---

Are baby containers like swings and bouncers actually harming your baby’s development? As a pediatric occupational therapist and mom of three, I’m breaking down why these popular baby devices might not be as helpful as you think.

The Problem with Baby Containers/Devices

Baby containers like swings, bouncers, floor seats, exersaucers, and jumpers are everywhere – but they can actually delay your baby’s motor development. Here’s why:

They Skip Important Developmental Steps

• Babies need to progress naturally: tummy time → roll → sit → crawl → stand → walk
• Devices place babies in positions their bodies aren’t ready for yet
• When we prop babies up before they can sit independently, we bypass crucial strength-building stages

They Limit Natural Movement

• Babies strapped into devices can’t practice rolling, reaching, or exploring
• Limited movement = limited muscle development
• Core strength, balance, and coordination suffer

They Reduce Floor Time

• Every minute in a device is a minute NOT spent developing motor skills
• Babies need free movement to build neural pathways
• Floor time is when the developmental magic happens!

What Baby Devices Do to Your Baby’s Body

Core Strength: Semi-reclined positions in bouncers and swings don’t engage core muscles the way floor time does.

Leg Development: Standing devices often force babies onto their tippy-toes, creating poor movement patterns.

Sensory Systems: Strapped-in babies can’t explore textures, practice balance, or develop spatial awareness.

Check out WeeThrive’s Ultimate Baby Motor Milestone Checklist

What to Do Instead: Floor Time is Free Time!

For Young Babies (0-6 months):

• Plenty of supervised tummy time
• Back play with engaging toys overhead
• Start with just a few minutes several times daily
• Get down on the floor at their level

For Sitting-Age Babies (6-9 months):

• Encourage babies to learn to “get into” sitting prior to working on sitting balance
• Each attempt builds strength and balance, midline orientation, motor planning

For Pre-Crawlers and Crawlers (8-12 months):

• Wide open floor space to explore
• Crawl up stairs with direct parent supervision
• Crawl over obstacles such as pillows and cushions

“But I Need Hands-Free Time!” – Here’s What I Recommend

I get it – you need to shower and make dinner! If you absolutely need a safe spot for baby:

✓ Have a small tummy time mat that you can easily move around the house ✓ Limit bouncer/swing use to 15-20 minutes max twice a day ✓ Don’t make devices part of your daily routine ✓ The minutes add up quickly!

The Bottom Line

Your baby’s body knows what it’s doing. Trust the process and give them:

• Safe floor space
• Age-appropriate toys
• Your interaction and encouragement
• Time to develop at their own pace

Don’t forget to download your FREE Motor Milestone PDF

Checkout our blogpost about the importance of crawling in brain development!