You and your pre-school child/children are always on the go.

As an osteopath with 20 years experience I would like to tell you a few things that will keep you out of trouble and on the go.

For Mums

Lower cot sides to attend to your child. Reaching over will twist and strain your back. Lift your child or their pushchairs with legs slightly apart, bend your knees and keep your back straight to avoid strains to the discs.
Try and open car doors wide to attend to your child's car seat, many people hurt themselves twisting to secure car seats.
Try and squat to talk to your children at their level rather than prolonged bending which can cause lumbar disc strain.

For your Child

When possible encourage them to sleep flat rather than hunched up in a pushchair or car seat.
Be sure that they don't lift objects that may be too heavy for them, so they don't strain themselves.
Don't swing them round by their arms as this can strain their elbow joints.
Check their socks and shoes regularly to allow room for natural growth.
Non specific irritation, "crankiness" and sleeping problems can be caused by slight anomalies and can be treated by an osteopath using cranial techniques.

Thank you Anita from Knutsford Osteopathy for your very practical advice.