“Container Babies” and the Importance of Infant Free Movement

Busy parents often need a way to “contain” their babies. Whether it’s to prepare dinner, or get a much-needed shower, bouncy seats and other “containers” are a helpful way to keep your baby safe while your hands are busy. We all know parents need a break from time to time! So, while parents are trying to do what is best for their babies, might they be putting their infants at risk if they overuse containers?   “Container babies,” as they have come to be called, are infants who spend too much time in containers that limit free movement. In the early 2000s, there was a steep rise in “container baby syndrome” – movement, cognitive, behavioral and physical problems related to spending too much time contained in car seats, strollers, bouncy seats, swings, jumpers, rockers, Exersaucers®, and seats. While it is completely normal, and sometimes a necessity (i.e., in the case of car seats), to contain babies, there are some risks associated with extended time in containers. Movement is essential to infant development, especially brain development, so long periods in a container that limit movement can interfere with normal infant development. Tune in to this informative episode, brought to you by Help Me Grow, as infant movement expert Dr. Carol Leitschuh enlightens us on “container babies,” tummy time success tips, alternatives to baby seats and jumpers, and the importance of free movement for infant development.   WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST TAKEAWAY ABOUT "CONTAINER BABIES"? What changes will you make to your use of “baby containers” after hearing this Mom Enough episode? How will you integrate the suggestions for tummy time? What creative ideas do you have to limit your infant’s time in a container?   WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT INFANT DEVELOPMENT? ❉ HELP ME GROW MINNESOTA. Help Me Grow offers helpful resources on tracking developmental milestones, encouraging healthy development, and getting help for a child. They are currently accepting and responding to referrals for anyone who has a concern about their child’s development.   ❉ PATHWAYS. Free tools to maximize children's motor, sensory, and communication development.   ❉ SAFE INFANT SLEEP RECOMMENDATIONS: A DISCUSSION OF NEW AAP GUIDELINES AND RELATED CONCERNS OF SOME FAMILIES AND HEALTH PROFESSIONALS. Therapist Crystal Clancy discusses the AAP guidelines related to infant sleep in this Mom Enough® episode.