Being a new parent is hard. One thing you aren’t told about before being a parent is the range of pains, strains and injuries that you get from the repetitive actions of daily parenting life. Not to mention the impact on your body from giving birth to a baby - the long-term impact can lead to chronic pain.
Recently we caught up with Brock Smith, Brisbane based physiotherapist to discuss the health challenges that parents, carers and especially mothers face with young children.
As we all know, being a mum involves a heightened level of activity that many women didn't have before they had kids. After all, caring for children involves regularly lifting children, kneeling at their level, carrying loads of bags and gear, and endlessly darting around to try to keep children from getting into things they shouldn't. Unfortunately, all of this can lead to a range of overuse injuries in mothers.
A lot of the injuries that new parents face are due to repetitive movements with improper body mechanics. Things like lifting car seats and loading strollers into trunks and up stairs take a toll on the body and mums can be especially prone to these injuries in the postpartum period.
Brock says that a sudden increase in lifting can cause overuse injuries in the elbow, thumb and other areas. A common injury experienced by pregnant and new mums is SIJ dysfunction. This can happen when hormones are released during pregnancy which can cause the Sacro-iliac joint (at the base of the spine) to move more than normal, causing some irritation. This, along with carrying the baby on one side or one hip can also increase the irritation and pain within this joint. Mothers in particular are susceptible to injury because often they are not ready for the increased demand of the high activity level of being a parent."
Brock recommends that one solution for parents and carers could be the use of the HipSurfer. The HipSurfer would allow the baby to rest on the hipseat, meaning the parent would not have to grip as much and could reduce the chance of a repetitive strain injury (RSI).
He adds that Tennis Elbow is another common RSI in mums from overuse of forearm and gripping muscles. By using the HipSurfer it could reduce the amount of time spent gripping and lifting or holding which could reduce the chance of an overuse injury like tennis elbow.
The fact is, no matter how prepared you feel physically for parenthood, mums can still develop parenting-related injuries and need care.
Here are a few of the injuries that mums can experience, plus some insight on how the HipSurfer can aid with relief and even become a way to prevent them from happening in the first place.
RSI
Repetitive strain injuries are common in mums due to the sudden increase in lifting and holding of a new baby. The HipSurfer would allow the baby to rest on the support, meaning the parent would not have to grip as much and could reduce the chance of a repetitive strain injury (RSI).
Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow is another common RSI in mums from overuse of forearm and gripping muscles. By using the HipSurfer it could reduce the amount of time spent gripping and lifting or holding which could reduce the chance of an overuse injury like tennis elbow.
De Quervain’s syndrome (Mummy Thumb)
Almost 50% of new mothers experience this condition. De Quervain’s syndrome occurs when the tendons around the base of the thumb are irritated and constricted. Mummy Thumb is agitated when infants are lifted and carried improperly. It might feel like a sharp, shooting pain starting at the thumb, through the wrist, and darting up the forearm.
The HipSurfer can help to relieve the weight and strain on your wrists and thumb when carrying your child - helping to prevent the cause and to allow time for the injury to heal. If you are suffering from mummy thumb it is recommended to not use your thumb and fingers. Instead, place your hands on both sides of their rib cage and gently squeeze the child to lift
SIJ - Sacroiliac Joint Injury
Hormones are released in pregnancy which cause ligaments to relax in preparation for childbirth. Unfortunately this can also cause some joints to move more than what they are meant to. A common example is the Sacroiliac joint which sits at the base of the spine. Normally this has very minimal movement, although during pregnancy it can move more and cause some irritation. This irritation can then be exaggerated when carrying a new baby on the hip.
Shoulder strain and headache
By resting the child on your hips, it changes the biomechanics and layout of your spine which after prolonged periods, can put more pressure on certain joints and muscles throughout the body. This could lead to a wide range of muscular and joint pains and injuries. This can even refer up to your shoulders and neck and could cause tension headaches. The same principle applies to building a brick house. If the bottom bricks or foundation are off, it can cause the structures above it to be off-centre too.
Brock highlights that a physio's goal should always be to treat the cause of the issue rather than fix what the pain is. For example, it is all well and good to treat a sore leg after running, but it would make much more sense to investigate the running style and what is causing that pain to develop.
The HipSurfer is a really clever and healthy way to treat the underlying cause to a range of injuries facing new mums and other parents. By relieving the possible cause, it could mean less costs in attending appointments and more time spent at home with your new child.
I would recommend a HipSurfer to any new mum who is facing challenges with overuse injuries or other common injuries to trial off-loading the painful area. As always, it would be recommended to talk to your physio to see if this product is right for you.
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Freedom to Move: How the HipSurfer Empowers Active Parents
As a parent, you want the best for your child—but you also need the freedom to move, adapt, and respond to life’s demands without feeling like your hands are constantly tied. Whether it’s navigating a busy park, soothing a restless baby at home, or simply managing a quick grocery run, the need for flexibility is a constant.
Yet, so many carriers on the market seem to do the opposite. They’re fiddly, complex, and loaded with buckles that restrict your movement, leaving you feeling flustered just when you need things to be easy.
But here’s the good news: parenting doesn’t have to feel that way.
What Parents Really Want: Flexibility and Freedom
As a parent, you're looking for freedom—freedom to respond to your baby’s needs, freedom to move naturally without back pain, and freedom from the hassle of over-complicated baby carriers. You want a solution that works seamlessly, without the fiddly buckles and straps that make everything more stressful. Most importantly, you want something that helps you stay connected with your baby while keeping your daily life on track.
The HipSurfer offers exactly that—freedom. It's designed for parents who want a carrier that simplifies life rather than making it more complicated. Whether you're out and about or simply tackling your daily routine, the HipSurfer supports you every step of the way.
The Downside of Traditional Carriers: More Hassle, Less Help
Many parents have faced this situation: you've invested in a carrier that looks promising but quickly find it’s more of a hassle than a help. With endless straps, complex adjustments, and a time-consuming process just to get your baby in or out, these carriers can turn what should be a bonding moment into a frustrating ordeal.
On top of that, many carriers are only suitable for specific stages of development, meaning they’re outgrown quickly. You end up spending more money and time switching between carriers just when you need something consistent and reliable. These challenges leave many parents feeling restricted when they should feel empowered.
You need the HipSurfer: The Game-Changing Baby Carrier
The HipSurfer is here to change all that. It’s designed with freedom in mind, from the first moment you use it until your child is ready to roam independently. Unlike traditional carriers, the HipSurfer is easy, adaptable, and grows with your child—giving you a single, reliable solution for years, not months.
Here’s how the HipSurfer redefines freedom for parents:
Enjoy Freedom of Movement
Thanks to its minimalist, strap-free design, the HipSurfer allows you to move naturally, without being weighed down by bulky straps or harnesses. This means you can bend, twist, and reach with ease, whether you’re on a walk, running errands, or simply doing chores around the house. With the HipSurfer, you're not confined—you're free to move however you need to, all while keeping your baby close.
Respond to Your Child's Needs Effortlessly
Babies are unpredictable, and their needs can change in an instant. Whether it's a quick cuddle, a feed, or simply wanting to be held, the HipSurfer’s quick-release one-buckle system allows you to respond swiftly, without the hassle of adjusting multiple straps. You can move your baby in and out of the carrier with ease, allowing you to stay calm and connected. No more struggling with complex gear—just simple, effective support when you need it most.
A Carrier That Grows with Your Baby
Unlike many other carriers that are limited to certain stages of your child’s growth, the HipSurfer is built to last. From birth through toddlerhood, it offers consistent support, adapting to your child’s changing needs. Designed for babies up to 15kg, you won’t need to worry about buying new carriers as your child grows—the HipSurfer has you covered from day one to those wobbly toddler steps.
Say Goodbye to Straps and Hassle
Traditional carriers often involve a maze of straps and buckles that leave parents feeling flustered. The HipSurfer’s strap-free design means you don’t have to deal with that frustration. It’s incredibly easy to put on and take off, giving you the freedom to switch between holding your baby and letting them explore without missing a beat. No more wrestling with buckles—just a smooth, hassle-free process.
Experience the Freedom to Thrive as a Parent
Imagine being able to go through your day, focused on enjoying time with your child, rather than worrying about discomfort or complicated baby gear. With the HipSurfer, you can do just that. It offers parents the freedom to thrive—to move, to respond, and to live with confidence.
Whether it’s a quick run to the shops or a day out in nature, the HipSurfer gives you the peace of mind that you’re supported, comfortable, and able to fully engage with your little one.
So, why settle for less? Embrace the freedom to move, respond, and enjoy every moment with your child—without the hassle. With the HipSurfer, you’re not just carrying your baby—you’re making memories, staying active, and thriving as a parent.
