Bumbo - can't decide whether to use it or not

[SheldonLovesAmy]

We've been given a bum ho for dc2. Didn't buy or use one for dc1.

Are they okay to use or controversial like baby Bjorns are? I worry about "forcing" dc2 in a sitting position before he's ready to sit himself.

[ThisIsMeNow]

at Bum ho!!

We used a similar one from m&p. Was fine, no real issues. Glad it was second hand as only used for a few weeks!

[plummyjam]

If he can support his head then I think they're ok, it's mainly trunk support they give. We had one and didn't use it that much as DD was held most of the time but I can see the advantage if you've got 2 DC.

[Smartiepants79]

We used one for both our girls. They loved it. being able to sit up and see the world was great for them. Don't leave them in it all day and I can't see how it can do any long term damage.
Both mine sat independently t the right times and have gone on to develop perfectly normally.

[SheldonLovesAmy]

Haha yes typo bumBO

[SheldonLovesAmy]

Thank you all

[jimijack]

Mine was able to support his head when I used mine.

He used to sit on the garden table in it in the summer while I put out the washing or sit on the kitchen table while I cooked.

Loved ours.
He was walking at 8.5 months so it didn't damage him whatsoever.

[ouryve]

Use it so long as he can hold his head up.

Never on a table, though

[Reiltin]

Physios are dead against them. Apparently they can hurt the kid's alignment. Better to surround them with pillows (we use a duvet!)

[GwendolineMaryLacey]

I hate them. Didn't have one for dd1 and was given one for dd2. I hated the way she was forced into a sitting position. Plenty of time for them to be sitting upright when they can do it themselves without propping them up by wedging them into a false position.

[HeartsTrumpDiamonds]

Never knew it was controversial at the time - DD1 is 10 and DD2 is 7. They both are fine but if course that is purely anecdotal. They loved being in their bumbo. We used it quite a lot - in the bath, for feeding, for sitting.

Not 100% sure I would use one now though... Hard to know.

[HeartsTrumpDiamonds]

*of

[stargirl1701]

They are controversial. The OTs and Physios at work argue they are for children with ASN such as low muscle tone and should not be used for children developing normally.

[BaldricksTurnip]

They're ok but always use them on the floor, never on a raised surface or a table. All three of mine managed to ping out of the Bumbo at some point and they didn't even use it that much! Had a tray which clipped onto ours which was quite nice as you can use it like a little high chair if out visiting etc.

[BertieBowtiesAreCool]

I'm not keen. Lots of people seem to think they're fine but I can't see how forcing them into a sitting position helps with anything.

[BertieBowtiesAreCool]

That was not what I meant to say at all I meant I can't see how it's not harmful TBH.

[BrunoTonioli]

dd1 hated it, Her chubby legs got wedged and it was really hard to get her out. I never tried with dd2.
I agree with GwendolineMaryLacey - plenty of time for sitting up later

[welovetopsyandtim]

We thought they were great. The babies love being able to sit up and look ariund. But you need to be careful with them. The baby can flip themselves out by arching their back. So csn never be left unattended. They were recalled in the usa at one time for this reason.

[ILoveCwtches]

I've got one for dd. We have a small flat so have no room for a highchair. Barely used it before she could sit up herself, though. I use it for feeding her in, as we have one with a tray.

She will also sit in it to watch the washing machine, so that I can get on with other jobs, rather than holding her so she can stand and shout at the washing going round!

[domesticslattern]

Do a search on bumbo recall and skull fractures. I have heard of so many babies who arch and flip out of them that I would only ever use on carpet. So not much use in my home.

[SheldonLovesAmy]

Tbh im not happy with the idea of using it and most of you have confirmed my worries - don't like the idea of forcing him to sit. Worried about his spine etc.

[Smartiepants79]

Does presumably depend on the age of the child and how long they are in it. If your child can already sit up and doesn't spend hours in it I'm not sure i understand the harm it could do.
As for flipping out and cracking their skull, the answer to that is simple. Don't leave them in it unattended. Problem solved.

[princesscupcakemummyb]

hi op we bought one for our daughter when she was little and she hated it she must have used it for a total of 10 mins and it never saw the light of day again it was a total waste of money we even bought the tray to go with it it didnt look or feel very nice to sit in either and i have to agree and say def controversial

[bluecheeseforbreakfast]

I can't see the point of them if you can't leave the baby unattended, surely you can just hold your baby rather than sit it in a bumbo and with them?

[Only1scoop]

Great for using for short periods. Easy to flip out of them though.

[Lollypop1983]

We keep one at DM house. Useful as have one with a tray and useful for feeding. Only used after he could sit up and only really used for feeding as have no highchair there.