Article: A faltering first step. (infant exercise saucers, which keep babies suspended and stationary, could possibly hinder their muscular development and delay walking if overused)(Brief Article)

Can exercise saucers hinder development?

THE EXERSAUCER BABY PLAY GYM seems ideal for busy parents. With suspended seats and trays full of toys at tots' fingertips, the Exersaucer and similar "stationary activity centers" keep kids amused and out of trouble. New mother Rosie O'Donnell swears by hers, says she couldn't get a break to go to the bathroom without it. More than a million children use them happily. But some doctors and physical therapists are starting to warn that these devices, if overused, can foster bad posture and weaken back and stomach muscles-even delay walking. So far the evidence is largely anecdotal, and manufacturers defend the saucers as ...

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