Plastic devices such as car safety seats, bouncer seats, swings, and stationary activity centers keep a baby confined to one area; thus, if overused, they contribute to delays in developing motor skills. That’s because when a baby is positioned in one of these devices, he has limited use of the muscles in his trunk, neck, arm, and legs. Instead, he’s forced to sit with his hips, knees, and elbows bent.
Overuse of these products can even foster the development of flat spots on your baby’s head, called positional skull deformities (occipital plagiocephaly; you may also hear it referred to as “flat head syndrome”). When a baby’s head rests against the hard plastic surfaces of these devices for long periods, the excess pressure can lead to flattening of baby’s soft skull.4 Please note: It is absolutely necessary to use a car safety seat anytime your child rides in a motor vehicle, so any limits on use should only be outside the car. Also, it is best to take frequent breaks and limit travel time as much as possible in the early months of life.
Unfortunately, the number of babies diagnosed with occipital plagiocephaly has increased by 50% to 60% in recent years.5 Also, research has revealed that babies who spend more time in baby gear have lower motor skill scores than those with less equipment use. These devices aren’t intended for extended use—30 minutes is a good time limit for most of them. Considering the risks involved, including a flat spot on the head and slowed motor skill development, it’s well worth limiting baby’s time in plastic gears !
Source : Anne H. Zachry, PhD, OTR/L. Retro Baby. American Academy of Pediatrics. 2014
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