Avoid These 5 Things for Better BABY DEVELOPMENT

Summary

In this informative video, Bridgette, a childbirth educator and mom, discusses five common parenting practices that may hinder a baby's development. She advises against forward-facing babywearing, using developmentally inappropriate gear, relying on jumpers and walkers, using baby mittens excessively, and putting shoes on babies too often. Instead, she recommends practices that encourage natural development, such as proper babywearing, using the Up Seat, and allowing babies to explore freely. Bridgette also shares her favorite baby products that support healthy growth.

Takeaways

• 👶 Proper babywearing is crucial; forward-facing or incorrect babywearing can lead to hip dysplasia and spine issues.
• 🤱 Babies should be worn facing in towards the parent with legs in an 'M' shape to support their hips and spine.
• 🧘‍♀️ Developmentally inappropriate baby gear, like certain infant seats, can hinder proper hip and spine development.
• 🪑 The UP Seat is recommended as an alternative to the Bumbo, as it promotes better posture and core stability.
• 🚼 Avoid using jumpers, activity centers, or walkers too early or too much, as they can negatively impact a baby's physical development.
• 🛏️ Encourage tummy time and free movement on the ground for optimal baby development instead of relying on activity centers.
• 👐 Baby mittens should be used sparingly to allow for proper hand use and sensory development.
• 👣 Babies benefit from experiencing the world through their feet, so avoid shoes that restrict movement unless necessary.
• 🥿 When shoes are needed, opt for wide, flexible, and soft-soled options like moccasins for better foot development.
• 👀 Babies learn and develop through interaction with their environment using all their senses, so 'less is more' in terms of equipment.
• 🌟 Lovevery and UP Seat are recommended products designed to aid in a baby's skill and physical development.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is discussing five common things that parents do or use that may negatively impact their baby's development.

Who is Bridgette and what is her role?

Bridgette is a childbirth educator, doula, and a mother who is focused on providing evidence-based ways to birth and raise babies.

Why should parents avoid forward-facing baby wearing or incorrect baby wearing?

Forward-facing baby wearing can lead to hip dysplasia and put pressure on the baby's spine. Babies' legs should be in an 'M' shape with knees slightly elevated above their hips for proper hip and spine development.

What is the recommended way to wear a baby for the first six months of life?

The recommended way is to wear the baby facing in towards the parent, ensuring the baby's legs are in an 'M' shape and the spine is in a straight, neutral position.

What is the issue with using certain baby gear that is developmentally inappropriate?

Developmentally inappropriate baby gear, such as some infant seats, can cause poor posture, slouching, and poor core engagement, as well as negatively affect the development of hip joints.

What is an alternative to the Bumbo seat that promotes better posture and core stability?

The UP seat is an alternative designed under the guidance of physical therapists, which promotes better posture and core stability due to its design features.

Why should parents limit the use of jumpers, activity centers, or walkers for their babies?

These items do not provide proper support for a baby's immature spine and hips, and can hinder the development of motor skills and cause injuries.

What is the recommended duration for using jumpers, activity centers, or walkers for optimal baby development?

The recommended duration is about 15 minutes, two to three times a day.

Why should parents avoid using baby mittens most of the time?

Baby mittens limit the baby's ability to interact with the world through their hands, which is important for sensory input, calming, microbiome growth, and finding the breast.

What is the impact of having babies wear shoes on their development?

Wearing shoes can impact the way a baby learns to use the bones and muscles in their feet, which is crucial for learning to roll over, crawl, and walk.

What type of shoes are recommended for babies when they are necessary?

Wide, flexible, and soft-soled shoes, like moccasins, are recommended as they allow for better foot movement and development.

What is the key takeaway from the video regarding baby's development?

The key takeaway is that 'less is more' when it comes to baby's development; allowing babies to interact with their environment and engage with their hands, feet, ears, mouth, and eyes is beneficial for their growth.

Outlines

00:00

👶 Proper Baby Wearing and Hip Development

The video script discusses the importance of correct baby wearing to prevent hip dysplasia and spinal pressure. Bridgette, a childbirth educator and mother, advises against forward-facing baby wearing due to the risk of unsupported legs and potential for hip dysplasia. She recommends wearing infants facing inwards with legs in an 'M' shape to maintain a neutral spine position. Bridgette also suggests using specific baby wraps and carriers for proper support and mentions her postpartum course for further guidance.

05:01

🧘‍♀️ Developmental Gear and Baby's Physical Progress

This paragraph addresses the use of developmentally inappropriate equipment that can hinder a baby's physical development. Bridgette warns against certain infant seats that can cause poor posture and hip joint issues due to their design. She introduces the 'Up Seat' as a better alternative, which is endorsed by physical therapists and promotes better posture and core stability. The paragraph also cautions against the overuse of jumpers, activity centers, and walkers, which can be detrimental to a baby's spine and hip development, and instead encourages tummy time and free movement for optimal development. Bridgette recommends 'Love Very' toys for age-appropriate interaction.

👐 The Impact of Baby Mittens on Sensory Development

The script explains the drawbacks of using baby mittens, which can limit a baby's sensory experiences and interaction with the world. While mittens can prevent scratches, they also restrict the baby's ability to explore and develop their microbiome through hand-to-mouth contact. Bridgette suggests minimizing mittens' use and provides tips for managing sharp nails, such as using a nail file or cutting them during moments of calm.

👟 The Role of Bare Feet in Baby's Motor Skill Development

The final paragraph of the script focuses on the importance of allowing babies to experience the world through their feet without shoes. Shoes can interfere with the natural development of foot muscles and bones, which are crucial for motor skills like rolling, crawling, and walking. Bridgette advises against hard-soled shoes and recommends flexible, soft-soled alternatives like moccasins. She emphasizes that less is more when it comes to baby's development, advocating for barefoot exploration and interaction with the environment.

Keywords

💡Development

Development in the context of the video refers to the physical and cognitive growth of a baby during the early stages of life. It is the central theme of the video, as it discusses practices that may hinder or support a baby's natural developmental process. For example, the script mentions that improper baby wearing can cause hip dysplasia, which is a developmental issue.

💡Baby Wearing

Baby wearing is the practice of carrying a baby in a carrier or wrap close to the parent's body. The video emphasizes the importance of correct baby wearing to support a baby's physical development, particularly the hips and spine. Incorrect baby wearing, such as forward-facing carries, is highlighted as potentially harmful.

💡Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a medical condition where the hip socket doesn't develop properly, potentially leading to dislocation. The video script warns against baby wearing practices that may contribute to this condition, such as holding babies with their legs dangling straight down and close together.

💡Spine

The spine's health and development are crucial for a baby's overall physical well-being. The video points out that forward-facing baby wearing can put undue pressure on a baby's immature spine, which is still developing and requires proper support.

💡Developmentally Inappropriate Equipment

This term refers to baby gear that does not support a baby's natural developmental stages. The video script cautions against using certain infant seats that may encourage poor posture and hinder the development of the baby's hips and core muscles.

💡Posture

Posture is the way a person carries their body, which is especially important for babies as they are developing. The video discusses how certain baby seats can negatively affect a baby's posture by tilting the pelvis backward and causing slouching.

💡Core Stability

Core stability is the strength and firmness of a baby's central muscles, which are vital for movement and balance. The video promotes the use of the Up Seat as it encourages better core stability by promoting proper pelvic alignment and a wide leg stance.

💡Jumper Activity Centers

Jumper activity centers are devices that allow babies to bounce and play while suspended in a fabric seat. The video script advises against their overuse, as they do not provide proper support for a baby's developing spine and hips.

💡Walkers

Walkers are devices that help babies move around before they can walk independently. The video mentions that certain types of walkers can be detrimental to a baby's development, as they may not promote proper walking skills and can lead to injuries.

💡Baby Mittens

Baby mittens are coverings for a baby's hands to prevent them from scratching themselves with their sharp nails. The video argues against their frequent use, as they limit the baby's ability to explore and interact with the world through touch, which is important for sensory development.

💡Shoes

The video discusses the importance of allowing babies to experience the world through their feet without the constraint of shoes, especially during the early stages of their motor skill development. It advises against tight, hard-soled shoes and recommends flexible, soft-soled alternatives when necessary.

Highlights

Forward-facing baby wearing or incorrect baby wearing can cause hip dysplasia and put pressure on the baby's spine.

For the first six months, infants should be worn facing in with legs in an 'M' shape to support their hips and spine.

Solly baby wraps and moby wraps are recommended for correct baby wearing.

Developmentally inappropriate baby gear like lowered infant seats can cause poor posture and hip joint issues.

The Up Seat is an alternative designed with physical therapist guidance for better posture and core stability.

Avoid using jumpers, activity centers, and walkers too early or too much due to their negative impact on spine and hip development.

American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend wheeled walkers due to associated injuries.

Some research suggests walkers can eliminate the desire to walk in babies.

Limit jumper and activity center use to 15 minutes 2-3 times a day for optimal development.

Encourage tummy time and interaction with the environment for better development.

Love Every airplane is recommended as a developmentally appropriate learning toy.

Baby mittens can limit sensory input and hinder microbiome growth, so avoid using them most of the time.

Using nail files or cutting nails while baby is sleeping can help manage sharp nails without mittens.

Wearing shoes impacts how babies learn to use their feet muscles and bones for rolling, crawling, and walking.

Allow babies to walk barefoot when safe to help them better use their feet.

When shoes are necessary, choose wide, flexible, soft-soled shoes like moccasins.

Less is more for baby development - interacting with the environment is key.

Love Every and Up Seat are designed to help with baby's skill and physical development.

Transcripts

hey parents babies are developing

rapidly during those first weeks and

months after birth and as parents

we want to help them with their

development as much as possible

in this video i'm sharing five common

things parents do

or use that actually takes away from

their baby's development

i'm bridgette and i'm a childbirth

educator a birthday and a mama who is

always on the hunt for evidence-based

ways to birth and phrase babies

if you're new here and want more

information on how to be empowered in

your parenthood

make sure you subscribe to this channel

and then hit the little bell so you

don't miss any future videos

so let's jump right in the first thing

is

forward facing baby wearing or incorrect

baby wearing in general

wearing your baby forward facing leaves

their legs

unsupported so they're dangling they're

straight down

and they're close together all things we

actually want the opposite of

babies are born with very immature hips

and holding them

improperly for long periods of time can

cause

hip dysplasia which is when the hip

socket doesn't develop the right way and

won't fully cover

the ball part of the thigh bone which

can lead to dislocation

plus forward facing also puts a lot of

pressure on baby's weak spines

so for at least the first six months of

life you really want to wear your infant

facing in

towards you and when they're facing in

make sure that their legs are in an

m shape with their knees slightly

elevated above their hips

and their spine in a straight neutral

position baby wearing the correct way is

one of the best ways to keep baby close

to you respond to their needs and help

them get sleep

while you're able to get all the things

done as well

my favorite wrap carriers are solly baby

wraps which i have linked down below

and moby wraps babywearing might feel

intimidating at first but when you learn

how to do it it can be the best thing

and it is one of the many things that i

walk you through

in my postpartum course that you can

check out in the description below

the second thing is developmentally

inappropriate equipment or baby gear

when babies are showing signs of being

ready to sit up on their own it's good

to help them practice but we want to be

careful of what seats we use

as our babies are learning to master

this new skill

a lot of infant seats out there are

lowered in the back where baby's bottom

sits which actually tilts the pelvis

backward

causing slouching and poor core

engagement

plus the leg holes in some seats push

baby's legs

closer together which isn't the best for

their immature and developing hip joints

i first used a bumbo

with our daughters until i was made

aware of a better alternative

the up seat it's designed under the

guidance of physical therapists

and promotes better posture and core

stability because of the way that the

seat rotates the pelvis forward

and the wide section between the legs

helps encourage a wide stance while

sitting

and the open leg holes encourage a free

range of motion

when we switched our daughter out of the

bumbo and into the up seat she was

noticeably more comfortable she has more

freedom of motion

and control over her own body so more

parents

need to know about the upsy and i've

linked it down below along with some

videos that help explain it a bit more

and i can't recommend it enough so go

check it out otherwise

just helping your baby sit on their own

on the bed or the carpet so that if they

do fall back or to the side

they don't knock their head and it's

going to help them meet those

milestones strengthen their core and

help develop those hip joints

the third is using jumpers activity

centers or

walkers too early or too much the fabric

seats in the jumpers or activity centers

don't provide proper

support for babies spine and hips which

are immature and still developing like i

mentioned

earlier walkers that babies sit in that

have wheels to help them sort of scoot

around

don't actually help them learn to walk

they do the same

to the spine and hips as the jumpers do

and they aren't recommended by the

american academy of pediatrics

due to injuries that are associated with

them and the walkers that babies stand

and push

aren't necessarily the best until your

baby already knows how to walk because

if used prematurely babies might be

doing a skill

that their muscles joints and bones

aren't necessarily ready for yet

plus interestingly enough some research

actually suggests that walkers can

eliminate the desire to walk instead of

helping young ones develop

that motor skill you don't have to mix

those items all together you just want

to limit them

to about 15 minutes two to three times a

day for optimal development having baby

on the ground doing tummy time able to

roll around crawl about as they are

engaging in their environment

is what is best for their development

and a quick plug for

my favorite developmentally appropriate

learning toys is

love every airplane that is a great

place to start with your baby to help

them begin interacting with their

environment with

items that are actually helping their

body and brain to grow

i've linked their playmat and play kits

in the description below

the fourth thing that most of us parents

use with our babies which we want to

avoid using too much of

is baby mittens pretty unassuming babies

have these

teeny tiny nails that grow rapidly and

are basically uncuttable

which just makes for the perfect storm

so to keep babies from scratching

themselves we put mittens on them

but babies interact with the world so

much through their hands

they provide sensory input they can help

them calm down they help transfer

bacteria from their own and their

parents bodies

into their mouths that actually helps

their microbiome to grow which is

important for overall physical health

they help with finding the breast and so

much more so they are really really

important and putting mittens on them

really limits how babies can use them

now that doesn't mean you can't use

mittens ever you just want to avoid

having your baby wear them

the majority of the time and some tips

on those

sharp nails don't worry so much about

cutting them just try

a nail file instead it makes it a lot

easier or if you do want or need to cut

them

do it while baby is sleeping or have

your partner do it while you're nursing

your baby

and the fifth thing is having your baby

wear shoes

like their hands the feet are an

important way for babies to experience

the world around them

wearing shoes impacts the way a baby

learns to use the bones and muscles

in their feet that help them learn to

roll over

crawl and then obviously eventually walk

now obviously when they're babies they

don't need

shoes certainly not hard sold shoes but

even when they begin walking it's

actually good to allow your baby to walk

barefoot where it's safe

to help them better use their feet when

shoes are necessary you want to avoid

tight shoes with thick and hard soles

that keep their foot straight and kind

of immobile and instead

put them in wide flexible soft sold

shoes

like moccasins like the mittens it's not

like a few times wearing shoes it's

going to make a significant impact

but it might be the best for the

majority of the time to have your baby

shoeless a lot of times when it comes to

our baby's development

less is more simply getting on the

ground with your baby and interacting

with them

letting them engage with their

environment with their hands their feet

their ears

mouth and eyes goes a long way but for

those moments that you do

need some entertainment or a place for

them to be out of your arms

i love love every and up seat because

they are actually designed

to help with your baby's skill and

physical development

so that's all i have for you in this

video thanks for watching and i'll see

you in the next one bye parents