Grandma’s Arms: The Best Place for Baby
Last week’s blog on the problems with placing your baby in a Bumbo seat may have left you frustrated. I realize you’re tired and, at times, overwhelmed. I’ve been there. However, this week’s blog will give you my best suggestion on where to place your baby when you need a break—in Grandma’s arms (or Grandpa’s).
Yes, I know this advice will ring hollow if you don’t live near your baby’s grandparents or don’t get along with them. However, you may be wondering if you should live nearer or, maybe, befriend some grandparent stand-ins, such as those you may find at church or in the neighborhood.
This week I’ll share with you that your intuition is correct on the need for help from grandma; but even better, science confirms your baby would benefit as well. And, while you may not care if it’s better for grandma—it is.
Today’s mom has a ton of choices among equipment she can use to hold the baby. We’ve discussed some of them (including the problems): Bumbo seats, car seats, walkers or jumpers for older babies, etc. While these may be ok in small amounts, most times babies are not in them for small amounts of time—they are in them for large amounts of time. This is neither healthy nor conducive to ideal growth and development of your baby. See my post on Container Baby Syndrome.
That’s where grandma comes in:
- Grandma can hold the baby in various positions, such as changing which arm she’s holding with and this allows your honey-bunny to shift that head and eyes to either side. See my post on flat spots on your baby’s head.
- Grandma can sing, rock, walk and talk to the baby. No piece of equipment can duplicate the superiority of Grandma’s touch!
- Grandma can provide an extended period of human touch and contact your baby needs for optimal brain development. Here’s an article on it, if you’d like further reading.
As a pediatric PT, I can add my recommendation to the scientific findings. From a gross motor perspective,
- Grandma’s arms provide superior tactile and proprioceptive (movement) inputs to your baby’s brain. Both are necessary to promote the maximum development of your baby’s movement abilities.
- Sitting on Grandma lap helps with weight shifting and sitting balance unlike any piece of equipment. Her movements ARE natural human movements, which incorporate the natural weight shifts and rotation, that your baby needs.
- Grandma’s arms provide loving comfort and a feeling of security and closeness no piece of equipment can imitate.
We’re moving into a world where machines are replacing humans. We see it in our stores and in our homes. While I do not have an Alexa and will not have one, Alexa is no match for Grandma when it comes to helping you out with your baby.
While baby holding equipment has its purpose and place (limited at best). Grandma (and yes, Grandpa) are the best thing going!
Give your baby’s grandparents a call. Your baby and you, need their assistance.
If you have further questions, don’t hesitate to email or comment.
(Photo from Adobe Stock)
