The other day I went into a health food store with my 18 month old and the girl who worked there asked if he wanted to get on and try their vibration machine in the back
because it calms kids down. He seemed to like it but then afterwards I started to wonder how safe these types of machines actually are and I also considered the fact that the girl who worked there probably was no expert and also my son is basically still a baby. He was on for a few minutes but I can’t help but wonder about it. The information I found online didn’t help me. Does anyone have experience with this machine and very young kids? I hope I’m just worrying about nothing 😬 just to be clear a whole body vibration machine is a type of workout machine that they have at some gyms and is actually made for adults but according to the shop girl parents like to bring their autistic kids in to use it too because it helps to make them calm. It is not a baby rocker and it’s hard to explain unless you have used one.
I honestly didn’t know about this machine until we went into the store, it’s actually a workout machine for adults (and I guess kids too according to the girl who worked at the health store) that vibrates and is supposed to help people with different issues. It’s not actually made specifically for kids so that’s why I’m wondering about it. It’s called a whole body vibration machine and the store girl said NASA uses it for people who go into space. It’s definitely not a baby rocker or anything like that. It seemed harmless but anything that I don’t know a lot about tends to make nervous. I tried the machine also and the vibrations seemed intense but his head wasn’t moving or anything...it’s hard to explain unless you have used one or know what it is.
If it's anything like a vibrating bouncy seat it should be fine.
Although those are usually for infants up to about a year old.
I know exactly what you are talking about. You stand on it and have to tense up your core because its a strong vibration on the platform you are standing on. Probably not the best thing for an 18 month old but I don't think you did any harm by putting him on it. It doesn't jolt around so there's no fear of a concussion.
What you need to hear is that if he doesn't get into Ivy league college it won't be because you put him on a vibrating machine in a health food store when he was 18 months old. He's fine. Now go worry about something else because moms always worry about something. lol
is this what you are talking about?
http://www.caritascenter.org/caritas-integrative-wellness
My chiropractor office uses this and I've never seen anyone under the age of 13 use it.
WHY would you put your child on this machine?? WHAT LEVEL did she use on your child?
I would have said NO. Thanks. I'd call the store manager and tell them they need to educate the staff who are promoting the machine.
doesn't sound any more dangerous than a grocery store coin-operating race car or rocking horse.
he'd have hollered if it were hurting him.
but if you're worried about it, take all suggestions from shop girls with a grain of salt.
khairete
S. (shop girl)
I looked at the site Wild Women posted. There is a list stating the reasons for using the machine. None of those apply to a baby. It's an adult machine.
The vibration that might help a baby calm down is a vibrating product such as a hammock looking thing
made for babies. I've only seen vibrating products for a very young baby. I doubt that a machine made for adults would help older babies. I would not put my child a second time on the platform because there have been no studies to indicate it's safe.
I suggest that how the platform vibrates is likely more forceful than a dryer or a baby's chair. The coin operated cars, circus animals do not vibrate. The move side to side.
I wouldn't use something long term made for adults on a baby. I agree that a one time use is not dangerous. Your baby is OK.
Hi A.,
I am sure it's fine - if he's not dizzy, throwing up, etc. and his vision is ok, he's likely fine. I looked up what these things were, and if elderly people can use them, I'm sure an 18 month old with good neck control is ok. You'd know if he was in distress - he would have cried out.
Or, call your pediatrician's office if you are concerned. The thing is, I think you're more in distress than he is from sounds of your question - and I looked back, and you say you're the nervous type (mentioned being paranoid before).
Breathe :) It's ok.
Do what you need to to put your mind at ease. Don't do this again obviously. We all do things with our kiddos that make us queasy afterwards (or I did). Then you say, Ahhh that wasn't the best idea, and you learn. It's ok. THat's part of mothering :)
From your description it sounds no different than placing your baby on top of a running dryer or riding in a car to calm and sooth them.
ETA: I just read your "So What Happened" - I think you need to trust your gut as a parent, and not put your child in things that make you uncomfortable. You don't need to make snap decisions because a store employee told you to. You can say, "I'd rather not, thanks." You can ask your pediatrician at the next visit (take a photo of the machine so people know what you're talking about). You can also place a non-emergency, "Hey-I-have-a-question-when-you-can-call-me-back" to the doctor or nurse.
Original: Is this just one of hose baby things that gently bounces the child? My cousin had one that had different patterns and strengths. I don't understand what you are worried about. How is it different that rocking a baby in a cradle, bouncing him on your knee, putting him in a swing, holding the infant seat on the washing machine as it agitates, or driving in a car over a road under construction? These are all time-honored techniques for calming a baby down.
Or is this some other type of apparatus and I'm missing your point?
I'm not sure why a health food store has one of these "in the back" unless they are also selling them or they are trying to calm down fussy babies so the parents can stay and keep shopping rather than take a screaming kid home.
And an 18 month old is not a baby - he's a walking, talking (or close to it) toddler. He's far sturdier than you think. Short of being roughly shaken (as by an adult who is angry) or thrown down a flight of stairs, kids are amazingly resilient.
What exactly are you talking about?
I’m sure a little vibrating did not harm your child. Neither do I think it would do any good for a little one. Personally, I find those machines irritating and do not honestly think they help or hurt anyone.
