Pay Attention to These Three Critical Periods to Prevent Scoliosis in Babies!

A baby's bones are soft and not fully developed, especially during their first year. Understanding the critical periods of spinal development can help parents avoid practices that might harm their child's growing spine.

---

0-3 Months: The First Critical Period

At 3 months old, a baby's spine is still very soft. Incorrect holding positions, such as letting your baby stand, sit, or holding them vertically, can cause harm.

Instead: During this stage, babies should primarily be held lying down. If you must hold them, do so horizontally, ensuring your arms carefully support their neck, back, and waist.

---

6 Months: The Second Critical Period

By 6 months, a baby's spine is more developed, marking the second critical period. While babies can often sit independently at this age, it's important to control the duration.

Important: Respect your child's natural rhythm. Don't force them into a sitting posture or allow them to sit for too long. Overdoing it can lead to thoracic lordosis (an exaggerated curve in the upper back) and, in severe cases, hunchback, which can affect their posture long-term.

---

Around 1 Year: The Third Critical Period

Infants typically begin to learn to walk around one year of age, entering the third critical period of spinal development. However, this doesn't mean their spine is fully formed; full spinal formation usually occurs around six or seven years old.

Avoid: Do not force your child to walk before they are ready, and avoid using baby walkers. Walkers can hinder natural development and may contribute to leg deformities such as X-shaped or O-shaped legs.

---

Everyday Behaviors to Prevent Scoliosis

Beyond these critical periods, certain daily habits can also lead to issues like scoliosis if not managed carefully. Be mindful of the following:

1. Proper Diaper/Pants Changing Technique

   Baby Pants: Open the pants with both hands, cover the baby's calves, then pull upward along the root of the thighs, ensuring both sides of the leak-proof partition edge are straightened out.

   Baby Diapers:

   1. Lie your baby on their side and unfold the diaper with the absorbent layer facing up.
   2. Gently hold the baby's waist and slowly turn them to lie flat.
   3. Pull the front of the diaper over the baby's abdomen, secure the Magic Tape to the top surface, and adjust the diaper to fit snugly.

2. Pillow Selection

   Ensure the pillow is not too high.

3. Mattress Softness

   Choose a mattress that provides good support for your baby's developing spine, as too soft a mattress can be detrimental.

4. Baby Sitting Chairs

   The use of a baby sitting chair to help babies learn to sit is also important for spine health. Ensure it offers proper support.