A Parent's Guide to Infant Containers - Everything You Need to Know About That Baby Swing.
- Rachael Carreon PT, DPT
- Feb 10
- 3 min read
Infant containers can be a lifesaver when you need a moment to eat, shower, or simply catch your breath. They provide a safe spot to place your baby when your hands are full—but like any tool, they’re most helpful when used mindfully. Let’s dive into how to use containers safely while keeping your baby’s development on track.
What Are Infant Containers?
Infant containers are any baby gear designed to hold your baby in a reclined or upright position, limiting their movement. They can be helpful in small doses but may impact your baby’s development if overused.
Common Examples of Infant Containers:
• Bouncy Seats: Great for brief independent play but limit movement and encourage a reclined position.
• Car Seats: Essential for safety during travel, but not intended for long periods outside the car.
• Jumpers & Activity Centers: Fun for short playtime but can lead to overuse of certain muscle groups.
• Baby Loungers & Rockers: Ideal for relaxing and calming babies but should be limited to avoid restricting natural movement and body exploration.
Ideal Usage of Containers
• 20 minutes at a time: Short, purposeful uses are best. Spending too long in one position can cause muscle imbalances and limit development.
• Under 2 hours a day in total: Prolonged time in containers has been linked to delays in gross motor skills and head flattening (plagiocephaly). Limiting container time promotes healthy development.
Balance with Floor Time:
Aim for a “two-to-one” approach: For every 20 minutes in a container, follow with at least 40 minutes of floor time to encourage freedom of movement. This floor time allows babies to strengthen their muscles and practice motor skills, like reaching, turning, and eventually crawling.
Guidelines & timelines
• Baby Seats:
Should not be used until the baby has adequate head control or is developmentally ready to practice sitting independently, typically around 5-6 months of age. The Upseat is one of my favorite choices (and code FOUNDATIONS10 will save you 10%
• Standers/activity centers:
A baby’s hips are not ready for standing until they are 7 months old. Even if your baby wants to stand, it's advisable to wait until they're 7 months old. Babies need significant head and trunk control to stand safely.
• Jumpers:
If you’re considering a doorway or free-standing jumper, I’d encourage you to hold off. Babies aren’t developmentally ready for jumping movements until around 2 years old, and using jumpers too early can put unnecessary strain on their little bodies.
Why Too Much Time in Containers Can Be a Problem
• Limited Movement:
Babies naturally need space to stretch, explore, and move their bodies to develop strength and motor skills. Containers limit this movement, potentially delaying skill progression.
• Gross Motor Development Delays:
Spending extended time in a container can restrict babies from exploring core motor skills, like rolling, pushing up, and sitting independently.
• Increased Muscle Tightness:
Muscle stiffness, particularly in the neck and back, can develop from being restricted in a single position for too long, potentially impacting movement and comfort.
• Head Turn Preference and Torticollis:
Babies who are positioned the same way for long periods may develop a preference for turning their head to one side, potentially leading to a muscle imbalance called torticollis.
• Flat Head Syndrome (Plagiocephaly):
Prolonged time with the head resting in one position can lead to flat spots on the skull. By reducing time in containers, we decrease the risk of plagiocephaly and support head shape development.
What To Use Instead
• Play Mat:
A simple play mat on the floor provides a safe space for babies to move freely. On a mat, babies can practice tummy time, roll, and reach, supporting the development of their strength and coordination.
• Baby-wearing:
Wearing babies close provides safe support while allowing them to see and interact with their environment. Baby-wearing encourages natural hip positioning, supports the spine, and promotes bonding.
• Pack ‘n Play or Safe Play Area:
Creating a safe play space with a Pack ‘n Play gives babies boundaries while allowing them to move freely. In a larger safe play area, babies can practice skills like rolling, reaching, and exploring without the restrictions of a container.
It’s All About Balance
This isn’t about avoiding containers completely—they’re tools that can make life easier! The goal is to use them with intention while giving your baby plenty of floor time for healthy movement.
If you ever have concerns about your baby’s development—like head shape, muscle tightness, or delayed milestones—I’m here to help! Early support can make a huge difference in keeping your baby on track.
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