I couldn’t believe how difficult it was to find current information on the internet regarding the time spent daily in infant equipment. I’ve laid it all out for you wonderful parents here so that you can get all the up to date information regarding how much time baby can spend in infant carriers, equipment, and transport systems. The simple answer is...as little as possible.
For further information, see my article on tummy time and the importance of getting your baby up and moving to counteract the impact of them being in car seats and strollers.
How much time is TOO much when your baby is in their infant equipment?
- Car seat: The guidelines are very specific that an infant should not be in a car seat for more than two hours
- Stroller: Similarly to car seats, the manufacturers recommend no more than two hours. Try to only use the stroller for when absolutely necessary such as a stroll around the block or traveling from one location to the next
- Swing or any upright play equipment: Most experts recommend an hour or less per day
What is “container baby syndrome”?
Container baby syndrome (CBS) occurs when a newborn or infant is placed in a “container” such as a stroller, car seat, or play equipment for an extended amount of time throughout the day. This term describes a range of conditions stemming from your infant spending too much time in confinement versus allowing the baby to move freely. Yes, the equipment can be fun for your infant when their jumping in their bouncer seat or in a jumper, BUT it’s really limiting their ability to develop required skills such as rolling, crawling, and walking.
Prolonged “container” use can cause conditions such as:
- Positional plagiocephaly (flat head): the back of the head becomes abnormally flat
- Positional torticollis (twisted neck): the baby would have difficulty turning head to one side and straightening their head and neck due to muscle tightness on one side
- Decreased movement, strength, and overall coordination of their body
- Delayed speech, vision, hearing, and cognitive delays
If you suspect that your baby or a relative’s baby may have this condition, please do not hesitate to contact your pediatrician to receive a physical therapy referral immediately!
I understand that the use of this equipment for you baby is much easier and convenient during everyday busy life. However, by sticking to the recommended guidelines, you and your baby will be much happier in the long run!
Car seats, Strollers, and Play equipment, Oh my!
Experts and car seat manufacturers are all in agreement on the safety standard that
Why 2 Hours?
This recommendation is based on a great deal of research and evidence that when your child is in a semi-upright position, such as in a car seat or stroller, this puts stress on their airway, and lungs. Also an infant does not have the neck strength yet to hold their head up causing more restricted air flow and breathing difficulties. When a baby is seated in a car seat, they often end up scrunched down putting additional pressure on their developing spine.
Can My Baby Sleep in the Stroller or Car Seat?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines, an infant car seats should not be your go-to use for putting your baby to sleep. Although they may fall asleep supervised in their car seat, they should be transferred when possible to their crib or lying flat on their back to promote safe sleep and reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
Car Seat Safety Tips:
- Only let your infant or baby sleep in their crib and in the same room as the caregiver
- Only use the carseat to transport your baby
- Make sure your car seat fits your baby properly and is age appropriate in order for them to remain secure
- Make sure all caregivers for baby are aware of these guidelines and know how to put them into their car seat properly
Are Rear Facing Car Seats and Strollers Better to Use?
100% yes! The AAP recommends children remain in a rear-facing car safety seat as long as
Is it Safe For My Baby to Nap in a Swing?
The good ole American Academy of Pediatrics is forever my reliable source. According to them, you should NEVER leave your child sleeping in a swing. Sometimes the only thing that will put the baby to sleep is the rhythmic movement of a swing and that's OK! However, you should move them to their bed for the rest of the nap. A good alternative to lugging baby to their crib is a flat-surface bassinet or crib for the daytime that is near you.
Tips to Reduce the Risk of SIDS
- Avoid loose bedding and use a firm mattress without bumpers, pillows, or thick blankets
- Avoid covering near the baby’s head by using light blankets that only cover up to the chest with the arms exposed. Sleep sacks are also a great alternative to keeping baby warm at night.
- Avoid overheating by lightly clothing your infant for sleep and keeping the temperature of the room cool
What Can I Do To Reduce My Baby’s Time in Infant Equipment?
Tummy time, tummy time, and more tummy time. Make sure your baby is getting enough time laying on their bellies in order to build the muscles of the neck, shoulders, and back which they don’t get to use when laying on their backs or while in their strollers. Please refer to my article on tummy time for more ideas about helping your child learn to love being on their belly.
Another great position for your baby is in side-lying. You can roll your baby to the side with a towel behind them and toys in front for them to reach. This position is often easier as well for baby to reach and bring hands to midline as they have to work less against gravity. This position also heads maintain head shape due to less pressure being put on the back of the skull.
Stay Updated!
The best advice I can give you is to read up on the ever-changing guidelines regularly so that you can feel safe when using your baby’s car seat or stroller. Also, don’t panic! I know that these guidelines can seem scary at first. All you can do is follow all of them, give your baby plenty of tummy time, and your baby will be happy as a clam and as safe as can be!
Best,
Sarah