What is the first step to safely pick up a toddler?

To safely pick up a toddler, bending both knees is essential as it helps prevent back injury. This technique aligns with proper body mechanics, allowing the caregiver to use their legs for lifting instead of straining their back. By lowering the body and bending at the knees, the caregiver maintains a stable posture and reduces the risk of injury when lifting a child, who typically has a weight that can cause strain if lifted improperly.

In contrast, sliding hands under the toddler's arms or lifting them straight up without knee bending could lead to back strain, especially if the caregiver has to lift a child from the floor or a low position. Holding the toddler under their legs might not provide adequate support and could also increase the risk of dropping the child or causing them discomfort. Therefore, the safest initial action is to bend the knees, ensuring a safer lifting method for both the caregiver and the toddler.