Let’s be honest: many of us have swung our kids around by their arms at some point. I can admit it—I’ve done it with all three of my kids, spinning them in circles like they were part of a lively backyard game. I would lift them up by their hands to carry them through the store or have them reach for me, only to grip their arms playfully. I’ve witnessed countless parents do the same, so it seemed harmless… until it wasn’t.
One day, my youngest daughter, Lily, who was just two years old at the time, approached me with tears streaming down her face and her arm dangling limply at her side. After her older brother tried to pull her onto the couch by her arm, I feared the worst—could she be permanently injured? Thankfully, she wasn’t permanently hurt, but she did suffer from nursemaid’s elbow, a condition that’s surprisingly common in young children, often caused by those very same swings.
According to experts at the Children’s Hospital in Boston, “Nursemaid’s elbow occurs when the radius, one of the forearm bones, slips out of position from its normal attachment at the elbow joint. This is particularly prevalent in children under four years old.” Essentially, for some kids, like Lily, their elbow joint can be quite loose, making it susceptible to dislocation.
On the day Lily dislocated her elbow—an experience that led to several visits to the doctor—I sat helplessly as the physician attempted to pop her joint back into place three times. Each time she cried, and I felt my heart break a little more. It’s a painful reminder of the risks associated with swinging children by their arms. The irony is that I had swung Lily countless times before, and now, after that first incident, it became alarmingly easy for her to injure herself again. Just last month, she tripped over the family dog and dislocated it again.
I’m a firm believer in the benefits of roughhousing. Research indicates that such play can promote positive mental health outcomes, reducing anxiety in adulthood. However, it’s vital to approach this kind of play sensibly. As Dr. Sam Foster, an orthopedic specialist, wisely stated, “While it’s important not to overly protect your children, you should exercise caution during rough play. Their joints are still developing, and excessive pressure can lead to issues.”
It’s not just the elbows that are at risk—swinging a child by the arms can affect various joints. And I get it; when your little one reaches up with a beaming smile, asking to be swung around, it’s tough to resist. I’ve been there. But after watching my child experience such pain, I now prioritize caution over fun.
If you want to swing your child safely, consider lifting them under the armpits or cradling them under their back and knees. This may require more effort from your back, but it’s a worthwhile trade-off to keep them safe. For added security during outings, I also use a leash and harness for my little one, as it eliminates the risk of her pulling away and potentially injuring herself. I’m aware that some may disapprove of this approach, but I’m focused on her safety above all.
So, if you find joy in swinging your child around by the arms, I can empathize. I’m one of those parents who understands the temptation. However, after experiencing the reality of nursemaid’s elbow firsthand, I now think twice before saying “yes” to that request for a swing.
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In summary, while the impulse to swing your child by the arms can be hard to resist, it’s essential to be aware of the potential risks involved. Prioritizing safe play ensures that your little ones can enjoy their childhood without unnecessary injuries.