Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar
Cornwell Clinic

788 N. Santa Fe Avenue Suite 100

Edmond, OK 73003 US

405-330-2400

Open mobile navigation
  • Home
    • About
      • Services & Techniques
  • Meet the Doctor
  • New Patients
    • Online Forms
    • What to Expect
      • Your First Visit
      • Phase 1: Relief Care
      • Phase 2: Corrective Care
      • Phase 3: Wellness Care
    • Payment Options
  • Spinal Decompression Therapy
  • Chiropractic Care
  • Cold Laser Therapy
  • Contact
  • B-12 Shots
  • Community Content
    • About Chiropractic Care
      • What is Chiropractic
      • How Does it Work
      • Who is Chiropractic For
      • Vertebral Subluxation
      • Wellness Resources
    • Common Conditions Treated
      • Auto Accident Injuries
      • Back and Shoulder Pain
      • Body Pain
      • Chronic Condition Relief
        • Conditions Affecting Women
        • Headaches
      • Herniated Discs
      • Improved Health
      • Pediatric Ailments
      • Repetitive Use Injuries
      • Respiratory Function
    • Health & Wellness
      • Healthy Thinking
        • Get Positive
        • Relaxation Techniques
      • Life in Motion
      • Wellness Lifestyle Tips
        • Treat Yourself Well
        • Treat Others Well
        • Eat Well
      • Wellness Essentials
        • At Home
        • At Work
        • Exercise
        • Nutrition
        • What You Wear
      • Wellness Perspectives
        • Mental
        • Spiritual
        • Social
        • Physical
    • Therapies & Techniques
      • Techniques
      • Therapies
    • Newsletter Library
      • Back, Body & Joint Pain
      • Healthy Tips
      • Exercise & Fitness
      • Injury Rehab & Prevention
      • Kid's Health
      • Illness Prevention
      • Chronic Conditions
      • Nutrition & Healthy Eating
      • Breaking Bad Habits
      • Senior Health
      • Weight Loss
      • Pregnancy & Parenting
      • Wellness
      • Mind-Body Connection
      • Stress & Anxiety
      • Life-Work Balance
      • Staying Young
      • Staying Motivated
    • Wellness4Kids
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • Newsletter Library >
  • Pregnancy & Parenting >
  • Exercising with Your Baby

Exercising with Your Baby

  • Created in Newsletter Library, Pregnancy & Parenting

From biking and hiking to walking and jogging, today's parents are keeping fit and bonding with their babies in the process. With an array of products unheard of a generation ago— like baby carriers, joggers and trailers— even the tiniest among us are enjoying the great outdoors. But while these items can make life easier and more enjoyable for both parent and child, 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.

Biking

When biking with a child on board, use a trailer, a rolling ride-along that hitches to the back end of a bike. It is a much safer option than a carrier, a "passenger" seat that sits directly on the bike, according to Dr. Scott Bautch, of ACA's Council on Occupational Health. Dr. Bautch prefers trailers because of their added stability. He cautions that carriers can decrease a bike's stability, possibly causing it to topple and injure both the parent and child.

To further ensure the child's safety while biking, keep the following tips in mind:

The trailer must be equipped with a harness that can be placed over the child's body. The harness should be complicated enough that the child cannot unhook it or wiggle out of it.

  • A screen that covers the front of the trailer will add an extra line of protection against stray pebbles and other flying objects.
  • Be sure to select a trailer that has large, bicycle-style tires, which will add stability and ease to your ride.
  • Protect your child's head with a sturdy, adjustable helmet that can be sized to fit properly. If the helmet rests too high, it will expose part of the child's head, leaving it susceptible to injury.
  • >Bike only on smooth surfaces for optimal control.
  • Only an experienced rider should attempt to bike with a child on board at all. And even then, the rider should practice with a ride-along trailer for two weeks before riding with a real child— in an effort to get a feel for the strength and coordination necessary to maneuver the bike.

Jogging

If you wish to go for a jog and bring your child along for the ride, the baby jogger is your best option. A baby jogger is a rolling pushcart that a parent can jog behind, using handlebars to maneuver. Here are some rules of thumb to consider:

  • Make sure the handlebars of the jogger are both large and adjustable, so that they fit comfortably into your hands for complete control. The handlebars should be kept as upright as possible.
  • Handbrakes and a locking mechanism are a necessity.
  • Look for a jogger with a good shoulder harness to keep the child secure.
  • Large, bicycle-style tires offer more control and stability.
  • A screen over the front of the jogger adds to its safety by deflecting stray flying objects.
  • Jog only on smooth surfaces.

Walking or Hiking

Backpack-Style and Front-Side Baby Carriers

For parents who prefer walking or hiking with their little ones, a backpack-style or front-side baby carrier could be for you. Dr. Bautch cautions, however, that there are risks involved with carrying an infant on your back in a backpack-style carrier. "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. The backpack-type carrier is not ideal because the parent cannot watch to make sure the child's head is stable. A front-side carrier is better for a very young child," explains Dr. Bautch.

Dr. Bautch also urges you to think about the following:

  • A backpack-style or front-side carrier decreases a parent's stability when walking or hiking. It is critical that a parent gets into shape before attempting to use one of these products.
  • Since these carriers will change the feel of walking or hiking quite a bit, they should not be used by beginning walkers or hikers.
  • If using a backpack-style or front-side baby carrier, make sure to select one with wide straps for your shoulders and waist. This will help distribute the carrier's weight evenly. The shoulder straps should fit comfortably over the center of your collarbone.
  • The carrier should include a harness to keep the child stable.
  • Once you place the child in the carrier, check to make sure there is no bunching of material against the child's body, particularly on the back, buttocks and spine. Isolated, uneven pressure like this can produce pain.

Baby Slings

The "baby sling" is becoming more and more popular for its versatility of positions and comfort. But if you wish to use a baby sling, keep in mind that it is intended only for very young infants and follows these tips:

  • A baby can become very hot inside the sling, so be mindful of the temperature around you. Also, make certain the baby's breathing is clear and unobstructed by the sling's material.
  • Never run or jog while carrying a baby in any backpack-style carrier, front-side carrier or baby sling. A baby's body is not adjusted to the cyclic pattern that is a part of running and jogging. This motion can do damage to the baby's neck, spine and/or brain.

Take Care of Yourself

Finally, don't forget about your own health and comfort. When lifting a child to place him or her into a trailer or jogger, exercise caution. Don't bend from the waist, but begin in a 3-point squat and implement a two-stage lift that consists of a) pulling the child up to your chest and then b) lifting straight up with your leg muscles. Stay as close to the car seat or trailer as possible and place the child into it without reaching, stretching or twisting. The further the child is from your body, the more strain you will place on your spine and musculoskeletal system.

  • About Chiropractic Care
    • What is Chiropractic
    • How Does it Work
    • Who is Chiropractic For
    • Vertebral Subluxation
    • Wellness Resources
  • Common Conditions Treated
    • Auto Accident Injuries
    • Back and Shoulder Pain
    • Body Pain
    • Chronic Condition Relief
      • Conditions Affecting Women
      • Headaches
    • Herniated Discs
    • Improved Health
    • Pediatric Ailments
    • Repetitive Use Injuries
    • Respiratory Function
  • Health & Wellness
    • Healthy Thinking
      • Get Positive
      • Relaxation Techniques
    • Life in Motion
    • Wellness Lifestyle Tips
      • Treat Yourself Well
      • Treat Others Well
      • Eat Well
    • Wellness Essentials
      • At Home
      • At Work
      • Exercise
      • Nutrition
      • What You Wear
    • Wellness Perspectives
      • Mental
      • Spiritual
      • Social
      • Physical
  • Therapies & Techniques
    • Techniques
    • Therapies
  • Newsletter Library
    • Back, Body & Joint Pain
    • Healthy Tips
    • Exercise & Fitness
    • Injury Rehab & Prevention
    • Kid's Health
    • Illness Prevention
    • Chronic Conditions
    • Nutrition & Healthy Eating
    • Breaking Bad Habits
    • Senior Health
    • Weight Loss
    • Pregnancy & Parenting
    • Wellness
    • Mind-Body Connection
    • Stress & Anxiety
    • Life-Work Balance
    • Staying Young
    • Staying Motivated
  • Wellness4Kids

CONTACT US TODAY

We look forward to hearing from you

Featured Services

Click to Find Out More

Monday:

8:30am to 1:00pm

2:30pm to 6:00pm

Tuesday:

By Appointment

2:30pm to 6:00pm

Wednesday:

8:30am to 1:00pm

2:30pm to 6:00pm

Thursday:

8:30am to 1:00pm

2:30pm to 6:00pm

Friday:

8am to 1:00pm

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Closed

Testimonials

Reviews By Our Satisfied Patients

  • "I was very impressed with the chiropractic care I received from Dr. Anderson. I had received chiropractic in the past for my neck pain, but not to this level of care. After only a few sessions, my symptoms began to disappear, especially my neck pain, and I know I would not have been able to perform to my everyday work functions without the treatment I received."
    Neck Pain
  • "I have benefitted tremendously from the chiropractic care I received from Dr. Anderson. Not only has the adjustments helped alleviate my stiffness and aches, but it has helped me have more energy and just feel more balanced over all. A few months ago, I was able to resume a favorite hobby of mine: golf. Due to my previous pain, I never thought that’d be possible."
    Back Pain
  • "Dr. Anderson has allowed me to be headache free for quite some time now. I used to have daily nagging headaches that often would turn into a migraine leaving me unable to function. For the longest time, I thought I could just keep taking medication to have the pain subside."
    Headaches

Featured Articles

Read about interesting topics

    February Newsletter: Stay Active This Winter

    Staying active during the winter offers important benefits for your health. ...

    Read More

    February Newsletter: Promoting Your Body's Natural Energy

    Want to feel more energetic? Chiropractic could help. ...

    Read More

    January Newsletter: How Chiropractic Will Help You Reach Your Health Goals

    Planning to improve your health this year? Chiropractic can help. ...

    Read More

    January Newsletter: Why You Should Visit Your Chiropractor This Winter

    Is a visit with the chiropractor on your winter calendar? ...

    Read More

    December Newsletter: Custom Orthotics Could Be What You Need to Fight Foot Pain

    Are your feet killing you? Orthotics could end your pain. ...

    Read More

    December Newsletter: Healthy Eating Tips for the Holiday Season

    Worried about gaining weight during the holidays? The healthy eating tips will help you avoid piling on the pounds. ...

    Read More

    November Newsletter: It's always a good idea to visit your chiropractor after an auto accident

    Feeling sore after a car accident? Give your chiropractor a call. ...

    Read More

    November Newsletter: Dealing with back pain? A herniated disc could be the cause

    Got stubborn back pain? You may have a herniated disc. ...

    Read More

    Jaw Pain? You May Have TMJ

    Could your jaw pain mean that you have TMJ? ...

    Read More

    Too Much Tech Could be Causing Your Neck Pain

    Wondering why your neck hurts? Your tech habits could be the reason. ...

    Read More
No form settings found. Please configure it.

Follow Us

  • Copyright © 2023 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix
  • Admin Log In
  • Site Map