Convenience For Parents Could Lead To Container-Syndrome

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New parents have it easier than ever before. With a simple snap, they're able to move their baby from car carrier to stroller without ever taking him out. Sounds easy, right?

But what do conveniences like this mean for your baby?

Stephanie Hildebrandt has her hands full with twins Justin and Jacob.

"That's the hardest part of having two is the trying to maneuver both of them," Hildebrandt said.

Hildebrandt relies heavily on her baby carriers, bouncy seats and swings.

"I definitely rely on them. I think I rely on them more than anyone else would."

What many parents like Hildebrandt don't know is these devices could be putting their babies at risk for something researchers are calling container-syndrome.

"Any of these devices that are developed to provide basically convenience for the parents, also puts considerable amount of pressure on the back of the head," said Dr. Carl Barr, child neurologist.

Since doctors also advise parents to put babies on their backs to sleep, the result can be a flattened skull like Jacob's, and in more severe cases - developmental delay.

"If you can't hold your head up, you're not going to be able to crawl very well."

When a baby is strapped in the container, his neck is immobilized, preventing him from using all the muscles needed to grow normally. This can delay crawling, walking, sitting and even speaking.

"In the past, we didn't have all these devices and kids spent a lot more time on the floor, playing with toys."

To prevent problems, put babies on their tummies as much as possible, but at least two hours a day once babies turn six months. Carry them instead of putting them in the "containers" and limit the time they spend in the devices to three hours a day or less.

Hildebrandt said she tries to do that, but with these two boys, it's a challenge!

"I can't wait until they start to crawl and walk," Hildebrandt said.

Then, the fun will really begin!

A 2006 study found that 22 percent of babies who slept on their backs had some delays, but experts said back sleeping has reduced the incidence of SIDS by more than 50 percent. So, the best way to prevent these delays is to keep babies off their backs while they're awake.