As a mom and pediatric physical therapist, I often get asked for recommendations on toys and baby gear that will help promote a child’s gross motor development. The items available can be overwhelming and the marketing is strong! So I’m going to save you some time and money with a list of 4 items you DON’T need in your baby’s play area.
1. Infant Swings & Bouncers: Sometimes your baby needs a safe place to be or needs some movement. And sometimes your arms need a break. But, rest assured, infant swings and bouncers are not a must. Instead, opt for a baby carrier. It’s portable and far cheaper than purchasing a swing or bouncer for multiple rooms in your home. Your arms get a break, your baby gets movement, and you both experience bonding that won’t happen with swings and bouncers. Plus you’ll avoid the inclined surface of a swing or bouncer, which can encourage baby’s head to fall to one side, increasing the risk for torticollis, plagiocephaly, and exacerbated reflux. Swapping for a baby carrier will still provide a safe space and soothing movement, while also decreasing the risk of a flat head.
2. Infant Seats: Infant seats often place a baby in a less-than-ideal position and posture. They also “lock a baby in place,” which is not the reality when it comes to sitting. Babies need to MOVE in and out of the sitting position to increase their motor skills. A more functional and affordable option is a Boppy pillow or the PlayNest. Use a Boppy pillow around your child’s waist to support them while in a sitting position. The pillow will provide support while still allowing baby to move and change positions.
3. Infant Loungers: Many of these have been recalled or deemed unsafe; therefore, I cannot in good faith recommend them. These soft, inclined loungers also increase a child’s risk for torticollis and plagiocephaly. They restrict a baby’s movement to a tiny space and limit their ability to look around and explore their environment. Instead of purchasing an infant lounger that will be used for a short time, opt for a blanket on the floor, a playmat, or a mat inside a playpen. Baby can explore in a safe environment without these additional risks!
4. Jumpers and Sit-In Walkers: In my experience, jumpers and sit-in walkers often create atypical movement patterns and can result in underdeveloped abdominal muscles, toe walking, and arching preferences. Will this happen for sure if your baby uses or used a jumper? Absolutely not! However, avoiding jumpers and sit-in walkers can help your child learn to support their own weight in standing - a necessary skill when learning to stand, walk, and jump. Instead, consider soft, climbable play mats, a pikler triangle, or a push toy to encourage climbing, pulling into standing, and cruising. And, if you’re looking for a fun activity to bring out some baby giggles, look for an indoor/outdoor swing. It will give you many more years of enjoyment.
Please remember this information is educational in nature, and should simply be used to guide you in making the right choice for your family. There are times when "containing" your baby with the use of one of the items listed above is necessary and that's OK! (I'll let you in on a secret - I, a pediatric physical therapist, had a bouncer because this mom needed to take a break from time to time).
I remind my families to be intentional when using a "container", keep the container time short, and then follow it up with an equal amount of floor time to give your baby opportunities to learn and grow their curiosity. You got this!
