The toddler’s physical development will allow the user to handle the unit in new ways; however, care must still be taken when operating the unit. Frequent washing of the hands is recommended, but as the unit approaches her second year of operation and subsequently her immune system strengthens, such practice is not as necessary.
Picking Up the Toddler
A toddler’s increased neck and back strength will allow you to pick her up in a more casual manner than when she was an infant.
CAUTION: A toddler’s bones, joints, ligaments, and sockets will continue to develop for some time. Thus, a toddler should always be picked up from underneath both armpits. Never lift or drag your unit by the arms or legs. Temporary but recurring appendage malfunction may occur.
1. Insert both hands under the armpits of the toddler (between the arm and the body).
2. Gently grasp the toddler with a solid but moderate grip.
3. Lift the toddler directly upward and bring the unit closer to your own body to aid in support.
4. Hold on one hip, or employ another hold, as detailed below.
The On-the-Shoulder Hold
This hold is recommended for heavier toddlers and longer distances. Many toddlers will not like this hold initially, as it puts them much higher off the ground than they are used to.
CAUTION: Be aware when walking through doorways or under trees with a toddler on your shoulder. You may need to dip slightly down when passing under low objects.
1. Face the toddler away from you and pick her up under her armpits.
2. Raise the toddler up and over your head.
3. Seat her firmly on your neck so that her legs straddle your neck and her belly rests on the back of your head.
4. Instruct the toddler to hold onto you by wrapping her arms around your head, by grasping your forehead, or if the toddler’s arms are long enough, by wrapping them under your chin.
5. Place both of your hands over your head and onto the back of your toddler to hold her in place as you walk. Alternatively, when the toddler learns to hold on firmly, you may secure the toddler in place by grasping her feet as you walk.
The Piggyback Hold
Use the Piggyback Hold during playtimes or for short-distance travel.
1. Kneel down in front of the toddler with the toddler facing your back.
2. Instruct the toddler to wrap her arms around your neck. Wrap your own arms behind you and around the toddler’s rear end.
3. With your arms around and underneath the toddler, lean forward to a 45-degree angle. Pull the toddler’s body to your own so that the toddler straddles your back.
4. Lean forward as you stand, supporting the toddler from below.
