Postpartum Prevention
How to rock and bounce your baby
I will review techniques for rocking and bouncing your baby that will put less stress on your arms, upper/lower back, shoulders, hands and wrists.
Rocking and bouncing are two very important methods that you will use to help soothe and put baby to sleep. For the first year you will be doing these motions repetitively many times a day.
Typical way to bounce baby while standing
Parents commonly use their arms and shoulders to bounce their baby while standing or walking, putting a lot of stress on your upper body.
If you are walking with your baby keep your upper body still. Stop to bounce your baby with your legs and core or sit down and place the baby on your lap to bounce.
Disclaimer: The movements in the video are exaggerated for viewing purposes. A doll is being used as a model.
Alternative way to bounce baby while standing
This technique will protect your neck, hands, wrists, arms and upper body from extra strain and weight.
Keep your elbows close to your body, shoulders down and thumbs close to your index fingers.
Keep your upper body still.
Use your legs and core to bounce your baby up and down.
Disclaimer: The movements in the video are exaggerated for viewing purposes. A doll is being used as a model.
Different methods to bounce baby on your lap
Sitting while bouncing or rocking your baby is ideal although I realize not always possible. This allows the couch or chair to support the weight of your baby and gives your body a rest and believe me, your body needs rest!!!
Method 1:
Sit down on a comfortable couch or chair.
Place pillows behind your back to support your back and adjust the depth of the seat (if necessary) to allow your legs to move up and down more easily.
Place baby on your lap facing outwards, resting baby’s head on your chest and supporting the front of the head with your hand.
Relax your shoulders.
Using your legs and feet, bounce your baby up and down in your lap.
Disclaimer: The movements in the video are exaggerated for viewing purposes. A doll is being used as a model.
Method 2:
1. Sit on a comfortable couch or chair
2. Place pillows behind your back to support your back and keep it straight. Adjust the depth of the seat to allow your legs to move up and down more easily.
3. Place baby on your lap with his or her head resting on your shoulder.
4. Place pillows and a rolled up blanket(s)underneath baby’s bottom to support baby’s weight. This will allow your arms, shoulders and back to relax. Adjust as needed with rolled up blankets and different pillows to a height that is comfortable for you and your baby.
5. If you are sitting on a surface that has some give, you can use your body to bounce up and down as well if your baby prefers more bounce.
Tip: This same technique can be used on an exercise ball
Disclaimer: The movements in the video are exaggerated for viewing purposes. A doll is being used as a model.