Winter 2016-2017
F rom colorful bouncy chairs
and jiggly doorway swings to stimulating exersaucers that make noises and have moving parts , the choices are plentiful these days when it comes to finding fun entertainment options for your baby . But as enjoyable and educational as these items may seem , there is a downside to them when they ’ re used too much . This is even true for high chairs and car seats . Just like the saying goes – “ everything in moderation .”
The most important thing to remember is that a baby needs to have the ability to engage his or her muscles . If they ’ re continually kept strapped in or confined in these items , babies don ’ t have the chance to activate certain muscles , which hampers development .
“ Many of these items do that because they are confining , and don ’ t allow for the rotational movement that ’ s important for development . They can also cause overuse of certain muscles through repeated repetitive motion ,” said Suzanne Gaeta-Barje , PT , a physical therapist with Wolfson Children ’ s Rehabilitation . “ No matter what the age of your baby , the more opportunities he or she is given for play , gross motor movement and the ability to use muscles by themselves , the better .”
Some of these items can even cause harm over time . Doorway bouncers , although they look like fun , put a lot of stress on the hip , ankle and knee joints through the constant repetition of jumping . In addition , the baby is jumping on the toes only and not using the entire foot , which can lead to toe walking , delayed walking or other orthopedic issues .
“ Of all of these items , exersaucers are probably the best option ; however , babies need to have the ability to sit before being able to hold themselves upright in this piece of equipment ,” said Gaeta-Barje . “ They also need to be positioned so they can get their feet flat on the floor for full contact .”
Ultimately , babies should have a variety of activity in their day , including floor play , crib time , and tummy time , with small amounts of time in exersaucers or other baby gear .
It ’ s all about the play time
Gaeta-Barje offers advice to make sure you give your baby the right variety of play time to promote normal development :
1 . Give your baby regular tummy time .
This can either be on the floor or angled on your chest . The goal is to work up to 15 minutes ; however , start slowly , which may mean only a few seconds for some first-timers . You never want baby to be upset when he or she is on their tummy . If they are and continue to be every time , let your baby ’ s primary care provider know .
2 . Hold your baby upright .
The goal is to promote active neck movement . Hold your baby at your shoulder while supporting the back or help provide support while he or she is sitting . Since infants ’ heads are so moldable between 3 and 6 months , this movement of the neck muscles helps shape the head .
3 . Vary activities throughout the day .
Whether your baby is playing on the floor or in the crib , be sure to change the placement of toys to increase the activation of the muscles and engage the senses , which is good for overall development . If you have a swing or carrier , it ’ s OK to use as long as you don ’ t use it for more than 20 minutes at a time .
4 . Change the environment .
When you ’ re feeding your baby , switch sides to encourage the head turning equally to both sides . This also enhances vision in each eye . When your baby is eating solids , offer food with the spoon slightly to the right and left to increase the activation of neck muscles . In the car seat , if you have toys dangling , alternate their placement for neck range of motion , as well as for visual stimulation .
Cub Club Quarterly 5