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      Developmentally appropriate baby registry

      Because we know that the stress of the registry is real and there’s so much out there, we called on Allie to educate us on what items are developmentally appropriate for your registry. It can be so challenging to figure out what to actually purchase when it comes to equipment. Does 5-stars and 20,000 Amazon reviews make it the right purchase? Your sister-in-law’s recommendation? Sometimes yes, and sometimes no. With Allie’s expertise as an occupational therapist who specializes in sensory integration, she’s the perfect person to walk you through what she feels are the key items to avoid, plus the essential ones to purchase.

      Here’s what Allie has to say...

      In general, my best advice is that you never want a device that puts your little one in a position where they cannot hold themselves. We want our little ones to use their tiny muscles and have the opportunity to move through each milestone - from tummy time, to pushing up on all 4s, or from pulling to stand, to eventually walking. Ironically, the equipment that is often marketed to us as great for development, often actually does the opposite. It not only holds them in a passive position but also often prevents them from using their own strength to move through the stages of development.

      There is one item on this list that you might be surprised to see - electronic toys. My rule of thumb is to avoid any toys that require batteries. These toys often play for your little ones instead of allowing your little ones to have to come up with ideas on how to play. For example, an electric drum plays at the push of a button, but an actual drum allows your little one the chance to learn to grasp the drum stick and figure out how to use it in a way that makes noise. Remember, play is so important for babies! We want them to have the opportunity to engage and learn through all 8 of their senses.

      Top 5 Categories to Avoid:

      1. Foam floor booster seat. These seats restrict movement and don’t require (or even allow) your little one to use their own postural muscles to hold themselves up.
      2. Exersaucer. In the exersaucer, your little one is being placed in a position that they are not yet ready to support themselves. They are limited in their ability to explore and move through the process of development, like using their own muscles to pull themselves up to stand, and it limits the time they have to spend on the floor (critical to development!).
      3. Walker. Like the exersaucer, walkers limit your baby’s movement, AND have the added safety risk of allowing independent movement that can be very dangerous - especially around stairs. Walkers also often have babies walking on their toes, something that can limit growth and balance.
      4. Sit me up seat. Similar to #1 on this list, sit me up seats place babies in a position that they cannot hold themselves. In addition, they can restrict a baby’s natural movement and prevent them from developing their own postural muscles.
      5. Electronic toys. These are the toys that are playing for your baby! Try and stick to battery free toys (it will be more pleasant on your ears as well).

      Top 8 Pieces of Equipment That Are Good to Have:

      Here are a few of my favorite things. Besides the essentials like the car seat, crib and stroller. Here are a few things that I love as you move through tummy time, crawling and up into exploring.

      ● A play mat. A must have for tummy time! Tummy time is essential to your baby’s motor development.
      ● Yoga ball. This versatile tool is great for tummy time early on when it is extra challenging, and can grow with your baby in a variety of ways.
      ● Highchair with a footrest. Having stability is important for safe and healthy eating.
      ● Baby gym. This presents a little workout for your baby! They can lie on their tummy or on their back, and the gym allows for built in activities as they look up to, grab or kick dangling toys.
      ● Baby gates/ play yards. Creating a safe environment for exploration is a key to promoting independence.
      ● Books. At this early age reading is both a chance to bond with your baby AND expose them to language. Plus, books make great toys. Board books have thicker pages, which are easier for your baby to grasp, too.
      ● Open ended toys. Toys that can be used in many different ways and can grow with your little one. Try blocks, balls, stuffies, and other household items that your baby sees you using!
      ● Teethers. Getting teeth can be uncomfortable! Teethers can help soothe a baby’s sore gums and can be a fun toy to chew on and/or practice grabbing.

      For more information on Allie, check out Play2Progress, a playspace and occupational therapy center in Los Angeles that provides classes for kids, parental support, training for schools and childcare providers, 1:1 OT consultations and so much more. Also, be sure to check out Allie’s new book, Play to Progress.