Parenthood is a wonderful experience. I would call it a box full of surprises. Sometimes you’ve got it all figured out, and sometimes you don’t know where to begin. Being a parent does come with its challenges for sure.
Apart from being emotionally overwhelming, it can be physically straining too… especially for parents with health issues. One common issue amongst them is back pain.
Being a parent with severe back pain and hip arthritis I learned the hard way what products helped my situation and what did not. From my 4 years of experience, here are the products I recommend for parents having similar health issues.
Baby products for parents with back pain
1.Maternity Belt
I had back pain even before I got pregnant. As I entered the second trimester my back pain increased due to weight gain. My doctor had suggested a maternity belt to support the belly. To my surprise the relief I experienced was amazing.
It made my journey much better. I could even take a trip in the second trimester which included flight journeys, long drives, and a lot of walking.
Suggestions: NeoTech Care Pregnancy Support Maternity Belt
2.Postpartum belly band
Once your baby is born you have to bend a lot. Bending often triggers back pain and makes taking care of your baby difficult. But using a postpartum belly band helps a recovering mother. Along with the other benefits it has, this belt supports your back and helps avoid back pain.
Good read: How Belly Binding Can Help With Recovery After Delivery by Healthline
Suggestions: ChongErfei 2 in 1 Postpartum Belly Wrap Waist
3.Nursing pillow with back support
I started nursing my baby using the regular nursing pillow and continued that for 7 months. I had to use more cushions to support my back and make myself comfortable.
Then I switched to a nursing pillow with back support. It was life-changing. I was able to nurse my son more comfortably. I no longer needed cushions. From a strenuous task, nursing my little one became a joyful experience. I wish I had started using it earlier.
Suggestions: My Brest Friend Original Nursing Posture Pillow
4.Diaper changing table
The one thing I regret not buying is a diaper changing station. For 2 n a half years I changed my son’s diaper on the bed, bending each time. That aggravated my back pain. I still wonder why didn’t buy it.
So I highly recommend you buying one so that you can change your baby’s diaper without straining your back. Another plus point is that your little one will stay in one place and you don’t have to go behind him/her to bring him back on the changing cloth on your bed. (this is once he starts crawling)
Suggestions: Delta Children Eclipse Changing Table with Changing Pad; Delta Children Skylar 3-Drawer Dresser with Changing Top
5.Diaper Bag Backpack
There is no debate about how important a diaper bag is but the question is what kind should you choose?
Always go for a backpack as it balances the weight equally on your shoulders making it a more comfortable option. Totes might look stylish but they are not suitable for parent(s) with back pain.
Suggestions: Iniuniu Diaper Bag Backpack, Upsimples Diaper Bag Backpack
6.Bassinet
A bassinet is a great option, to begin with. It is compact in size and can be placed right next to your bed. Being closer to your baby makes it easier to feed him/her, to put your baby back to sleep by patting if he/she is starting to wake up etc.
Having your baby in close proximity cuts down on your to and fro to another room and helps you get more rest.
Suggestions: Baby Delight Beside Me Dreamer Bassinet; TCBunny 2-in-1 Baby Bassinet & Bedside Sleeper
7.Baby carrier
Another useful product is the baby carrier. Using a baby wrap at home keeps your hands free and gets work done. You need not bend and pick your baby up every time she/he cries. This way you can get more time to rest as you need not wait for your baby to sleep to get chores done.
A baby carrier is helpful outdoors. You can avoid carrying your little one on one hip by using a baby carrier and balancing the weight. It also relieves you from lugging the stroller everywhere you go.
Suggestions: Grownsy Baby Carrier Wrap with Hip Seat Lumbar Support; Boba Baby Wrap Carrier
8.Jogging strollers
Though they are costlier than the regular strollers, they are totally worth it. Well, they are priced more for a reason! I used a regular stroller for 2 years before switching to a jogging stroller. I really wish someone would have told me how helpful it would be for my back pain.
If you are an outdoor person who suffers from back pain, then it is a must must must buy! Even if you aren’t, it really lowers the impact on your back while you are pushing the stroller. I have experienced the difference and regretted not buying it earlier.
Suggestions: Baby Trend Range Jogger Stroller; Graco FastAction Fold Jogging Stroller; Britax B-Agile Lightweight Stroller
9.Child harness
Child harness is one of the most useful products I have used. My son is always full of energy. As a toddler, he made me run behind him every time he was outdoors (and boy he was fast). This would strain my back a lot.
We had planned a vacation on a cruise and were looking for a way to keep him close to us and not get lost in the crowd. That’s when a friend suggested we buy a child harness for his safety.
Suggestions: Blisstime 2 in 1 Toddler Harness; Accmor Cute Dinosaur Child Safety Harness
10.High chair
I found the high chair extremely helpful during feeding time. The chair is at a fair distance from the ground making it easy to feed your child from a standing position or sitting on a chair. No leaning means a lesser strain on your back.
Suggestion: Chicco Stack 1-2-3 Highchair
11.Hand shower
Bathing your baby in a bathtub requires a lot of bending which strains your back. My recommendation would be to install a hand shower (if you don’t have one already) so that you do not have to bend to bathe your baby. Sit on a low-lying stool/ step stool and use your hand shower to reach your baby easily.
Conclusion
These recommendations are an attempt from my end to help you make your journey of parenthood more comfortable and less painful, thus more enjoyable. I am not a medical professional or an expert but just a parent who learned from her experience and wishes she’d found some of these products earlier to help with the pain.
Hope this helps you!
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