Forward-Facing Strollers Slow Babies' Development
Children pushed in forward-facing baby carriages are less likely to talk, laugh and interact, suggests a British study published Friday.
Researchers say children who are put in a position where they are not face to face with their parents or caregivers could suffer emotional and language problems down the road.
Dr. Suzanne Zeedyk of Dundee University in Scotland conducted the research -- believed to be the first of its kind -- in collaboration with the National Literacy Trust charity as part of its Talk To Your Baby campaign.
Her findings are based on a study of 2,722 parents and babies, and an experiment where 20 babies were wheeled in strollers for a mile, facing their parents for half the journey and facing away for the other half.
Parents using face-to-face baby carriages were twice as likely to talk to their children. In addition, their babies' heart rates fell and were twice as likely to fall asleep, an indicator that they were feeling relaxed and safe. Only one baby out of the 20 studied laughed while sitting in an away-facing carriage.
Researchers say children who are put in a position where they are not face to face with their parents or caregivers could suffer emotional and language problems down the road.
Dr. Suzanne Zeedyk of Dundee University in Scotland conducted the research -- believed to be the first of its kind -- in collaboration with the National Literacy Trust charity as part of its Talk To Your Baby campaign.
Her findings are based on a study of 2,722 parents and babies, and an experiment where 20 babies were wheeled in strollers for a mile, facing their parents for half the journey and facing away for the other half.
Parents using face-to-face baby carriages were twice as likely to talk to their children. In addition, their babies' heart rates fell and were twice as likely to fall asleep, an indicator that they were feeling relaxed and safe. Only one baby out of the 20 studied laughed while sitting in an away-facing carriage.
