Bumbo seat yes or no?

[Bobbieiris]

Just been given a bumbo seat but a quick google showed they aren’t great for a baby’s development and can be bad for their hips and spine. Also I was wary of using one as it has no belt or anything to secure the baby so felt like I had to constantly supervise while in use..I wouldn’t pop baby in it while I wash up etc as doesn’t look secure, so would stick to bouncy chairs for now.

what are people’s thoughts on them? Baby was very premature so I like to research things before use.

Yes from me. I bought one for our son back in 2011 when they didn't have straps on the Bumbo anyway- the idea is they don't need a strap since the seat is designed to be used on the floor not on anything higher than that. Used it lots for him and then used for our daughter 2 years later. No issues whatsoever for either of them, no hip issues, no falls from the Bumbo, both babies loved it. My children were also both premature as well if that helps put your mind at rest a little, i remember it well.

Oh and yes they are not meant to be plonked in them unsupervised. It was great for weaning when we were visiting friends or family who didn't have a high chair. Easy to take with us in the car and very easy to clean.

I think they’re fine in measured amounts.

My physio says no and I'm inclined to agree

Nah. We used them loads when they first came out and everyone thought they were great, but they're really not recommended now, it's not a natural position to sit baby in and it's not great for hips and spine. I'd just use a bouncer.

I decided to chuck it out on the end. Baby kept trying to wriggle out of it and it didn’t seem a very natural sitting position: I think if used for very short amounts of time it would be ok but a bouncy chair is safer and baby rarely uses that now as spends most wake time on the playmat on either back or tummy. it’s not something I would feel comfortable leaving baby in when cooking etc as not that secure so would need loads of supervision

We had one for DS. It took him about 2 days to work out how to get out of it!

No. They sit babies in a very unnatural position and I don't use baby items physios don't like. Also I've seen people use them on raised surfaces which looks like a head injury waiting to happen.