BABY CARRYING CAN AFFECT CERVICAL SPINE: A STUDY OF TWO DESIGNS

IntroductionResearch has suggested baby wearing results in happier healthier babies [1]. Various designs of carrier are available, is there one which has less impact on the biomechanics of the cervical spine?Methods18 volunteers (9 male and female) performed a warm up procedure on the neck (movement through each range of motion), repeated thrice. Measurement of the active cervical range of motion (ACROM) in flexion and extension using a Cervical Range of Motion device, described in previous studies [2]. Volunteers were then allocated a baby carrier to wear including a specially designed “baby” mannequin (dimensions based on population average statistics for a 1yro). Volunteers continued with ADLs, returning after 2 hours. With the carrier removed, measurements were repeated (without warm-up). Volunteers were assessed at the same time of day, thrice (control, single carrier, double carrier) with at least 1 day between carrying.ResultsACROM measurements following the use of either single or double shoulder ...