What Are the Dangers of Picking an Infant Up by the Arms?

Temporary Damage

• Doctors label nursemaid's elbow "radial head subluxation" or "dislocation," but it's also called "pulled elbow." Experts at the Kids Health website identify the problem as a common injury that typically happens to children between the ages of 1 and 4 years, but the Boston Children's Hospital site says children age 6 to 12 months also have risk for pulled elbow. The injury happens because the ligaments can't hold the undeveloped bones, and the forearm bones slip out of place where the bones attach with the elbow.

Permanent Damage

• Even though many children don't have permanent damage as a result of the elbow dislocation, pulling arms can result in broken and bruised bones and permanent damage after a single incident or when done over a period of time. Your child may also feel discomfort ranging from mild to intense pain from the bone movement. The degree of pain doesn't always indicate the severity of the injury. Failure to use the arm helps parents identify problems, since the injury doesn't typically involve swelling or obvious deformities, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Injury Causes

• Pulling the arms isn't the only cause of nursemaid's elbow. Swinging your infant in play, tugging the child's arm quickly to get attention, rolling over or using an arm to break a fall also causes the injury. It doesn't take much force on undeveloped bones to move and cause the dislocation. If your child has recurring elbow problems, the National Institutes of Health website suggests asking your doctor for assistance in identifying the actions creating the problem.

Injury Treatment

• The bone may move back into place after the dislocation injury, but Kids Health's experts recommend a visit for professional help. Officials with the National Institutes of Health warn that failure to get treatment can mean permanent damage, including movement limitations. The health agency also cautions against parents attempting home treatment due to the risk for permanent problems. Immobilize the area, apply an ice pack and go to the emergency room or doctor's office for immediate assistance when you suspect nursemaid's elbow.

Proper Handling

• The Children's Hospital and Health System website recommends treating your child like a football with baby's head tucked in the center of your hand and the infant's feet pointed in the direction of your elbow. This position helps lift without involving the infant's arms. Some children are more susceptible to the elbow injury, and once it happens, it can easily happen again when an adult or older child pulls on the infant's arms or hands, according to the Medline Plus website.