The "Back to Sleep" campaign has been extremely successful in reducing SIDS risk (a nearly 50% reduction in SIDS death). But it has had unintended consequences, principally a rise in positional plagiocephaly, a flattening of the back of the head. An
article in the Dallas Morning News this week discusses how many of our babies' daytime activities can also contribute to these head-shape issues, and may limit their gross motor development. Bouncy seats, car seats, and exersaucers may also limit a baby's freedom of movement.
Believe me, I know how easy it is to plop them into the bouncy seat so you can get a few things done. One surprising quote from the article:
"If you haven't put a baby on her stomach by the time she's 5 days old, she decides she shouldn't be on her stomach," said Mary Weck, a clinical specialist and physical therapist at Children's Memorial. "They really get in the mind-set that they shouldn't have to work physically." Until now, we have not typically emphasized tummy time at such an early age. This does, of course, need to be supervised, awake tummy time. Bottom line: as much as you can, give your child freedom to move.