A million dollars for a happy baby

MANILA, Philippines - What does it take to raise happy babies? A million dollars, that is.

But this doesn’t refer to how much parents should spend on their child but rather how much Aprica has invested to conduct in-depth research on the ideal environment for a child’s development and in creating innovative childcare products.

The state-of-the-art Aprica Central Research Centre in Nara, Japan uses 2.5 kg biofidelic infant dummies equipped with sensors to help the brand’s team of experts collect and analyze scientific data. Based on this data, research has been carried out on children’s gear like car seats to find the best systems to protect babies, starting from studies of the impact of rear crashes. These “million dollar babies” play a critical role in helping Aprica understand what babies need to stay happy, healthy and safe.

Aprica is one of the esteemed brands of high-quality and innovative baby care products globally. “Babies are not smaller versions of adults,” says Aprica Philippines brand manager Eryl Valeroso. “They have specific needs that differ from those of grown persons. Studies show that infants must always be in supine position to ensure proper oxygen flow to their brain.”

She adds, “That is why Aprica patented the red health line which is a flat structure used in all our products.”

Aprica has an extensive product range which includes baby prams, strollers, carriers, accessories and car seats. Using the latest engineering technology for pediatrics, all product blueprints put emphasis on six design tenets for happy babies:

• Protection from the harmful rays of the sun. Baby gears must have excellent sun protection system to protect them from heat and harmful UV rays.

• Healthy abdominal breathing. Babies breathe from the tummy, not from the chest. The straps of baby gears must be comfortable enough to allow healthy abdominal breathing.

Aprica Research Centre in Nara, Japan

• Relaxing in comfort. Babies feel most comfortable in a reclining position. Car seats and strollers must be capable of providing this type of comfort to babies.

• Proper ventilation. Babies must not be overheated. It is not only discomforting to them but may also pose danger. Baby gears must have a system to keep them cool and comfortable.

• Ample leg room. Careful alignment helps babies maintain good hip position which is essential for development of the hip joint and;

• Smooth ride. Babies are vulnerable to vibrations (think Shaken Baby Syndrome). Baby gears must have superior cushioning and shock-absorbing suspensions to protect babies’ neck and spine.

• A comfortable baby is a happy baby. A happy baby grows up into a healthy, well- balanced adult. Aprica aims to help parents around the world raise happy babies and ensure their health and safety as well.

To know more about Aprica and its product lines, visit their website at www.aprica.com, or like them on facebook by searching for Aprica Philippines.