My child is slouching - parents often worry. And they do have a reason. Because a strong spine with its natural curves is a real pillar of he alth for life. The first years of life decide whether the spine will perform its functions well.

The spineof the developing fetus takes the shape of the letter C. But when thebabyis born, its load-bearing pillar slowly takes on the correct "line" . The first months of life are very important in this respect.

Child's spine

The baby spends its infancy mainly lying down. But then his skeletal system is also formed. So the position he takes while lazing about is important. It shouldn't be the same all the time. Until your baby can turn from side to side just yet, you need to help him do so. Lying on her tummy, after some time she will raise her head higher and higher to observe and learn about the world around them. And this is the perfect gymnastics for the so-called thoracic curvature. When you putbabyon your back, don't forget to put a small pillow under its head. You also need to pay attention to the clothes they wear - they must not restrict the baby's movements. It has to be a bit too loose. Young children are extremely energetic, and the movements they make - even completely uncoordinated - are the best gymnastics for the skeletal system.

Important

The infant's spine requires protection

So you have to support the baby's head with your hand to avoid the risk of deformations and injuries of the cervical segment. For the hips and lumbar spine, it is best for your baby to have legs wide apart, so carry them on your hip.

Crawling - an important stage in a baby's development

Remember, however, that "nothing by force". It's nice to boast that your son or daughter is already sitting, but you have to grow up for it. So don't prop up your baby with pillows to show your grandparents how fit their grandson is. This is a disaster for the spine! If your child is strong and curious about the world, you can place them 2-3 times a day for 20-30 minutes in a deckchair. In it, the spine takes the shape of the letter C, which does not adversely affect it. Remember not to force your baby to stand up and walk too early. In fact, the best thing to do is crawl as long as possible. If a toddler crawls and then crawls, maybe itdo even until 12-14. month of life. The research of the Rehabilitation Center in Konstancin shows that more than half of young patients with scoliosis (lateral curvature of the spine) have never crawled. And don't buy him the so-called walker. In it, the child does not walk, but jumps up - so he takes on bad habits.

You must do it

  • Watch it develop. If he often takes the same position, e.g. when lying in a lounger-chair, constantly tilts his head to one side, does not want to crawl or while playing, he constantly puts his foot under his butt - you need to tell the doctor about it as soon as possible.
  • Remember that curvature of the spine can be prevented primarily by movement, especially in the open air, when the operating sun causes the body to produce vitamin D beneficial for the locomotor system. Encourage exercise, jogging, swimming, ball games or riding on the bike. Don't forget about a diet rich in calcium.

    • Walking in comfortable shoes

    First in a pram - many parents choose the so-called stroller, guided by your own convenience. Because it is light and foldable. But for the developing spine, it is important that the stroller is reasonably wide and has an adjustable backrest. This allows the child to change position, e.g. when he falls asleep when tired. Light "umbrellas" can be used occasionally, on short journeys, eg to the store. Then there are the first shoes - they are of great importance. When the baby starts to leave the stroller and walk, he must have well-shaped shoes. When buying them, don't be guided by fashion. Good shoes should be relatively loose (about half a centimeter of slack in front of the toe) and with a stiff heel counter to stabilize the foot. It is better when they reach above the ankle (and are laced) and have a flexible, thicker sole that will absorb shocks while jumping or running. Remember not to buy shoes with an orthopedic insole without consulting an orthopedist. They are intended for children with developing flat feet. In others, they can do more harm than good.

    Necessary for a child - ergonomic desk and chair

    The child's first "work equipment" is a stool with a tabletop. The baby is safe in it and has a well-supported spine. So we can teach them to eat independently. And when it's time for a desk, remember that it must be adjusted to the child's height. It is good if it has a tilting top that allows for a different positioning, when the child, for example, draws or makes plasticine. The chair should be quite soft, with armrests (the elbows must not "hang") and the height of the seat being adjustable so that the feet touch the floor. The backrest must be high and slightly bent at the level of the lumbar spine. If your child is sitting at the computer,the monitor must be placed in front of his face - if he is standing to the side, he forces him to assume unnatural positions.

    A suitable school bag or backpack for the child

    Nowadays, preschoolers have to wear various things to classes. If he takes something with him, he should carry it in his backpack. Children going to school have even "harder". Therefore, their school bag or backpack should have wide, adjustable shoulder straps and a stiffened part adjacent to the back. And don't let him carry weights beyond measure. If your child needs to pick up something, teach them to do so on bent knees. It's a habit that pays off into old age.

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    Child's he alth