Weighted belts for babies - 25% of body weight!

[Henrietta]

Hi!

Someone recently posted what I thought was an alarming picture recently - it was of their approx 12month old 8kg crawling baby wearing a 2kg weighted belt.

The dad said it is only a 'bit of fun' and that he 'takes it off when he gets frustrated'.

"

He started doing 2 lengths of the mat, chasing the ball. He is now doing 6 lengths with the weights. He is a strong little fella

"

(The 'mat' is at least 12-15m long.) I seem to be the only one who thinks this is wrong and that it could cause some damage in the child and it's physical development? I wish to say so but I need some evidence to back up my claim - I am sure I will be flamed if this is a serious picture that has been taken for real! Please help if possible! Or, assure me that it won't cause any damage to the developing nipper and will help him develop strength...

Kind regards..

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[estherderu]

dear Henriette,

Please give us the link to this alarming picture. We need more information to react properly.

kind regards

Esther

[estherderu]

dear everyone,

I am very sorry to not have recieved a reaction so far.
In general, a child has to learn how to overcome the forces of gravity by him/herself and that is an achievement in itself.
Not every child has that capability.
In general I am of the opinion that weighing a child down is not a good idea in just about every case.
There are exceptions and you as a healthprofessional (not as a parent) should have a very good reason to do so.
That is all I can say without having more knowledge of this specific case.

Esther