Baby bouncer: how to use it to avoid flat head?
The bouncer is chosen by many parents for its comfort and practicality. However, prolonged use can lead to important consequences in the newborn.
Find out how to use this device correctly to avoid flat head in babies.
1. How to use the bouncer correctly?
The bouncer is one of those devices that is used by many parents.
The reasons are very simple:
- It is convenient for the parent to check on the little one;
- The newborn likes it because he can have a wider view.
The problem arises when the bouncer is used incorrectly, leading the child to develop brachycephaly .
In fact, the bouncer tends to block the movement of the baby's neck, keeping the head in the same position for a long time.
Since the newborn's head is very malleable, it will tend to flatten at the back.
Since when can it be used?
The bouncer with different inclinations can be used from the first weeks of life , but it is important to limit its use.
Furthermore, some bouncers tend to cause incorrect positioning in the little one, forcing him to arch forward with his head and back.
It is important, however, to stop using it when the little one starts to gain strength and begins to roll over because he could risk tipping it over .
2. For how long?
My advice is to keep the little one in the bouncer for only a maximum of 30 minutes a day , perhaps while the parents eat.
In fact, many newborns enjoy being at the table with their parents.
Of course, there are exceptions to the rule . In fact, if one day the little one does not want to stay on the mat or the crib, it is possible to keep him in the bouncer for a longer time. The important thing is that this does not happen every day.
3. How to choose the best baby bouncer
My advice is to save 50 to 150 euros for the bouncer and invest them in the play mat that will be the home of his motor and postural development.
You will be able to easily control the little one on the carpet and it is much safer than the bouncer.
However, if the deck chair is an important purchase, I will provide you with some parameters to take into consideration :
- The seat : it is important to ensure that the chosen bouncer is safe and approved and allows the inclination to be adjusted according to the height and age of the baby;
- Movement : Some bouncers offer the option of swinging the device manually or automatically. Your baby may enjoy feeling the gentle rocking.
- Toy bar : If the bouncer has toys hanging on it, be sure to check the quality and material of the toys. Natural materials like wood are always preferable to plastic.
- Portability : If parents need to move the bouncer to different places in the house or want to take it with them when they go out, it is important to consider its weight and the possibility of folding or collapsing it.
4. Conclusions: baby bouncer yes or no?
In my opinion, you could avoid spending money on the bouncer, but I also understand the fact that some parents and some babies like to stay in company during meals from the first months. Since the use of the high chair for such small children is not possible, the bouncer is the alternative.
What is important is that it is used responsibly and correctly to avoid the onset of postural cranial alterations. I assure you that I have had many parents of patients with feelings of guilt for not having noticed that their child was developing flat head due to the unknowingly incorrect use of some devices.
From the awareness of the lack of information and support for parents to avoid the onset of flat head, I decided to record a video course explaining all the attitudes to avoid. Furthermore, to best promote motor and postural development you can find many activities, advice and information in the video course "from Zero to Hero".