"Extensive time in containers limits movement and exposure to the environment which can cause problems with development," said Young.
"In the last 12 to 15 years, doctors would say they've noticed more perception problems, attention problems, pre-reading problems. There are more dyslexic-like symptoms and more thinking issues in general," said Vaughan. "All you need to do is look at our national test scores and see that they're not going in the direction we want them to do."
Children born by cesarean section are particularly at risk.
"During a c-section, there is a lack of input to the sensory system when the baby is being born. This, combined with container use and not enough tummy time, can make the problem multiply," said Young.
She believes the increasing number of children in daycare is also to blame.
"Daycares are worried about the safety of children. As a result, children spend a lot of time in devices considered to be safe such as bouncy seats and swings."
She believes educating parents, teachers and health care providers about the problem is the only way to prevent it.
