* PATUTKAH SAYA GUNAKAN BUAIAN UNTUK ANAK SAYA? * Should I use a swing for my baby ? Dear Doc, can you pls advise on the usage of rocker/bouncer/swing for infant? Is it safe for them? my son is reaching 2 months old. (Nur) A: Thank you mommies for asking. This is one of the questions that I was hoping someone would ask as I think that its potential risks have not been adequately emphasized. Most often, parents feel that nursing in swings soothe the babies – they stop crying, seem to enjoy themselves and sleep better. It has been claimed that babies, being accustomed to the moving motion in the wombs, would feel rather much comfortable in swings or anything that moves. To most probably, safety is not an issue, after all many of our great /grandparents or ourselves were nursed the same way and well… turned out just fine. However, I believe most paediatricians have seen otherwise. And, you may wonder what could happen. 1) a baby could slump in the swing. Unable to turn him/herself , the face gets buried and suffocation occurs. This occurs most often with the old type swing where a ‘sarong’ is used. While we think the baby is asleep, the unfortunate happens. 2) the traditional ‘sarong’ swing should be avoided. There have been many instances where babies were reported to have fallen out of the sarong and sustain injuries. Even the new type of swings that does not meet the safety standards may got off the hook and fall off its spring-connector. 3) they may get bleeding in the brain from the bouncing. While a light swing may not harm the baby , a strong swing does. Some of you may remember the case where the older brother bounced the baby in the swing, not realising that head had been hitting the floor all the while. We have seen babies coming in with seizure for swing injuries time and time again. The American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) cited 350 swing-related injuries within 2009-2012 of which, 2 of them ended up with death. That’s about more than 100 cases per year! It’s good to remember that swings, bouncers, Bumbo seats etc are essentially the same thing – an equipment. And when dealing with the use of equipments in babies, well..if insisted, it is imperative to be reminded that close observation is warranted. Often, what happens is that these equipments become babysitters while parents settle their chores. On another note, may I quote a study published in Child : Care, Health and Development which cited that ‘ infants with highest equipment use tended to score lower on infant motor development ‘. I know how controversial this may seem, as you may have come across some equipments that have been praised for its ergonomic designs that claim to help improve posture and development. Some apparently have won awards. Furthermore, most swings nowadays are electric or battery operated and many manufacturers are making sure that the designs meet the latest safety standards. And I’m guessing this is probably the reason why AAP came up with safety recommendations as much of the claims to limit risks by the manufacturers are appealing to parents. So, if you decide to ignore the risks (hopefully not), do remember a few points. 1) AAP advise AGAINST the use of swings in sleeping babies. Limit the waking time that babies spend in the swings too. Monitor the baby at all time and once the baby is asleep, transfer him to a firm surface. Ensure that the baby is not heavier than the specified weight limit of the swing. Avoid old type of swings at all cost. 2) Avoid using the swing in babies less than 4 months of age because of poor head control in this age group. They get slumped over and easily suffocate. This is the period when it is most dangerous. . 3) If you insisted on using ‘sarong’ swings, place a small mattress under the swing. Always place the child face up and do not put any blanket or pillow in the swing with the child. Watch your child ALL the time. 3) If you use a bouncer or any equipment for that matter, find one that comes with a strap/ secure harness to prevent the child from falling out. The more reclined, the better. 4) The use of car seat while you drive is much needed but once you reach home, transfer him /her to the baby cot/crib. Don’t let your baby continue sleeping in the car seat. I still remember a 3-month-old baby who slumped over, fell on his head and sustained a significant bleed in his brain and had to be admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. Dr Eileen would remember this case too, I believe. Hope this answers your question. Decide wisely :) ( Answered by Dr Zahilah Filzah ) *credit to doktorbudak*
Posted on: Mon, 19 Aug 2013 09:17:03 +0000
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