So you read our post on avoiding baby containers and now you’re wondering how you’ll get through a busy day while still sneaking in a shower or making dinner without using all of the baby contraptions like a swing, bouncer, exersaucer, jumper or Bumbo?
First check out our list of products that encourage natural baby development and WHY we recommend each of these items. Spoiler alert - they all allow for baby to freely move through different positions and engage in trial and error learning. Once you have your bases covered with these 5 items (or similar ones) read on for how to use them to get through your busy day.
Our top picks:
(items are clickable links)
How to avoid using containers
We’ve got you covered! Here’s how we get through our daily tasks while avoiding containers and promoting natural baby development on the floor. (Obviously you need to supervise your baby for safety and adjust these suggestions accordingly based on your baby’s developmental skills at each stage).
Shower: Pack ‘n Play with toys hanging on links from top rails
Try putting the Ikea floor gym INSIDE the pack ‘n Play for a longer and maybe hot shower where you could shave your legs AND wash your hair (luxurious, we know)
Getting ready in the AM: blanket on the floor of the bathroom
Getting dressed: blanket with floor gym on the bed (before baby can scoot or roll)
Unload the groceries: Carrier or Pack ‘n Play with books
Tending to an older sibling: Floor tiles with books or blocks
Getting the mail: Carrier
Cleaning: Floor tiles with gym or Pack ‘n Play with toys hung from links on upper rails
Unloading the dishwasher: Floortiles with “new toys” try giving them some spatulas or spoons
Prepping dinner: Carrier (when not using sharp items or the stove) and Pack ‘n Play or blanket on the floor close enough to still talk to baby but have your hands free while chopping and cooking
Bedtime for an older sibling: floor tiles or blanket with another caregiver
Look, we are moms too we know it’s hard to get stuff done when you have a baby. We are not aiming to shame or guilt anyone for using containers. Our goal here is to help empower you with new strategies to get through a busy day while putting your babe’s developmental needs first. Maya Angelou said, “When you know better, you do better.” We hope that this post helps you know a little more about development so you can do a little more to support it. You’ve got this.
As always, drop us a comment with questions or ideas of other mom hacks we can share here in our community!
-Bree
We’re Jaclyn & Bree
Pediatric therapists and moms with a mission to empower you with knowledge to encourage your baby’s development and continue confidently into your parenthood journey.
If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below and we will get back to you. As always, the information we share is meant to provide general education and tips and is not intended as medical advice. If you have a specific question or concern about your child’s development, please speak directly to your child’s doctor or therapist.