‘Container Syndrome’
Container syndrome sounds cute right? Unfortunately, “container hopping” and using baby equipment is all around us and parents do it and we don’t even realize it. And, unfortunately, it is putting our babies at risk of lots of not so great things like developmental delay, flattened heads, and even toe walking.
Containers like swings, exersaucers, jumpers, bouncers, molded baby seats, and jumpers are all fun convenient things that we can place babies in to keep them out of the way of another active kid, keep them asleep, or settle them when they get fussy. These containers let us as parents move our babies around the house while keeping an eye on them. It lets us not have to put them down on an uncomfortable bare floor and know they are safe. If nothing else, sometimes you as a Mom just need a break.
When we look at this equipment, we all think, “It has to be good for them, right? Won’t using these things help my baby sit or walk faster?” What we don’t realize is that placing babies in a molded seat, jumper, or walker to help them get to their next milestone faster often makes it harder for your baby to get their muscles stronger and even sometimes creates some bad habits like walking on tip toes or slouched sitting.
Babies just need the opportunity and freedom to move. Try not to rush it by trying to get them to walk before they are ready or jump in a jumper to get their legs stronger. Development through a baby’s first steps needs to occur naturally before they are ready to get through each milestone. And remember, think of these containers as time for YOU but not time that your baby gets the opportunity to explore and move.
Tummy time is the best way that you can help your child go through natural development and get really strong – tummy time helps them sit, stand, and walk.
In all fairness, by all means, when you absolutely need to use an activity center or put your baby in a safe place while you need a second, you can let your baby have some fun in one. Do what you need to do.
Just remember to be aware, that if you are using containers consistently all day and continuously container hopping, your baby might become at risk for a developmental delay, flattening of the head, and even toe walking.
So…as often as you can manage, get your little one out of their container when they are awake and get down on the floor with them for tummy time. Even when they are sleeping put your little baby in a safe place in their crib flat on their back. And…if even those don’t work, you can put them flat on their back in one of the baby mats with toys overhead – they’ll eventually get to like it, but you might have to be patient.
SUMMARY:
Place your baby on their belly, side, back, or other developmental positions during the day to help their muscles get stronger.
A lot of parents make the mistake of going through ‘container hopping’ and the time spent in these devices doesn’t let your child get stronger.
Some toys that are typically promoted to help your child with development are not always the best for your child. Babies go through a particular developmental sequence and giving them the opportunity to move freely helps to promote their motor skills.
If you need to, by all means, it is perfectly fine to use these containers like swings throughout the day for safety and convenience, just do not make it part of your typical routine.
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