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Development of the spine
The spine develops in 3 steps.Than a baby is born,the back is round like a c and the legs are tucked up and spread apart,like in the womb.The baby can not raise its head.This is called total kyphosis.The first step is the cervical lordosis,than the child is approx. 6 weeks old.The child can raise its head,the 7 cervical vertebraes extend forward and upward..The second stage is the thoracic kyphosis.The baby is 7-10 months old and can sit down on its own.The 12 thoracic ribs and thoracic vertebrae extend up and back.The last stage is the lumbar lordosis.The child is approx. 1 year old and can pull itself up and can walk.holding onto fixed objects.The lumbar lordosis is complete,when the child can walk on its own.The 5 lumbar vertebrae straighten out and the spine now has the typical S shape.
The discs of a newborn child are still supplied with blood tissue,which just turn into cartilage with a core of gelatine,with the development of the spine.The discs of a baby are very sensible and can`t absorb hard knocks on the spine.
Because of this,the child`s body must be protected by the wrap,sling or comfort-carrier like a bandage.The wrap/sling should be tied in such a way,that the spine of the baby is round and doesn`t experience knocks,the baby should swing in the carrier,so that the child`s delicate vertebrae and vertebral discs are protected.The child should have a good squat-spread-position,so that the spine and the hip joints,which are still cartilaginous,are protected.
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