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WRITTEN BY SALLY HILLS-DAVIS, CHILDREN'S OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
As a children’s occupational therapist, I understand how helpful baby equipment can be. Car seats, bouncers, and swings—often called "containers"—play a big role in modern parenting. They keep babies safe in the car, soothe them when they’re fussy, and can give you a moment to breathe. However, while these containers serve important purposes, it's crucial to remember that babies also need plenty of time to move, stretch, and explore their bodies.
What are Baby 'Containers'?
A baby container is any piece of equipment that restricts your baby’s movement. This includes things like:
Car seats (absolutely necessary for travel)
Baby bouncers
Rocker swings
Jumpers
While these are incredibly useful and can even be life-saving in the case of car seats, they shouldn’t become a baby’s main environment.
Why Do Babies Need Freedom to Move?
Babies learn through movement. Every kick, stretch, and wiggle helps build strength, coordination, and body awareness. When they spend too much time in a confined position, they are limited in their ability to explore these movements, which are vital for their physical development.
For example, when a baby is lying on a mat or blanket on the floor, it has the freedom to move its arms and legs freely. It can roll, push up, and work on building those important motor skills. These simple movements may seem small, but they lay the foundation for future milestones like crawling, sitting up, and even walking!
A Note on Car Seats
While car seats are non-negotiable for travel and safety, limiting their use to when your baby is in the vehicle is important. Prolonged time in the car seat, even outside the car, can lead to restricted breathing if the baby's head falls forward and hinders their ability to stretch and move. Make it a point to offer plenty of breaks during long trips, giving your baby time to lie flat and stretch out when possible.
Balancing 'Container' Time with Free Movement
The goal is balance. Use containers when necessary but balance it out by giving your baby time to move freely in a safe, open space. Here are some practical tips:
Floor time is key: Spread a blanket or mat on the floor and let your baby kick, stretch, and explore their body without restrictions.
Tummy time: This is not only great for building strength but also helps your baby develop the muscles they’ll need for future milestones like crawling.
Rotate their activities: Mix up their day with floor time, tummy time, and using containers only when necessary.
Trust the Process
The early months are all about exploration. Your baby’s body is constantly developing, and it needs the freedom to discover what it can do. While containers have their place in keeping your baby safe and comfortable, the unrestricted movement truly drives their growth and development.
Giving your little one regular opportunities to move freely will help them hit those exciting developmental milestones and grow stronger every day.
For more tips on baby development, follow me on my Instagram and TIK Tok page, Baby, Play, and Develop, where I provide easy-to-understand guidance for parents and carers.
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