Menu
- Parenting
Avoid Swinging Your Child by Their Arms: Here’s Why
by Jamie Thompson
Updated: March 19, 2021
Originally Published: March 6, 2018
Let’s be honest. I’ve swung all three of my kids around by their arms. I’ve spun them in circles in the living room like they were part of a sprinkler system. I’ve had them reach up for me, and I’ve lifted them by their hands into my arms for a playful carry through the grocery store. I must have done this countless times, and I’ve seen other parents doing the same.
However, the day my youngest daughter — who was just two at the time — approached me with her arm dangling limply and tears rolling down her cheeks after her older sister tried to pull her onto the sofa by her right arm, I feared the worst. I imagined the worst-case scenario: a serious injury that would lead to authorities knocking on my door.
Fortunately, she wasn’t permanently harmed, but she did suffer from nursemaid’s elbow, a condition that is surprisingly common among young children and often occurs when we swing them by their arms. According to Boston Children’s Hospital, “Nursemaid’s elbow occurs when the radius, one of the bones in the forearm, slips out of place from where it normally attaches to the elbow joint. This issue is prevalent in children under four years of age.” Essentially, for some kids like my youngest, the elbow joint can be quite loose, akin to a shoelace that hasn’t been tied properly, resulting in dislocation.
On the day Aspen dislocated her elbow, I sat beside the doctor as he attempted to pop it back into place three times. Each time, she cried out in pain, and each time he had to pause. I like to think of myself as a tough individual, but witnessing my daughter’s agony as the doctor worked to reset her joint brought me to tears.
This exemplifies the risks associated with swinging children by their arms. It’s particularly concerning because I had swung Aspen around countless times before she dislocated her elbow. Now, it seems that once it has happened, it can easily happen again. Just last month, she tripped over our dog and dislocated it again.
I want to clarify that I am a strong proponent of rough play. Research indicates that such play can benefit children’s mental health, reducing their likelihood of developing anxiety disorders in adulthood. However, it is crucial to approach it sensibly. Dr. Mark Anderson, a Consultant Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon, emphasizes, “While you can’t protect your children from everything, you should exercise caution during rough play, as their joints are still developing and anything that adds stress can have negative consequences.”
Beyond just the elbow, swinging a child by the arms can lead to problems with other joints too. I understand that when your little one reaches out with a smile, asking to be swung, it’s tough to refuse. It’s a common parenting moment. Yet, after experiencing the pain associated with nursemaid’s elbow firsthand, I now handle her arms with more care.
There are safer alternatives for picking up your child, such as lifting them under their armpits or cradling them beneath their back and knees. Though this might strain your back, parenting is often about compromise. I also use a harness and leash when we’re out to prevent her from pulling away and risking another dislocation. I’ve received disapproving looks for using a leash, but I prioritize her safety above others’ opinions.
So, if you’re a parent who enjoys swinging your child by their arms, I empathize with you. It’s hard to resist when your little one looks up at you with a charming grin. But after experiencing the reality of nursemaid’s elbow, it’s much easier for me to say, “Not this time, sweetheart.”
For more insights on parenting and health, check out this helpful resource on pregnancy and home insemination. If you’re looking for ways to boost fertility, consider reading about fertility supplements. Additionally, health for babies is an excellent source of information on related topics.
Summary
Swinging children by their arms can lead to injuries like nursemaid’s elbow, a common condition in young kids. While rough play is beneficial for child development, it’s essential to approach it with caution. Opt for safer lifting methods and consider using a harness when out to prevent accidents. Prioritizing safety over playful urges can prevent painful experiences for both parents and children.