Q&A for How to Carry a Toddler

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Why should you hold a child in your lap?

Jessie Davidson
Child Care Specialist
Jessie Davidson is a Child Care Specialist and the CEO and Founder of BabysitPro, which provides online courses for current and aspiring babysitters. Jessie has over 20 years of childcare experience and specializes in best practices for sitters of infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and grade-schoolers. BabysitPro’s courses are unique and age-specific so babysitters can learn detailed information relevant to the children they babysit. Jessie holds a BA in French Studies from Wheaton College and an MA in Visual Anthropology from The University of Southern California.

Jessie Davidson

Child Care Specialist

Expert Answer

For a toddler, sitting on your lap is one best positions for playing, singing, and bouncing.

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Question

Can you bounce toddlers up and down while they're standing?

Jessie Davidson
Child Care Specialist
Jessie Davidson is a Child Care Specialist and the CEO and Founder of BabysitPro, which provides online courses for current and aspiring babysitters. Jessie has over 20 years of childcare experience and specializes in best practices for sitters of infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and grade-schoolers. BabysitPro’s courses are unique and age-specific so babysitters can learn detailed information relevant to the children they babysit. Jessie holds a BA in French Studies from Wheaton College and an MA in Visual Anthropology from The University of Southern California.

Jessie Davidson

Child Care Specialist

Expert Answer

Definitely! Some toddlers really enjoy bouncing themselves on your legs. While sitting down, hold your toddler upright and at eye level, with your hands supporting their underarms. This way, they can safely stand on your legs.

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Question

Is it safe to carry baby on hip?

Jessie Davidson
Child Care Specialist
Jessie Davidson is a Child Care Specialist and the CEO and Founder of BabysitPro, which provides online courses for current and aspiring babysitters. Jessie has over 20 years of childcare experience and specializes in best practices for sitters of infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and grade-schoolers. BabysitPro’s courses are unique and age-specific so babysitters can learn detailed information relevant to the children they babysit. Jessie holds a BA in French Studies from Wheaton College and an MA in Visual Anthropology from The University of Southern California.

Jessie Davidson

Child Care Specialist

Expert Answer

Yes! Just be sure to switch sides every few minutes so you don't strain your back.

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Would it be safe for me and my kids if I carry my 5-year-old and my 3-year-old at the same time?

Community Answer

It depends on you really. If you feel like you are going to drop either or fall, then definitely not. If you feel steady and the children are in a comfortable enough position then go right ahead.

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Question

Can I use any of these methods to carry a child older than toddler-age?

Community Answer

Only up to the age of 6, and not more than one at a time. Be careful, though. It also depends on how heavy the child is. I carry a 3-year-old sometimes and she can be difficult.

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Question

Is it safe for me and the kids if I carry two seven-year-olds at the same time? And if so, how can I do it?

Community Answer

No. Unless you possess an abnormally strong upper body, it would be extremely dangerous for all involved if you attempted to do this.

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Question

Can I do this to an adult woman?

Community Answer

Yes, you can. However, you should obtain consent from her before attempting to carry her.

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Question

Can I carry a child while I'm pregnant?

Community Answer

Yes, you can.

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Question

Can an 8-year-old carry a 4-year-old?

Community Answer

Yes, but there are some rules. If your 8-year-old is a little clumsy, you might want to have him/her sit while holding the younger child, and show her/him how to properly carry the 4-year-old.

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Question

When carrying a boy, can you accidentally hurt them in the private parts? Do you carry boys and girls differently? I know it's a weird question but I guess I'm just paranoid.

Community Answer

You could hurt them if you hold them to the point their genitals are squeezed. It's much safer to hold a baby in front of your chest with two arms than with holding him/her on one side. To answer the second question, no, there is no different way for either boys or girls.

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Question

Do all these rules apply if I have a reborn toddler? I don't want people to think I'm a bad parent or something for carrying a toddler the wrong way.

Community Answer

You can carry a reborn toddler the same way as this article suggests. These rules apply for real life babies that feel uncomfortable when held the wrong way.

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