Babies & Containers

This is easily right up there as one of the most controversial topics of motherhood, especially amongst professionals. This will be a brief overview of the topic. Keep in mind, this is my opinion!

Container baby syndrome (CBS) is a description of a variety of problems caused by an infant spending an excessive amount of time in ‘containers’. These ‘containers’ typically hold a child in a stationary position that limits their natural movement patterns, and delays the acquisition of expected milestones occurring as a baby learns to move through their environment. These ‘containers’ are commonly used pieces of baby equipment, like car seats, swings, exersaucers, bumbos, etc. The problems associated with CBS include motor delays, social-emotional & cognitive delays, and can even result in deformities because of abnormal, prolonged forces on an infant’s developing body. This can include torticollis, flat spots on the head & subsequent facial asymmetries. 

So, where did CBS come from, and why all the controversy around using baby containers? In the early 90’s, as SIDS awareness grew, the Back To Sleep campaign was born to educate parents on possible contributing factors to SIDS, one of which was ensuring you did not place your baby down to sleep on their belly. As awareness grew around the risks of SIDS, parents became much more fearful of their babies being placed on their bellies in the early months before they are able to independently move, even when supervised during tummy time. It slowly became more and more common for children to spend increasing amounts of time in ‘containers’, rather than on their bellies or backs on the floor during play. As container use became excessive, meaning a child is moved from container to container with little to no floor time, the possibility of delays in development and musculoskeletal issues began to rise. 

With all of that being said, let’s be honest, it is almost impossible to parent without using some form of ‘container’. Whether you’re parenting siblings, exclusively pumping, dealing with a baby with reflux or colic, or just want to go to the bathroom without having a child in your arms, a container can be necessary! 

I don’t think it’s realistic to expect parents (myself included) to never ever use a container. Although there is no hard and fast rules, in my opinion, there are ways to safely use containers in moderation for most babies.

Here are my recommendations on ways to safely use containers:

-I can’t stress this enough... make sure their head and neck are always always always In midline, as pictured. especially in the early months when they can’t really re-adjust their head in their own, this is crucial!

-Limit duration of container use to 10-15 minutes at a time.

-Ensure you are giving your child plenty of free movement time on the floor daily.
*My goal is typically for every 10 minutes I put my child in a ‘container’, I try to spend at least twice that amount of time on the floor.

-Try not to put your baby in positions they are not yet independently doing. For example, if your child is not yet taking weight through their legs by pulling to stand, I would recommend avoiding prolonged supported standing positions in things like exersaucers or stationary play stations.

-Use towel rolls or small pillows to improve alignment as needed. Try not to let your child’s spine be slumped over & ensure their head is upright and in midline (not tilted to one side or the other)

-Make sure they are developmentally ready to be in that position. For example, if you place your child in a bumbo and you notice excessive rounding of their spine, or their head slumped forward or tilted to one side or the other, and their position is not easily fixed with a towel roll behind their back, they are not ready for that position.

-In containers where your child is in supported standing, ensure your child’s feet are flat. Studies have shown that prolonged tip-toe position may encourage toe walking as children develop.

Worth noting, there is a difference between a ‘container’ holding your child in a position they are not doing on their own yet, and practicing an activity to assist them in learning a skill. For example, I would not recommend prolonged use of a bumbo before a child is able to independently sit when placed. However, sitting when placed is a milestone that comes before a child is able to get themselves into and out of sitting, so it has to be practiced! In this case, my recommendation is to try activities like sitting within a boppy. This allows them to work on appropriate muscle use and acquiring that milestone while moving freely and learning their body, rather than being strapped into a ‘container’ that holds them in that position.

A final thought on containers – the marketing is strong! I get it, there are so many beautiful ‘containers’ and things that you’re made to feel like you need to have. And although I think their use is necessary at time, everything your baby truly needs is already at your fingertips. A blanket on the floor and your loving interaction with them through talking, singing, and smiling is all they truly need! You got this momma!

WANT MORE?

For developmental questions, tips and guidance related to milestones about tummy time, rolling & sitting, crawling and walking, check out KC’s developmental Masterclasses linked here.