What Every Parent Needs to Know About: Container Toys

What is a “container?”

As the name implies a container is anything that “contains” baby’s body. The baby might be strapped in or just have support around them to hold them in place. Common examples of containers include:

• Infant loungers

• Infant swings

• Bouncer Chairs

• Bumbo/UpSeat/Other baby chairs

• Exersaucer/Standing activity centers

• Rolling walkers

• Jumpers

• Car seats

• Stroller seats with a harness

• Electronic bassinets that require baby to be strapped to the surface

What are the concerns with container toys?

Since they contain the baby’s body, container toys restrict movement. Freedom and variety of movement are critical parts of our brain and body’s ability to learn new motor skills, even for newborns. When in a container baby is usually not as active, or they are only moving in a repeated pattern. Because of this, overuse of containers can contribute to delayed motor skills in some cases (overuse is going to look different for each baby, some general guidelines for container use will be outlined below.)

Container toys can also contribute to repeated positioning which is a significant risk factor for Torticollis and Flat Head Syndrome (babies under 4 months old and who are not yet rolling are at the greatest risk.)

So are containers bad for babies?

Containers are not inherently bad and they all have their role! For example the car seat is necessary for safety while driving in the car, the swing might help calm a fussy baby during the witching hour so dad can take a break, and a bouncer chair might entertain baby long enough for mom to take a shower. In general we really can’t avoid containers and they certainly have benefits to the family as a whole. Each family is also going to have its own unique needs and routines, and each family will decide how they want to use containers. I encourage every family to consider their needs, budget, space, and their child’s needs when selecting which containers they use and how often.

Is a baby carrier considered a container?

Based on our definition above, yes a baby carrier restricts free movement. However for a parent looking to keep baby content while having their hands free, the baby carrier has some additional benefits to other containers. Baby gets contact with their caregiver which can both soothe and support the infant-parent bond. Baby is more upright against gravity allowing for some activation of their postural muscles for head and trunk control. If the parent is moving around baby gets variable input and their postural muscles have to respond to this input vs the repeated and predictable movement pattern of a swing for example. Another benefit in the baby carrier is that baby is off the back of their head which can decrease their risk of flat head syndrome.

Things to consider when using container toys:

• In general, aim to use containers as a tool for the parent, not as something to help the baby or teach them a skill. Placing baby in the swing while you need to cook dinner or help an older sibling, using the bouncer chair while you make yourself another cup of coffee, etc are all good uses for these toys. I typically recommend container toy use (not including car seat while driving) up to 30 min, 1-2 times per day as a general guideline. In reality each day with a baby is very different and so some days you will rely on container toys more than others and this is OK! Strive for balance throughout your week in terms of container toy use, and keep reading for some tips if you are wanting to decrease your use of containers.

• Include active floor play in your baby’s routine everyday! Include time on their back, sides, and tummy.

• For babies 0-3 months we want head and trunk in midline in a container toy, if they are curved or slumped to one side they are probably not ready for that container or you can use supports like a blanket roll to help them stay in midline.

• If baby is on their back in the container toy, move the continuer to different areas of the room or alternate where any toys are hanging so they are motivated to turn their head to different sides.

• Avoid standing container toys until baby is at least 6 months old and can sit on their own for a few seconds. This supports healthy hip development and also ensures they have enough postural control to support their trunk in the toy.

• When in a standing container toy make sure baby can place their feet flat on the floor. If not adjust the toy or raise the floor by placing a book under their feet. If a baby is constantly standing on their tip toes this can lead to difficulties with balance when learning to stand or contribute to toe walking.

• Most container toys specifically state that baby should not sleep in the container, make sure to read the manual and understand the manufacturer recommendations.

• The AAP does not recommend rolling walkers for babies. If you want to read more about the AAP recommendation click here.  As a pediatric physical therapist I do not recommend that babies use a rolling walker, or a jumper. Based on principles of motor learning, and my years of experience supporting infant development, I see that these containers teach babies to move with a pattern that is the opposite of how we stand and walk on our own. If you would like to use these containers and your child does not have any developmental concerns, I recommend a maximum of 10 minutes per day.

What about children who are having difficulties with development or have a medical concern that could impact development?

For these families I do recommend taking a more proactive approach to supporting development and limiting container toys when you are able.

For infants who were premature or had medical complications early in life, I generally recommend avoiding using a rolling walker or jumper because they promote extension movement patterns (check out this blog post to learn more about the unique challenges these babies might encounter including extension bias.)

I also recommend working closely with a developmental follow up clinic or a pediatric therapist to help guide you on what containers may be the best choice for your baby based on their unique needs, or how to decrease the use of containers if this is limiting their development. In some cases there may be benefits to introducing the right containers for children with developmental delays to promote head shape, strengthening of certain muscle groups, and postural support to engage in daily activities.

Ways to decrease container toy use if that is something you want to work towards:

• Take baby out of the car seat when you get to your destination and wear them in a baby carrier instead for some variety in their position!

• Use a bassinet attachment on your stroller if you have one as this does not restrict their movement!

• Try to switch out one time each day when you would normally use a container for play on the floor, in a bassinet (for young babies not trying to roll), the crib, or a pack and play! Try to find a time in the day when baby is rested and fed, and you can start with short intervals like playing in the crib for 5 minutes while you fold laundry and them moving them to the swing, and increasing the play time slowly.

• For older babies who are mobile consider a pack and play, or a play pen to create a large gated area. This allows them to move and explore freely, while you know they are safe and can take your eyes off them!

• If you feel like you are using container toys more because your baby has a hard time moving, work with a pediatric physical therapist to understand why! There are many reasons why a baby might have a hard time moving and we can support you and your baby to improve floor play tolerance and motor development!

The information provided in this blog post is for educational purposes only and not intended to be medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provide for diagnosis and treatment.