Baby lives in his car seat
I’m a granny writing to you because I’m concerned about my grandson, who is now 5 months old. I’ve told my daughter about my concern, but she is not taking it seriously, so I’m hoping that an expert can confirm that I’m not just being an old fuddy-duddy. I’ve noticed that my grandson spends most of his waking hours, as well as many of his sleeping hours, strapped into his car seat. This is not only when driving, but at home too. He gets fed his bottle and meals while strapped in, so the car seat is doing double duty as a highchair! I worry that this cannot be good for his development. He still isn’t rolling, and by now I would have expected it. He also has a bald patch at the back of his head from all that chafing against the seat. My daughter hardly ever puts him on the floor – she seems to think that it is unhygienic, but I’m of the old-fashioned belief that babies should spend time on the floor. Who is right? Please help!
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DR RAMSAMY ANSWERS: The US National Institute of Child Health and Human Development has stated that factors such as a baby’s home, family, and daily life have a strong effect on the ability to develop and to learn. It is vital to understand the relevance of development and stimulation during day-to-day activities to ensure that a baby’s needs are met and that they develop and grow at the correct pace.
It is important that babies receive enough sleep, movement and play to make sure that they reach essential milestones, which help them develop in strength and motion as well as learning, thinking and problem solving. Babies need tummy time and a chance to move on the floor without floor or car seats, swings and other baby positioning devices.
An academic study indicates that infants who often spend prolonged periods of time on their backs or in one position (as they would be when in a car seat) are at risk of developing a flattening of the skull/ head, stiffening of the neck as well as developmental delays.
Car seats should only be used for transport and not as an alternative for cots or high chairs. The Lullaby Trust, a UK charity that works to prevent unexpected deaths in infancy and promote infant health, has noted that there’s no published evidence that sets out how long babies should be kept in a car seat when travelling. However, infant healthcare professionals, safety experts and most car manufacturers recommend that babies should not be in a car seat for longer than two hours at a time, and they should be taken out frequently.
Occupational therapist Colleen Beck stresses the importance of floor play and
says play is the child’s primary occupation. Through play, children develop motor skills, cognition, language and so much more.
Developing essential skills in babies, floor and movement play helps them excel in higher-level tasks in a powerful way. Tummy time is an important task for infant babies as well as older babies, for different reasons. In each stage, floor play encourages use of the body and eyes in coordinated motor plans.
For babies, active and awake tummy time helps to build strength, endurance and stability in the core, arms, neck and shoulder girdle needed for sitting up, rolling or changing of positions, and coordination. They are not only developing essential core strength but also visual perceptual skills that will help them later in life in areas like reading, endurance in play, and even handwriting. Regarding movement and physical development, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has stated that babies around 4 to 5 months should be able to hold their head in a steady manner when unsupported, push down on their legs when their feet are on a hard surface, be able to roll from tummy to back and push up on to their elbows when lying on their tummy. They should also be able to hold, shake and swing toys and bring their hands to their mouth.
If you are concerned about your grandchild, reach out and speak to your health professional/healthcare provider/ doctor. Be aware that it is necessary for a baby to get adequate stimulation and exercise so they can grow and thrive. However, if you are not sure when it would be appropriate for your baby to start tummy time and movement through play, seek advice from your healthcare provider, as they are best equipped to provide you with correct information and support and help you get the most appropriate care. ●