as possible
Avoid a forward rounded posture with nursing or pumping
Avoid sleeping propped up in a chair or couch

You learn even more lifting and carrying body mechanics in my basic baby body mechanics post.

Kids can be a real pain in the neck. Aren’t I punny? But if you try to maintain good mechanics and keep the postural muscles of your neck and back strong and limber you can avoid these common aches and pains.

And on a positive note. All that baby lifting, holding, and carrying will really prepare you if you’re ever in a beer stein holding competition. I’ve won and I’ve got the t-shirt to prove it.

-Monica

Why a backpack is better