8. Baby Bed Too Close Can Trigger Pelvic Disorders, Says Doctor

JAKARTA - Baby bed sheets are still a tradition that is attached to many Indonesian families. Since the baby is born, the bed sheet is often used with the belief that it can make the baby's body warmer, sleep more soundly, and help straighten the legs so that they do not have an O or X shape.

However, behind this age-old habit, experts warn of health risks if the bedong is done incorrectly, especially if it is too tight and restricts the baby's natural movement.

The specialist pediatric orthopedic doctor graduated from the University of Indonesia emphasized that the assumption that the bedong can improve the shape of the baby's feet is a myth. According to him, there is no scientific evidence that bedong is able to prevent feet in the shape of O (genu varum) and X (genu valgum).

"That's a myth, in fact, what needs to be watched out for, too tight can have an impact on the baby's pelvis," said Dr. Mohammad Aulia Herdiyana Sp. OT Subsp. A (K) in a media meeting in Jakarta, recently.

The doctor who practices at Pondok Indah-Puri Indah Hospital explained that the shape of the baby's feet that looks O or X when born is a common condition. As the growth progresses, the position of the feet will usually improve by itself without the need for special intervention.

However, in some cases, these changes can run slower or not optimally, especially if there are hereditary factors. Therefore, efforts to force changes in foot shape through tight bedongs are considered inappropriate.

According to Aulia, putting the baby's feet very tightly together risks pushing the pelvic area outwards. This condition can affect the development of the pelvic structure and lead to limitations on the child's movement later.

"There can be a difference in leg length, so the child's movement space is limited. If left alone, the pattern of walking can also change," he explained.

He emphasized, if parents still want to hold babies, it should be done loosely and make sure the baby can still move their legs and pelvis freely. The main principle is comfort and safety, not tightness.

In addition to the habit of lying down, Aulia also highlighted the position of the child's seat, which often escapes attention, namely sitting in the W-shaped position. This position, according to him, can affect the angle and growth of the pelvis if it is done too often.

"In the W position, the child's feet turn inward. If this becomes a habit, the bone will get used to being in a certain corner. After a while, the child will feel most comfortable turning his feet inward when walking," he said.

This condition can cause children to experience intoeing, which is the habit of walking with the tip of the foot pointing inward. To prevent it, parents are advised to get their children used to sitting cross-legged or using a chair, and consistently remind them if the child returns to sitting in the W position.