Page 3 - The First 60 Days Magazine - February 2024

Is All the Equipment Needed?

The article, Container Baby Syndrome: How
Equipment Can Hinder a Child's Development
from Nationwide Children's states in part:

"While many of products make parents feel the baby is
working on these skills by standing in an activity center
or sitting in a floor seat, containers actually prevent
children from sitting or standing in correct alignment
and result in an inability to activate important muscles.
Equipment can hinder the development of skills and
place inappropriate stress on developing bones and
joints - placing the child at risk for other injuries."

When addressing this topic in The First 60 Days
booklet, a quote from a babies perspective shares:

"For my healthiest development I need both the
opportunity to move my body freely on my own and also
to interact directly with you. All of my senses are
wonderfully activated when I have floor time and also in
the times I interact with you..”

The Neuro-Nurturing® Knowledge portion of this topic
in the booklet shares:
“
“It is extremely easy to get caught up with advice
about all of the equipment that is available for
putting your baby into or for them to play with. It is
best to avoid these suggestions.

Of course car seats are essential, but when out of the
car, being in your arms and on the floor is best. Your
baby needs to be able to move freely, build strength
and experience the wonderful natural sensations that
go along with floor time and being held and carried
by you. Containers for babies hinder both of these
extremely essential needs. An alternative to the floor
is laying your infant on your chest and sharing eye
contact.

You are the best "toy" for your baby.
Many toys said to be designed for babies are
overstimulating. When there is too much for the baby
to take in all at once, this can cause sensory overload
which can result in dysregulation.”

By Deborah McNelis, M.Ed

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