Ask An Expert: Ditch the Devices With Mariah Schultz, OTR/L

Mariah Schultz OTR/L lends us her expertise as a pediatric occupational therapist on the importance of ditching the devices and prioritizing floor play. 

A newborn baby is nothing short of a miracle, and when you bring yours home from the hospital, it’s impossible not to marvel at their perfectly shaped fingernails, the way they scrunch their body as if they’re still in utero, and that irresistible newborn smell. Caring for them feels straightforward enough, albeit a little awkward as you try to figure out which way the diaper goes or how exactly to get them to latch. But, if you’re feeling unsure how to use their brief wake windows to engage and play with them, you’re far from alone. 

There are many toys and devices marketed to new parents to keep their babies content and entertained, and some of the most popular of these are bouncers and swings. After all, they’re a safe space to place your baby down when you need your arms free, and the rocking movement or vibration they provide can be very soothing to a fussy baby. We get it—everyone needs a break, and baby or no baby, everyone needs to eat, shower, and get things done around the house. The drawback to using these devices is that parents learn to rely on them, and overuse can cause babies to have developmental delays or container baby syndrome. 

Instead, we challenge you to ditch the devices and live a container-free life that prioritizes plenty of floor time to promote your little one’s natural development! To provide insight on exactly why this is so beneficial for your baby and how to implement it, we consulted Mariah Shultz, OTR/L, a pediatric occupational therapist, mom, and Instagram creator. Here’s what she had to say:

Tummy time is crucial for a baby’s development, and as an occupational therapist, I would emphasize its importance for several key reasons: 

Motor Skill Development

• Strengthens Muscles: Tummy time helps strengthen the muscles in the neck, shoulders, arms, and back, which are essential for motor milestones like rolling over, sitting up, crawling, and eventually walking.
• Aids in Prevention of Delays: Without adequate tummy time, a baby might experience delays in these motor skills, which can affect overall development.

Sensory Development

• Tactile Stimulation: Laying on their tummy allows babies to experience different textures and surfaces with their hands, which is crucial for developing touch and proprioception (awareness of body position).
• Visual Skills: When babies lift their heads to look around, they’re practicing visual tracking and developing visual-motor integration, which is essential for future tasks like reading and hand-eye coordination.

Prevents Positional Deformities

• Avoids Flat Head Syndrome: Spending too much time on their back can lead to plagiocephaly (flattened head). Tummy time provides relief from constant pressure on the back of the skull, helping to shape the head correctly.
• Encourages Symmetry: By engaging in tummy time, babies are encouraged to turn their heads to both sides, promoting symmetrical development and reducing the risk of torticollis (tightening of neck muscles on one side).

Enhances Cognitive Development

• Exploration and Curiosity: Tummy time allows babies to explore their environment from a different perspective, stimulating curiosity and cognitive development.
• Problem-Solving Skills: As babies try to reach for toys or move while on their tummy, they begin to develop problem-solving skills and an understanding of cause and effect.

Supports Emotional Bonding

• Parent-Child Interaction:Tummy time is a great opportunity for parents to interact with their baby face-to-face, strengthening emotional bonds and providing comfort and encouragement.

As an occupational therapist, I would advise parents and caregivers to minimize the use of sitting devices like bouncers, car seats (when not in a vehicle), and baby seats to encourage natural development, reduce the risk of developmental delays, promote a healthy spine and posture development, enhance sensory and motor skills, and more. Instead, try this:

• Floor Time: Place your baby on a play mat on the floor, where they can move freely. Incorporate tummy time and allow them to roll, reach, and explore their environment.
• Play in Different Positions: Encourage your baby to spend time in various positions, such as laying on their back, side, or tummy, which all contribute to balanced muscle development.
• Interactive Play: Engage your baby with toys and activities that encourage them to reach, grasp, and move, promoting both physical and cognitive development.
• Set Up Safe Play Areas: Create a baby-proofed space where your baby can move around safely. Use soft mats or blankets to make the area comfortable and inviting.
• Be Mindful of Convenience: It can be tempting to rely on sitting devices for convenience, but try to balance this with plenty of time for natural movement. Encourage family members and caregivers to do the same.

By minimizing the use of sitting devices, you support your baby’s overall development, ensuring they have the opportunities they need to grow strong, coordinated, and confident in their movements.

Mariah Schultz, OTR/L