The rocking chair is a timeless piece of baby equipment, as are the cradle, swings and cradles. These resemble the movement the baby felt in the womb, and they replicate the comforting feeling of being held in an easy fluid flow. Other baby seats like highchairs are also necessary at some point. How can we tell what’s really helpful to a child and his parents, though? Can any of these devices be harmful to his developing mind and body?
Recent years have seen a boom in baby births and a corresponding explosion of baby equipment. The manufacturers claim to have done extensive research, they make safety claims, and that their products encourage development.
The anatomy of a developing baby is constantly changing and unique. The head of a baby is larger than the bottom. The spine of a baby is almost straight and lacks the curves in the neck, thoracic back, tailbone, or lumbar region that create the architectural cantilevers needed to support the body vertically. The 25 other foot bones are formed from cartilage by pushing, pulling, and reaching movements like crawling, crawling, or tummy time. These movements help the baby to become stronger and develop the spine, which allows us to stand on two feet as the only vertical mammal!
You quickly realize that many of the products for babies are not helpful when you take into account their anatomical differences. Here’s a list of the best, worst, and questionable baby gear to help you decide what you should buy to help your child develop.
Feeding. Some manufacturers claim their products help babies learn to sit. Forcing a baby to sit up before he is ready can cause physical misalignment. It is for this reason that reclining seats provide the best support to a baby’s growing body. Reclining seats support the growing body of your baby. It’s great that so many high chairs have variable recline features. A baby who is not yet ready to eat solids but can sit upright in a high chair will be more comfortable and alert when reclining. This position is also better for digestion.
To lounge. The floor seats with molded contours that force the baby to sit in a sitting position until he is able to sit independently cause his pelvis to move backwards. Most jumpers and walkers also force babies into a vertical posture with nothing more than flimsy fabrics that do not support the spine or head. It is not good for your baby’s body. You should only use these items once your child is able to crawl, also called the military crawl. This is a great way to strengthen the muscles and joints, and it can also help your baby balance their big heads. The act of crawling is a great way to develop the cartilage in the feet. It also prepares the child for the ability to sit or to be able to stand on all fours, which requires a lot of balance. Swings and bouncer chairs with recliner positions are excellent options until then.
Playing. Playpens are one of the most useful inventions for parents to childproof their home, allow them to do chores and to help their baby develop. The playpen is portable, and gives the baby the time he needs on the floor to learn how to move while playing with the toys or other objects that the parents place inside. Gates that expand can provide a baby-safe room in a room.
Babywearing is a great option. When determining whether something is safe, it is important to look at the baby’s needs and what his body is developing. It changes with time. When using a baby carrier, for example, the newborn baby’s head and spine will not be supported. When can a newborn baby face outwards? When the baby crawls. This movement is a result of floor time, tummy time, and other activities. It usually occurs between 6-9 month of age.
Sleeping. It is important to choose a crib mattress carefully, because there are health risks that have been documented with some mattresses. Babies who inhale toxic fumes from mattresses are more likely to die of SIDS, according to research. It is important to find a mattress that is all-natural and organic for your child. While you’re there, buy one for yourself as well. You can choose from an organic cotton mattress to a rubber-memory foam type. There are many choices. Mattresses are where we spend most of our time. Our mattresses are a part of everyday life. It is important to make sure that your baby sleeps on a healthy mattress.
Enjoy watching your baby develop by using floor play. This includes engaging activities and clean, safe equipment for babies that you use with consideration.
Visit this page for more information on baby development. You can also watch a video about tummy time.