LIFTING AN INFANT UP FROM THE FLOOR

Lifting an infant up from the floor – a technique for people with tetraplegia.

DESCRIPTION

The parent positions the wheelchair so that the baby is sitting in front of him on the floor. The parent bends forward and grasps the child from behind, under the arms. While leaning forward, the parent lifts the child to a standing position next to the wheelchair (photo 2). He then changes his grip (photo 3) so that the child’s stomach rests on his forearm. The parent uses his other forearm to supports himself on his lap. The parent lifts the child halfway (photo 4). While straightening up by pushing against his lap with his forearm, he lifts the baby up all the way to his lap (photo 5).

TIPSTER’S COMMENTS

The parent figured out the technique when his baby was small and couldn’t stand up by himself. Now that the child knows how to stand he uses a different technique.