Container Must Knows from a Pediatric Occupational Therapist (OT)

Containers have become a very popular registry item for parents these days, and there’s a lot to understand about this type of baby gear. If you’re a new or expecting parent, you may be wondering: Which containers are best for your baby? How often should you use them? In this post, we will define what an infant container is and share some must-know tips from a pediatric occupational therapist.

What is a Container?

A "container" is any item that "contains" your baby in one spot. Think of items like bouncers, seats, jumpers, and docking stations. These products keep your baby in one place and often serve as a "placeholder" while you attend to other tasks. While containers are not inherently bad—I used them with my son during his first year—there are some important considerations to keep in mind.

Type of Container Used

The type of container should depend on your baby’s developmental stage and age. It's important to avoid placing your baby in positions they aren’t ready for. For instance, a newborn should not be placed in a seated container, as they lack the head control and stability needed to maintain that position.

When your baby is young, avoid stressing their underdeveloped joints. For example, don’t place them in an upright container before they’ve developed head control, as this can strain their neck. Similarly, be sure your baby’s trunk is ready for an upright position—check if they can maintain a good posture when placed in a seated position.

To assess whether your baby is ready for an upright container, look for signs of stability. If your baby leans excessively to the sides or front/back, it’s better to wait until they are stronger and more stable.

Age-Based Container Guide

• Newborn to 3 months: Choose a container that supports the head, back, and hips. Good options include a Bjorn Bouncer, infant swing, or bouncy seat. These will support your baby and protect their joints.

• 3 to 8 months: After your baby gains head control, you can introduce a seated container, like the UPSEAT, Bumbo multi-seat, or Sit-Me-Up Chair. Ensure your baby maintains an upright position. If they struggle to keep their head up, wait until they’re more stable.

• 8 months and older: When your baby is sitting and rolling independently, you can introduce a more upright container, such as a standing activity center. The Skip Hop Activity Center is a great option for this age range.

Frequency of Container Usage

Although containers can be convenient (for when you need a safe space to go to the bathroom, clean, etc.), it's important to limit usage. Containers "contain" your baby and limit their movement and exploration.

A good rule of thumb is a 1:2 ratio—for every 30 minutes spent in a container, aim for 1 hour of free play on the floor. For example, if your baby is in a Baby Bjorn bouncer for 15 minutes during a wake window, make sure they have at least 30 minutes of free play on the floor.

Free play is essential for your baby’s development. It encourages them to explore their body and movements, helping them reach milestones like rolling over, crawling, and walking. Excessive container usage can hinder these developments because it restricts movement. Babies build muscle strength and coordination through movement, so it's vital to give them time to explore freely.

Listen to Baby's Cues: Head Position and Movement

It's crucial to pay attention to your baby’s head position and movement while they are in a container. If your baby is in a semi-reclined container, monitor how their head interacts with the surface. As a pediatric occupational therapist specializing in head shape correction, I cannot stress enough the importance of alternating the side of their head they lie on. If your baby sleeps on one side of their head at night, make sure to position them on the opposite side during container use.

Additionally, observe your baby’s movements. Are they excessively kicking, squirming, or fussing? These cues might signal that your baby wants to get off the container and move freely. If this happens, place them on the floor to encourage exploration and development.

Floor Time is Best!

Finally, remember that the floor is best for your baby! Free floor play is essential for developing strength and muscle. When babies are on the floor, they can move freely and explore their environment. Just like adults build muscle strength at the gym, babies build muscle through unrestricted movement.

Make sure to prioritize free play on the floor and introduce developmentally appropriate toys. Not sure what toys to use? Shop age appropriate toys for multiple ages here!

While containers can be convenient for parents, it’s important to use them thoughtfully. With the abundance of baby products available today, it’s crucial to stay informed about their impact on your baby’s development. I’m happy to be a trusted resource and guide you through these decisions. If you have any questions or need more advice, feel free to reach out!