Are you the parent of an infant or toddler?? PLEASE READ Ever wonder which “toys” are the best for your child’s development? Well, I get asked this question all the time by parents. So, here are my thoughts: I tell parents to avoid or significantly limit (10-15min) use of baby walkers, jumpers, and exersaucers. Baby walkers encourage a child to lean forward, walk on their toes, and walk with their feet turned inward. They can cause damage to the ligaments of the lower extremities when a child dangles in the seat and does not fully support their weight through their legs. A child has various “postural reactions” which are necessary for development. However, in a baby walker if a child loses his or her balance, they can sit down in the seat, rather than learn to “catch” themselves with their hands. Standing in a walker also discourages the development of independent walking due to being surrounded by the support of the walker. Also the lack of visual feedback further delays independent walking. The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly urges parents not to use baby walkers. Jumpers and exersaucers: Use of these “toys” encourages a child to stand on tiptoes, which can lead to walking on their toes, cause damage to the ligaments in their hips, knees and ankles and limits appropriate strength building in the trunk and lower extremities. Parents are often too eager to get their child up and walking. Crawling plays a critical role in infant development, and it is NOT good for a baby to skip this milestone. Believe it or not, this actually happens often! It is actually more developmentally beneficial for a child to crawl for as long as reasonably possible. Crawling develops better coordination, balance, spinal alignment, strength and motor skills which will be essential both immediately and later on in the child’s life. If you have any further questions about appropriate "toys" or developmental activities for you child, please contact a physical therapist. hhpt.net
Posted on: Wed, 14 Aug 2013 04:40:10 +0000