Common Foundation Programme - Moving and Handling

A guide to the Moving and Handling sessions in the Common Foundation Programme (module 2) for both staff and students.

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Child Handling

Theoretical elements
Practical elements
Standing
Safe method for lifting a baby out of a cot
Incorrect method for lifting from push chair/pram
Correct method for lifting from a push chair/pram
Lifting a baby from the floor
Alternative ways to lift a baby from the floor
Safe method for holding a baby
Unsafe method for lifting or holding a baby
Safe position for when bathing baby
Incorrect position for when bathing baby
Safe position for when feeding in highchair
Incorrect position for when feeding in highchair
Correct method for holding baby for bottle feed
Unsafe method for holding baby for bottle feed
The Older Child

Theoretical Elements

Risk and assessment:

• Postural problems in handling.

• Heights issues e.g. cots, chairs.

• The larger heavier child - treat as adult.

Practical Elements

Babies/Toddlers

• Moving/Handling in relation to equipment used with babies/toddlers e.g. cots, push chairs, high chairs etc.

• Picking up a baby/toddler from the floor.

• Carrying a small child.

Children/Adolescents

• Bed - rolling, sitting - handling aids/hoists

• Standing and transferring

Standing

Incorrect method

How not to stand (notice bending of back)! Note the risks: -Difficult to grasp -load away from the body -restrictions on posture due  to cot side

Correct method

Safer method of lifting a baby out of a fixed height cot (notice bent knees, enables safer position)

Safe method for lifting a baby out of a cot

Place the hand under the head and bottom	Move the child closer to your body	Lift the child supporting the head and bottom

Always lower cot side to its lowest point.

Correct move!		Incorrect move!
Bend the knee, keep the back straight.		-Poor posture -Height restriction of  cot side

  Incorrect method for lifting from a push chair/pram

Forward bending -Back bent!	Back twisted!

Correct method for lifting from a push chair/pram

Lifting a baby from the floor

  Incorrect way to lift a baby from the floor

Forward bending!	Twisted spine!

Safe method for holding a baby

Unsafe method for lifting or holding a baby

Spine is twisted.	Holding baby at arms length shifts your centre of gravity.	Bending from hips.

Safe position for when bathing a baby

Correct posture - no overstretching

Incorrect position for when bathing a baby

Sitting with back not straight		Bending over baby bath

Safe position for when feeding in a highchair

Place chair in front of the high chair

  Incorrect positions when feeding in highchair

Persistent poor posture: - stooping,  - bending!

Correct method for holding baby for a bottle feed

Back is supported against the chair. Weight of baby supported under the arm by use of pillow/cushion.

Unsafe method for holding a baby for a bottle feed

Back unsupported. Weight of baby taken by arm.

The older child

Older/heavier children should be treated as adults which may necessitate the use of a hoist.

Assess the sling for tears, whether soiled	Measure the sling from head to hip. Measure from the belly button to the hip and then around the leg.	Sit the patient forward, place sling behind
Place the sling under the legs	Attach the sling to hoist first starting form the head, then the legs	Push down on the handle to place in sitting position	Lift the patient from the bed
Observe the feet to ensure safety	Support the patient into the chair	Lower the patient into a sitting position	Remove the bottom strap first then the top.
Reassure the patient	Lift the leg supporting under the ankle and at the back of the knee.	Support the patient in sitting forward by placing one hand of each carer on the shoulder of the patient and in a coordinated manner and close to the load. Sit the patient forward.

Sometimes other moving and handling aids are used with older children; for example the use of a sliding sheet is illustrated.

	Roll the child onto its slide. Place the sliding sheet under.	Get into a momentum. Sit the patient forward.	Using the handle on the sliding sheet and both carers next to the load, keeping the spine in alignment, slide the patient back.	Sliding the child into a sitting position, the carer will end up sitting onto the leg which is placed on the bed.

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These pages have been prepared by Colin Baker, Safety Co-ordinator.