As a parent of an infant, you are obviously aware of the many baby holding devices available in the market. From swings, bouncy seats to car seats, the options are plenty.
And we are certain that you’ve checked the safety ratings on each of these before bringing them home.
But do you know that an extended amount of time in any of these containers can be risky for your baby? As harmless as these seats may seem, extended amounts of time can be detrimental to your little one’s health.
It can lead to cognitive and social interaction problems. In fact, in some severe cases, it can also develop into deformity.
Container Baby Syndrome (CBS) is the term used to denote the range of such conditions caused by the baby spending too much time inside containers; and it is everything new parents are talking about these days.
Here’s everything that you need to know about the syndrome – the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
Container Baby Syndrome That Stems From Baby Holding Devices
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An infant container is any device that limits the movement of a baby. It includes:
- Jumpers or walkers
- Car seats
- Prams/strollers
- Infant carriers such as slings and packs
- Nursing pillows or cushions
- Car seats, high chairs
- Infant swings
- Bean bags
- Cots and bassinets
Although all the containers are meant to keep the child safe from accidents and let parents and caregivers move freely with the baby. At the same time, it also confines the infant.
So when an infant spends a lot of time lying in the container, there is limited or no movement of their neck, spine, or body. As a parent, you might feel relaxed when your baby is in the container, but what you don’t realise is that extended use can lead to several delays in the child.
For instance, containers can create problems with the baby’s skull shape. It can also delay crawling, rolling, and even walking. Further, the delay can affect other areas of a baby’s development such as speech and social skills.
Symptoms Of Container Baby Syndrome
So how do you identify if your baby is spending too much time in a container instead of moving around freely? The issues associated with spending too much time on baby-holding devices are many.
Here are some of the common symptoms in case your baby is suffering from Container Baby Syndrome.
- Increased weight or obesity
- Flathead: When the side or the back of the baby’s head is abnormally flat
- Torticollis: In this condition, the baby has a difficult time turning its head to one side. In some cases, they will also have a difficult time keeping their head or neck straight due to muscle stiffness on one side of their neck.
- Problems in hearing, speech, thinking, and even sight are common
- There can also be facial asymmetry, in which the sides of the baby’s face may look unequal due to skill deformity and flatness.
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Diagnosis
If you notice any of the above symptoms in your baby, reach out to a physical therapist (PT) immediately.
In fact, parents, family, or daycare providers may be the first ones to spot if the baby isn’t turning its head or has problems while moving its body.
A physical therapist will perform a thorough evaluation of the child that includes making a note of their health history. They will also ask you for details on how you handle the baby and their daily activities.
The therapist will then look for the symptoms of container baby syndrome. They could ask you to conduct few more tests to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other complications.
If your doctor finds any signs of CBS, they may refer your child to a paediatric PT for a proper evaluation and treatment.
Treatment Of Container Baby Syndrome: How A Physical Therapist Can Help
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When you take your child to the PT, they can help your infant regain strength and improve their physical wellbeing.
The PT will teach you where you can reposition the baby and how to develop more strength and improve the skull shape.
This usually includes more tummy time, natural movements, floor time, and making the child sit upright without the container.
Health guidelines suggest a baby should enjoy tummy time thrice a day with regular adult supervision. Also, one should avoid using the carrier or the stroller to make an infant sleep at night.
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Improve strength and movement skills
The therapist will use toys, songs, and games to encourage your child to learn new movements and reinforce their underdeveloped muscles.
The therapist will teach you how to safely put your baby on your tummy after every nap feeding or diaper change. They will also explain how you hold your baby during feedings instead of putting your little one in the stroller.
They may further recommend you change the position of the toys in the crib, thus encouraging your kid to look around in different directions.
Prevention Of Container Baby Syndrome
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In order to prevent Container Baby Syndrome, you can put your baby in several positions. This will prevent the container shuffle.
- Opt for baby carriers or slings instead of the containers as they are less restrictive. A carrier will give your baby more room to move around and there will be no pressure on the back or on the side of their head.
- When you are not travelling with your baby, try and restrict the use of containers to 15 to 20 minutes, twice throughout the day.
- Be careful when you are buying baby holding devices. There are some equipments that may be unsafe for children resulting in falls or other injuries. The American Academy of Pediatrics has called for a ban on the manufacture and sale of infant walkers in the US amid concerns of its safety.
- Enable your infant to enjoy as much as possible while awake, and indulge in playtime on the tummy during the day as possible.
Finally, don’t forget to engage in more cuddle time that involves more physical touch with your baby.
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