Differences in Parents’ Beliefs and Practices with Infant Containers Relative to the Beliefs of Pediatric Therapists

To contrast parents’ and pediatric therapists’ beliefs regarding infant container use (e.g. car seats, strollers, swings, and jumpers), compare parents’ container use with therapists’ recommendations, and understand how therapists educate parents about infant containers. Two anonymous surveys were distributed to parents of infants younger than 19 months of age and pediatric therapists. Participants rated their beliefs about the developmental impact of 10 types of infant containers, as well as appropriate durations and reasons for using each type of container. Parents also reported their daily use of the containers. Differences between parents’ and therapists’ beliefs were evaluated. Overall, pediatric therapists (n = 341) held more negative beliefs about containers and recommended shorter durations of use than parents (n = 250). Parents’ average daily use of containers was more than double the longest duration recommended by therapists. Parent education regarding containers varied among therapists, with most recommending that parents limit container use to a specific amount of time. Therapists and parents differ in their beliefs regarding the influence of containers on child development, as well as how and why containers should be used. Pediatric therapists should consider each family’s beliefs and needs when educating parents about infant containers.