Straightening a Curved Spine Through Innovative Baby Bedding

Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine. In infants, it coincides with numerous other disorders, although it can appear in an otherwise perfectly healthy baby. The majority of scoliosis cases occur in adolescent females with no contributing health conditions (idiopathic scoliosis).

Infants with idiopathic scoliosis (that is, scoliosis which has no apparent cause and is unrelated to any of health issues the infant may have) are highly likely to grow out of it, possibly with the aid of a series of plaster "jackets" which help correct the spine. Because an infant's bones are still soft, it is entirely possible to straighten and correct a crooked spine before it becomes a lifelong issue. The key is in detecting the scoliosis early.

Protecting your Baby's Posture

Your baby may not be able to walk for many months yet, but if you're concerned about scoliosis, you can already take precautions to protect them. Because the main issue in scoliosis is curvature of the spine, your focus should be on making sure your baby's spine is properly aligned.

There are numerous baby bedding products designed with this goal in mind. A wide variety of foam supports, which can be placed above or below the cot sheet, will add practicality to your baby bedding. Triangular supports can help your baby remain on one side, if that's how they sleep comfortably, and cylindrical supports with a concave curve will keep your baby solidly on his back. Adding these pieces to your baby bedding will help your baby maintain normal spine curvature without the use of restrictive braces or uncomfortable clothing.

Since small babies spend the majority of their time asleep, their time in their baby bedding should be as supportive and comfortable as possible. Support pillows can be used beneath or above the baby bedding to ease pressure on the skull from the firm cot mattress. Baby bedding should not be loose or fleecy, which can pose suffocation hazards, and the crib bumper should be removed as well. A feeding support pillow can be used to cradle your baby from beneath their baby bedding.

Checking Scoliosis Outside the Cot

Of course, the best way to determine whether or not your baby is at risk for scoliosis is to check with their pediatrician. However, at home you can easily see whether their body appears normally aligned. Small babies spend a lot of time "curled up", with their feet pulled close to their buttocks and their arms tucked in against the chest; this is normal and does not indicate any growth problems.

If, when you lift your baby out of their baby bedding in the morning, they don't uncurl at all, or strongly resist uncurling; if they can't stretch their limbs out slowly; or if their arms and legs seem to cause them pain to move, you should definitely consult with a pediatrician. These could be signs of a severe muscular problem entirely separate from scoliosis.

Scoliosis affects thousands of children each and every day. If your baby has scoliosis, or if you fear they might develop it, try to construct a sleeping environment that supports spine alignment and comfort. With a few foam supports added to your baby bedding and regular checks of your baby's growth, you're sure to help them fight against the chance of future scoliosis.