What Are the Dangers of Swinging a Baby by the Arms?

Hold your baby securely by the chest if you lift or swing him.

Swinging a baby around by the arms may seem fun, but it can quickly turn dangerous for the infant involved. A baby's body isn't able to withstand the same forces that an older child or grownup could, so babies need to be treated with care.

Elbow Injuries

Elbow injuries are common in infants and toddlers, according to KidsHealth. Swinging a baby by the arms could cause a dislocation of the elbow joint, a condition also known as nursemaid's elbow. Small children are especially prone to this kind of dislocation because their bones aren't fully formed yet and their ligaments are still loose. A dislocated elbow can be popped back into place by a doctor, but once your child has experienced nursemaid's elbow once, he's likely to be prone to having it happen again later.

Shoulder Injuries

Dislocation of the shoulder is less common than elbow dislocation in babies and toddlers, but it can be another potential consequence of swinging a baby by the arms. A dislocated shoulder is more painful than an elbow dislocation, and your baby may have to wear a cast or sling while she is healing from the injury.

Accidental Falls

It's easy to lose your grip when swinging a baby by the arms, which can lead to an accidental fall that could potentially be fatal for your child. Broken bones, head injuries, cuts, bruises, and abrasions are all possible if your baby slips out of your grasp and hits the floor, wall, or furniture. If your baby experiences an accidental fall during rough play, bring him to a doctor's office or hospital for evaluation. Internal injuries can be unnoticeable at first, so having your baby assessed for internal damage is essential.

Safe Active Play

Playing safely with your baby doesn't have to be boring. Instead of swinging your child by the arms, try holding her beneath her armpits, securely gripping her chest, and spinning around with her that way instead. You can also lift your baby high into the air without letting go to elicit a smile or giggle. Another way to play actively yet safely is to chase your crawling baby around on the floor or gently roll her around on a soft, safe surface.

References

• KidsHealth: Nursemaid's Elbow
• Boston Children's Hospital: Dislocated Shoulder
• University of Nebraska- Lincoln: Playing Rough With Baby
• KidsHealth: Head Injuries