I'm going to have a talk with the nanny in the morning. She is awesome with the girls so I was surprised by something she did tonight. She picked up Julie by the arms!! I said "oh! That probably hurts her!" She seemed surprised that I didn't approve and she felt bad. I know she'll stop if I just ask her, so tomorrow morning I'm telling her to not do it anymore, just so we're all clear that I don't want them picked up that way. Believe me when I say she is terrific, so I'm not going to blow up about it since it will be easily fixed. I've seen other people pick up their babies and young toddlers by their arms but I think it's surely painful and potentially harmful! Anyway, I'm mad and disappointed tonight. I'm just glad I happened to see it. Thought I'd get your reactions.
Re: Dang. Nanny fail.
She grabbed her by the forearm area. I always tell her I trust her judgement because I really do normally! That's why I'm so shocked.
Painful? Unless you kid started crying, then I wouldn't imagine they would be in pain. But harmful? Yes, potentially. I would definitely ask her not to pick them up that way.
I pick up DD under the armpits all the time. Granted, I am holding onto her torso, and not picking up all her weight under her arms.
Yes it is a good thing to inform her to stop. This type of handling can lead to a brachial plexus injury (series of nerves from the neck to the armpit region) inflammation stretching or tearing of the nerves can have lasting affect on arm movement. Also children's arms are prone to elbow dislocation also causing nerve or growth plate injury.
This is also good to know that even young children, think 5,6,7,8 should never be swung from the arms (I still have to remind DH) or yanked at the arm (this is why red rover game is actually dangerous to play)
So good for you for using your mommy sense.