Are door bouncers really ok for a 5 month old?

[Chocoholism]

Are they safe? Do you or have you used? Are they good or bad for development?

[Parliamo]

I've no idea, but just spent a good few moments wondering what sort of playgroups you were going to that needed men in black suits saying - if your not on the list, you're not coming in!

Fwiw we didn't have one because we only have one doorway and so it would have made going about the house difficult. That, and I don't trust that our architrave would hold up! We had a baby Einstein which does the same job. I think we can worry too much about these things.

[OsMalleytheCat]

I've used mine since DS was about 18weeks, he loves being in there! He loved being up right but obviously couldn't support himself.

[PuddingAndHotMilk]

Yes they're safe (assuming they can hold head steady) and in moderation they're fine. They can cause problems if baby is prone to hip dysplacia as they are a 'crotch dangler'. I don't think they hinder walking in the way walkers can because baby can't move around in them.
We have one but have hardly used it. DD did enjoy it but the Jumperoo is more fun and easier to get in and out of.

[Chocoholism]

Walkers aren't safe?

Hahahahaha parliamo yea my DD goes to some very exclusive playgroups!

[HolidayCriminal]

I'm so happy that walkers hindered my babies walking; you mean they should have walked before 9 months? No thanks!!

Used door bouncers from 16 weeks. Worked for us. Just let me put baby down for a spell.

[PuddingAndHotMilk]

I didn't say walkers weren't safe at all and I didn't say they DO hinder walking. I said they CAN.

Jeez

[Chocoholism]

I wasn't being sarcastic, I've not heard that before :)

[PinkParsnips]

My dd has positional talipes (feet turn in slightly due to being squashed in womb) and we have been told by her physio not to let her use a door bouncer, baby walker or jumperoo as they encourage babies to walk / bounce on their tip toes which can cause problems for actual walking. She did say that in her opinion they should be banned which I thought was a bit strong. I would have thought if there's no feet problems they're fine, for our dd it's a no no...quite a pain really when trying to keep her amused!

[PinkParsnips]

Apologies dh has just pointed out that it was the baby walker she said should be banned not the door bouncer she just said they weren't great for long periods of use.

[teacherlikesapples]

There has been a lot of research about the problems associated with excessive use of bouncers & walkers.

They certainly won't help your child to learn to walk any quicker (and may help delay that development) but occasional use, if used safely & according to instructions probably won't do harm.

[whatcolour]

Pink parsnips both mine had positional talipes and hospital physio, GP, consultant etc all said to get a door bouncer - encouraged them to stretch and use their feet in a straight line before they could walk. Started both at 3 mths and used loads until they were too big - hours and hours of fun. None of the health professionals liked walkers - although we had an old one of them handed down which was great for use in the garden - but was a low one so they used it flat footed

[Cast1ststone]

I have the excersaucer(door bouncer) but my 6 month old really never got it and does not get it. I tried it at 4 months and try it on and off again since. At 4 months he just seemed confused and only would hold his head/body up for a while before slumping down. I would not say it is bad because they really only move at their own pace. Once my son starts jumping too much I am gonna get him a jumperoo(on the floor jumper) I always am kinda weary when I put him in it cause it just looks like it is not safe but I pull and tug to see what and it has never fallen down. Speaking of that, I will try again today with it just to see if he gets it yet.

[Cast1ststone]

nope not yet, guess he not a very jumpy kinda baby

[frillysockmum]

Yes some babies are just not fussed - my two would both bounce and laugh for hours !