Little ones learn and grow by moving freely. Movement helps them build the muscles they need to roll, sit, crawl, stand, and eventually walk. It also strengthens their visual and sensory systems, coordination, and balance.
While helpful at times, “containers” (like bouncy seats, high chairs, and boppy pillows) restrict your baby’s movement. And they are becoming more commonly used as part of our daily routines.
A baby who spends most of their day in containers may not get enough time to stretch, wiggle, and explore. Over time, these “container babies” can experience delays in motor skills or physical issues like flat spots on the head.
What Does “Container Baby” Mean?
“Container baby” is a term used to describe a phenomenon in which young children are spending increasing amounts of time in containers and/or equipment. They are also spending less time experiencing free play, floor time, and tummy time.
Examples of infant containers and equipment include:
- Bouncy seats
- Vibrating seats
- Bumbo chair
- Boppy Pillows
- Car seats (outside of car rides)
- Highchairs/feeding positioning systems (outside of meal time)
- Exersaucers
- Walkers
- Jumpers
- Swings
Why Are Baby Containers Used More Frequently?
Since the introduction of the Back to Sleep campaign, it was recommended that babies be placed on their backs for safe sleeping. The campaign has had a positive impact on reducing Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, but studies have shown that some parents have started to perceive tummy time as an unsafe position for babies and therefore avoid placing children on their tummies.
The American Academy of Pediatrics continues to recommend “back to sleep” but now has added “tummy to play” to advocate that babies should be spending more awake, supervised time on their tummy to enhance the development of gross motor skills.
How Do Containers Impact Development?
Overall, placing babies in containers and equipment provides them with less time for independent movement and exploration, which is crucial for development.
When babies and toddlers are placed in containers, they are generally fully enclosed or supported by that container, which reduces their ability and motivation to use their own muscles to move. This can impact how much information they are able to receive from their environment, both visually and auditorily, which can affect their sensory development.
Most containers/equipment place the child in a supine (lying on their back), sitting, or standing position, so they are spending less time on their tummy, which can further impact sensory integration skills, global strength, and coordination that is necessary for babies to meet their gross motor milestones.
Using other types of equipment, such as walkers, jumpers, and swings that do not appear to fully “contain” the child have also been shown to have a negative impact on motor development as they can often promote inappropriate movement patterns.
Container Baby Syndrome
Container Baby Syndrome (CBS) is often used to describe the collective group of physical, cognitive, and developmental delays that can happen when a baby spends too much time in containers and baby gear/equipment.
Signs of baby container syndrome include:
- Flat spots on the head (plagiocephaly)
- Muscle tightness in the neck (torticollis)
- Delayed rolling, sitting, crawling, or walking
- Stiff or weak muscles
- Discomfort when placed on their tummy
How to Reduce CBS Risk & Enhance Motor Development
We all have very busy lives and sometimes it is necessary for babies to be in “containers” for their own safety so that we are able to complete tasks, but this should be limited as much as possible to avoid the potential for developmental delays.
Small changes can make a big difference in helping your baby grow strong and thrive. Here are some helpful ways you can enhance motor development and reduce risk of baby container syndrome.
Increase Tummy Time
Place your child on their tummy during supervised awake time as much as possible. Try after every diaper change to make it part of your normal routine.
The baby may initially fuss when placed in this position, so you can start for a short period of time and increase the time as your baby gets more comfortable.
Motivate With Toys
Place toys around your baby when they are on their tummy or sitting to encourage reaching and moving. Start moving the toys slightly out of his reach to increase the challenge.
Always make sure your child has enough room and cushioning (pillows and a blanket) so that if he loses his balance, he will not hurt himself.
Use Games & Music
Play social games with your baby (peek-a-boo) and sing songs while moving their arms and legs to the music.
While you’re playing, change your position to encourage your little one to hold up their neck and look in both directions (left and right).
Let Them Fuss
Remember, frustration is a natural part of learning; try not to rescue the baby right away when he or she becomes fussy in certain positions or if they can’t reach the toys. Give them a chance to engage and figure it out on their own.
It’s OK to Reach Out For Help
Being a parent comes with so many choices and baby gear! If you’ve been relying on containers a lot, that’s ok. We are all learning and doing our best.
If you’re noticing delays or challenges with your baby’s movement, head shape, or posture, it may be time to get some additional support.
You can talk to your pediatrician about your concerns or reach out directly for early intervention services. These are available in every state and can provide physical therapy or developmental support for babies and toddlers, often at no cost to families.
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