Taking care of a child is a tough and exhausting task. Many young parents today, due to lack of experience, are often attracted by various so-called “baby care gadgets” online.
They think these devices will help free their hands and make parenting easier. What they don’t realize is that these so-called gadgets can often pose significant safety risks. Improper use can cause harm to the baby’s body.
Recently, Xiaomei bought a baby care gadget. Though it was expensive, she felt it was worth it, thinking it would make caring for her baby a bit easier. This so-called gadget was actually a sit-up baby stroller. Before buying it, every time they went out, Xiaomei and her husband would take turns carrying the baby. After coming back from each trip, both of them were exhausted with sore backs.
Once the stroller arrived, Xiaomei did briefly experience the dream of freeing her hands. Every time she went out, she would place her four-month-old baby in the stroller. Over time, the baby learned that sitting in the stroller meant going out to play with mommy.
One day, Xiaomei went out with her baby as usual. While downstairs in the neighborhood, she bumped into a familiar aunt. The two hadn’t seen each other for a while, so they started chatting. During their conversation, the aunt suddenly said to Xiaomei, “Isn’t your baby’s head a little tilted?” Xiaomei didn’t feel happy hearing that—no one likes others commenting negatively on their child. She impatiently replied, “Our baby’s head is not tilted!” Hearing this, the aunt didn’t say anything more and quickly left, making an excuse to leave.
That evening, after having dinner, the couple was playing with the baby in the bedroom. Xiaomei noticed that every time the baby moved, even when calm, the head was tilted to the left. This made Xiaomei anxious, and the couple quickly took their baby to the hospital.
After a thorough examination, the doctor diagnosed the baby with spinal deformity. Xiaomei couldn’t accept it—how could a four-month-old baby have this condition? After asking about Xiaomei’s daily parenting habits, the doctor speculated that the baby’s condition was closely related to the sit-up stroller.
The doctor explained that sit-up strollers are designed for babies older than six months. Since Xiaomei’s baby was only four months old, prolonged sitting in such a stroller, where the spine lacks proper support, could easily lead to deformities.
Upon hearing the doctor’s words, Xiaomei regretted her decision. Because of her momentary convenience, her child now had this health issue. In fact, many new parents, due to inexperience, unknowingly use incorrect methods in raising their children.
Here are a few common mistakes in parenting—have you made any of these?
Giving a pillow to a baby too early There is a tradition in some areas where newborns are given pillows or books to “shape their heads” to ensure a pretty head shape as they grow. However, using a pillow for babies under three months old can easily cause spinal deformities. Babies at three months are still very weak, and their spine and other important organs have not fully developed. Giving them a pillow too early can cause hunchbacks or slanted shoulders.
Holding a three-month-old baby upright Parents who have raised children know that babies should not be held upright when they are very young. Their spine has not developed enough to support the weight of their body. If they are held upright, they may become wobbly, which can cause spinal injuries.
New parents must remember: before a baby turns three months old, they should never be held upright. Don’t prioritize convenience over your child’s health.
Sit-up baby strollers Sit-up strollers are designed for babies older than six months. Babies younger than six months should avoid using these strollers frequently. Their spines are not yet fully developed, and these strollers are designed for babies to sit upright without support, which is not suitable for infants.
If you place them in such a stroller for long periods, you’ll notice that the baby may become unstable and tilt, which over time can lead to spinal deformities.
Summary: When it comes to parenting, there is no room for carelessness or taking chances. New parents should read parenting books often or consult parenting experts. Using professional parenting knowledge, they can take care of their baby in a scientific way. If unsure about something, they can ask their parents or other elders for advice and learn from their parenting experiences.
This story also teaches us not to blindly trust so-called “parenting gadgets” online. Taking care of a child is never truly easy. As parents, spending a little more time and patience to care for our child is the most important thing.