The 8-5-8 Theory: Aprica's solutions to baby developmental risks

MANILA, Philippines - A baby is not a miniature adult. According to the experts at Aprica Central Research Centre in Nara, Japan, babies should not be treated as the smaller version of a grown-up person. “Babies need special care to ensure their well-being,” explains Aprica Philippines brand manager Eryl Valeroso. “They are easily susceptible to injuries that may be fatal if not handled properly.”

Aprica is known for its high-quality and innovative baby care products worldwide. The company has invested millions in research to fully understand the distinct demands of appropriate and safe childcare.

After extensive research, they developed the 8-5-8 theory which states that there is “a precise ratio of cause and effect between the eight main developmental factors of children and the relative risks they face, in order to identify the best solutions for healthy, hazard-free growth.”

The eight developmental factors are: delicate head and neck; cervical vertebra with soft ligaments and neck that has a tendency to fall forward; breathing and posture; skin that is sensitive to harsh sunlight; spine which is prone to malformation; heat regulation; and biorhythms.  

Aprica also identified five critical risk factors that will cause serious harm to babies:

1. Risk of oxygen desaturation which could impair the brain.

2. Risk of Shaken Baby Syndrome. When baby is jolted violently, his delicate brain vessels may rupture, causing severe hemorrhage that is fatal.

3. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) which occurs most frequently between four months and one year of age.

4. Sleep deficiency which may slow down growth, decrease immune defenses, reduce ability to learn, and cause disturbances in controlling emotions.

5. Risks from walking wherein the impact of baby’s feet touching the floor may cause malformations which lead to articular (joint) diseases and lumbar spine problems.

Based on these developmental factors and threats, Aprica established eight important rules in childcare. “These childcare rules must be addressed by child-care products in order to ensure the physical well-being and overall health of our babies,” says Valeroso.

Aprica’s wide range of child-care products has patented features that conform to international safety standards in childcare as well as satisfy the requirements of the eight rules in child care. These are:

1) Place the child on a flat structure. Aprica patented the red health line, which indicates a flat structure used in all its products like carriers, car seats, and strollers.

2) Protect breathing and posture. The neck support in Aprica baby gears guarantees the right posture for adequate breathing. Its SP02 mattress leg divider avoids pressure on the abdomen, ensuring proper diaphragm breathing.

3) Adjust the child’s body temperature. The breathable materials, ventilation system, and heat reflector in Aprica products guarantee an adequate temperature.

4) Protect the hip joints and lower limbs. The ergonomic shape of Aprica child-care products allows for proper growth of the joints.

5) Protect the head, cervical vertebra, and spine. The shock-absorbing mechanism in Aprica products mitigates impacts, protecting the head and spine.

6) Protect biological rhythms and sleep. Aprica carriers and strollers have systems that promote the right biorhythms, guaranteeing a baby sleeps peacefully.

7) Protect from exposure to direct sunlight. The capsule system of its strollers allows varying degrees of light to penetrate. It guarantees protection from ultraviolet rays, also protecting the child’s pupils.

8) Protect walking. Aprica footwear has “Try Grip” system and raised shape to ensure protection of the ankle and proper development of arch of the foot of babies. 

To know more about Aprica and its product lines, log on to www.aprica.com or join Aprica on Facebook at ApricaPH.