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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.

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Patient Reviews

Crystal Scheibe

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Great place, glad we found them. Been going to Medina over 2 months now and he loves Lauryn and Kyler. Wish they had more ABA therapy places available... live in Wooster and long drive everyday.

Karrie Swan LaRock

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My 11 year old son has dyslexia and has made noticeable gains in working At LLA THERAPY. Katie is strong in her approach toward him and also keeps him comfortable enough to perform well. We will continue visiting both the Fairlawn and Hudson offices and recommend them highly.

Ron Monroe

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My 9 year old just completed about 9 months of weekly speech sessions (due to his stuttering) with Matt Hagge at LLA and we are thrilled with the experience and results. What I thought might be a negative (what kid really wants to go to speech class?) was made very positive by Matt, and my son never hesitated or complained when we talked about class. He really enjoyed it and really took what Matt taught him to heart. His speech has been greatly improved and we definitely recommend LLA. Thank you so much!

Heather Dougherty-Pantoja

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My son’s Occupational Therapist, Jess, is an amazing OT! She gives practical tips on working with my son at home and school!

Terri Apgar

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I cannot say enough good things about LLA Therapy. My daughter was a client of Teal Simmons’ for approximately 2 years and was just released from speech therapy! She was diagnosed with Apraxia in 2015 and worked with Teal twice a week. Through Teal’s application of PROMPT therapy, my daughter had age-appropriate speech after one year. All of the staff we interacted with at LLA were absolutely wonderful. They really care about what they do and making sure your child achieves their goals.

Kelli Geisler Davisson

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LLA Therapy has been an excellent experience for my son as well as my family! My son always asks, "When can I go see Ms. Jeannine again, is it Monday??" He has also made huge gains in only 5 months! I would highly recommend LLA and have already shared my experience with friends looking for services!

Victoria Hansford-Price

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We are so grateful for our Speech Therapist Ms.Teal. We have seen a great improvement with our sons confidence and communication abilities since we have started "Prompt" therapy. What we love the most about LLA and Ms. Teal is that Kohl feels comfortable and relaxed which has played a critical role in his progress. Thank you Ms. Teal for all you have done.

Laura Lee Hogsett

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They have helped in numerous ways. Speech, OT and behavioral. I've had numerous compliments on my son's progress thanks in very large part to LLA. I would recommend LLA before I recommend our local children's hospitals, though they are good, they don't have the staff that LLA does.

Amy Furukawa

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We had a great experience with Matt Hagge at LLA! Our Middle School age son was becoming very conscious of his voice, which is nasal due to a cleft palate. Matt helped him to better form his sounds and project his voice in a way that makes the unavoidable nasality less noticeable.Our son is more confident and outgoing & even took on a speaking role in the church play. Matt has the perfect personality to relate with our son, and we would recommend him to anyone needing speech therapy services!

Jessica Havalotti

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LLA Therapy has been an excellent experience for our daughter. I would highly recommend LLA. Miss Grace was so amazing and I can't believe how quickly our daughter showed improvement. Thank you!
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