Helpful Equipment Recommendations To Guide Your Infant’s Development

When thinking about equipment to purchase for your growing infant, it can be overwhelming with so many options out there. As parents, you may have questions like, what equipment is appropriate for my child?  What equipment is safe for my child?  How often should my child be using their equipment?

With our technology-centered and fast paced world, equipment seems like an easy option to put your baby in so you can finish cleaning the house, take care of your other children, and keep them entertained.  Some equipment can be very beneficial for a baby; however, other equipment can hinder their development when they are in it for extended periods during the day.  Overuse can lead to decreased muscle tone, a delay in their developmental milestones and the development of flat spots on the back or side of their head.

Here is a list of equipment that is helpful and safe for your baby’s development with recommendations for how much time your baby should spend in their equipment:

Tummy Time Mat	Tummy Time Mat 60-90  minutes a day Relieves pressure off the back of their head throughout the dayHelps to strengthen their neck and upper body
Push Walker	Push Walker Throughout the day when learning to walk This will help provide stability at the beginning stages of walking**Only to be used in an area closed off from steps/curbs and when the child is learning to take steps
Pack ‘n Play	Pack ‘N Play Throughout the day Allows your infant to play in a safe spaceWhile in a Pack N Play, encourage different positions, such as on their tummy, back, side, and sitting, to relieve pressure off the back of their head and to build strength
Infant Carrier	Infant Carrier When necessary to ease transportation needs Relieves pressure off the back of their headsAllows your infant to experience loving touch

Bouncer Seat	Bouncer Seat 30 minutes a day Does not promote active movement which helps strengthen your infant’s arms, legs or coreMay lead to flattening of an infant’s head if spending a lot of time in a bouncer seat
Infant Swing	Infant Swing 30 minutes a day Places pressure on the back of an infant’s head leading to flat spotsPuts excessive stress on their back since their legs hang down
Infant Carrier	Infant Carrier Only for traveling in vehicle Extended periods in carrier may lead to flattening of infant’s skullRather than a being place in a carrier, being held by you allows them to use their trunk and neck musclesMust use if traveling in a vehicle!
Stationary Activity Center	Stationary Activity Center 15 minutes a day Does not help an infant learn to stand since hips are turned outward, supported in sling and often they do not put weight through their legs

Here is a list of equipment to avoid due to safety concerns:

Jumper	Jumpers Avoid Use *Safety Concern* High risk for injury such as head trauma, strangulation and whiplashPuts excessive stress on their hips and backMay encourage standing on toes
Seated Walker	Seated Walker Avoid Use *Safety Concern* These types of walkers may delay walking, rather than promote itHips are supported in sling and do not put weight through their legsDecreases time spent crawling, which is advantageous for strengthening

 
As a quick guide, it is easy to remember:

MAXIMUM OF 2 HOURS A DAY IN EQUIPMENT!

 
By limiting time in equipment your baby can have more active movement, improve strength, explore their environment and experience loving touch.