Quote Originally Posted by meg2 View Post
What is the latest school of thought on weightbearing in young babies? Are the suggestions that it causes problems in spinal development such as spondylolithesis true? Is a baby who is 6-12 weeks old is able to fully support her own weight, and loves standing (e.g. next to a couch for support - with very close supervision) at any sort of risk to her development? The same question applies to using a jolly jumper or sitting vertically in a front pack with legs dangling.

Thanks, Megan
I found this post during a web search, as I am looking for similar information. I find some of the responses appalling, many of which add nothing whatsoever to the discussion. Suggesting this person is a bad mother for asking a reasonable question is silly, and then crying "prejudice!" simply because someone doesn't agree with your answer is shameful. Here are my questions:

Can holding a young baby in an upright position cause physical problems later on? For example: Holding a baby in a sitting position to help relieve gas, or holding a baby upright against one's shoulder for the same reason (some babies need to be held upright for up to an hour after feedings); propping a baby upright due to reflux issues (semi-reclining does not alleviate the problem for some babies); carrying the baby in a front pack carrier with the legs dangling; allowing a young baby to play in an ergonomic jumper with weight on legs at times, etc. Does allowing a baby to put themselves into a sitting or standing position at a younger-than-avarage age have any real dangers?

I am NOT asking if it is okay to force a baby into sitting or standing positions, or to attempt to force development before he or she is ready.

I purchased a bouncer for my 2 1/2 month-old (even though the recommended age is 3 months and up. Bad mom!) What are some potential developmental dangers when using jumpers such as the Tippitoes, the Lindam Jump, or the Merry Muscles, which support the upper body (including the spine and in some cases the head) without putting pressure on vital organs?? Additionally, are there any potential issues with using ring-sling type carriers? What safe options to baby-wearers have? Then, I understand that walkers these days aren't safe, assuming mothers are putting them at the top of stairs or some other dangerous drop-off. In a safe environment, is there a supportive walker on the market that won't harm a baby's development? I am looking for developmentally safe alternatives to holding my baby upright constantly, since she eats, burps for an hour, eats again, sleeps on her stomach and still spits up or screams if I don't pick her up every few minutes to relieve gas/reflux. This routine doesn't allow any down-time.

Some babies mature at different rates than others, a fact that might shock those of you supplying outdated textbook answers on this forum. My child could hold her head up, roll over, and army-crawl as a newborn, and would hold on to the edge of her bed and pull herself into a sitting and sometimes standing position, make jumping movements, etc. on her own by the time she was 7 weeks old. She was only happy when she was upright. Not unusual in my family. Should I rush to her and tell her to stop because it is not "safe" until she is 6 months or 12 months of age? What sort of psychological effect would that have? Then how do I safely keep her upright after feedings? The answers provided on here suggest it would be detrimental to carry her upright, or allow her to pull herself a sitting position while we play until her gas is relieved. What is my alternative? Do I strap her immobile into an upright car seat for an hour while she screams? Sounds like child abuse to me. Our pediatrician says it is fine if the baby wants to bear her own weight, and holding her upright isn't an issue. Is he wrong? Reflux issues early on are a problem with young babies in my family, and my siblings were all held upright as babies, against the shoulder and at times in walkers, which were not very supportive. Now, in our 30's and 40's, we are all long, lean, toned and graceful, without any back or leg issues. So, how real are the dangers of developmental issues when genetics, environment, and exercise habits later on are taken into consideration?

If someone could weigh in and provide some helpful information it would be much appreciated. And yes, links to supporting research are welcome.

Thank you!