What are 'bumper bars' on buggies actually for?

[filetheflightoffancy]

We have a bugaboo cameleon, and when DS was in the carrycot stage of it, we used the bumper bar thing (I think that is what it is called?!) as a handle to carry it. When we changed over to the pushchair mode we packed away the bumper bar, but whenever I see people with a bugaboo they always seem to have it on the buggy.

What is it actually for? Surely it cannot be to stop children falling out as they are strapped in. And people are not bashing their buggies into each other so its not as if it actually needs to act as a 'bumper'? If anything it just makes it more difficult to get them in the buggy as it is in the way.

I know this is hardly up there with the Most Important Questions About the Universe, but can anyone enlighten me?

I am considering buying one if it slows down DDs rate of escape from the buggy.

Something to suck/chew on.

My DC always used to lie back and rest their legs on them. Not sure why som many pushchairs have them.

Something to catch their feet on when you're trying to get an unco-operative toddler in or out of the pushchair. Especially when their shoes are muddy.

Not keen on them myself.

We had a skate but I assume the bumper bar is in a similar position. DS used to do pull ups on it just before he managed to crawl, it was his own self imposed exercise routine. Also handy for sticking toys on.

DD used to like sitting bolt upright holding onto the bumper bar on the pushchair we had so I presumed that's what it was for, some additional support.

DS on the other hand was Mr Laid Back and used to recline in a chilled manner with his feet casually resting on the bumper bar.

It's for my ds to put his head on when he's having a strop sobbing at the injustice of the world or to put his feet up on as he surveys his empire.

We never use ours. Pointless bit of equipment that just gets on the way!

There are some cosytoes that hang off the bumper, great for children like ds3 who don't like the conventional kind, and it also means you can stick them in the buggy, remove the muddy wellies and cover their legs up without getting mud everywhere :)

With the Cameleon its also a carrying handle so that you can lift the seat off when you need to place it on the floor - the Cam seat makes a great mini floor chair for feeding in - but when you need to convert to two wheel mode. There arent many pushchairs where they recommend you lift your child off in the seat using it, but the Cam used to be one that was fine. I dont know if the new Cam3 bumper bar being gate hinged is as strong though.

With some pushchairs eg the Oyster, I find the bumper bar just gets in the way especially when folding. I dont particularly need a bumper bar but some bumper bars like the Baby Jogger ones are useful when the child console is added. I put toys on mine now and again but rarely. My son likes putting his feet on them too! Some children like to hold them though.

Hate the iCandy bumper bar. Just gets in the way!

DD has been known to hang over them backwards with her head in the seat and her bottom in the direction of oncoming people. I get looks of sympathy.

They're also good for clipping toys onto and slightly slowing escape bids.

The cameleon bar had bite marks out here! Took it off as didn't Think foam was v nutritious

I know that babies are strapped in generally, but I still think of it as to s'top them falling out' - not sure why. Maybe it's a psychological thing.

Also I've found both of mine liked to hold on to it. It's a bit like having handles in the bath. You can hold on and pull yourself upright, grip it as you go along, have something to bump against if your straps allow that much movement...and you can hang toys from it, and so on.

I think it might be useful just as an additional aid to mobility, to exercising, to movement and to spatial development. But that might be crap

I like bumper bars.

Oh yes and you can wrap the top of the footmuff around them sometimes, which creates a gap between it and them, so it doesn't just rest on top of them and they don't get so tangled up in it - and it stays a bit cleaner perhaps.

I like that too.

Tiggy- you're meant to remove the bumper bar on an oyster before folding.

Most bumper bars are there to attach toys to, I believe their real reason is to prevent a child who has wriggled out of their shoulder harness from being able to fall out. I rarely see any child locally still with the shoulder straps on over their shoulders. Makes me really cross, especially when I then see quite a few falling out.

Yes DS liked to hold it mostly. We did put some musical toys on it for a while which kept him entertained when we were stopped for coffee or whatever. I mostly found it useful as a lifting aid when the BJCM was folded, and if you angled it right you could stand it on its end with the wheel tucked into it .

I bought one specially so that my DD could sit upright or lean forward. She also puts her feet up on it to sleep.

DS3 uses his on his Hartan Racer for putting his feet up on. He then puts his arms behind his head and relaaaaaaxes!

You dont need to remove the Oyster bumper bar to fold - you can fold the Oyster bumper bar right down and then the seat folds on top of it.

Just to add, thats in the instructions ;)

Camelon bumper bar useful as a handlebar for a child on a buggy board facing their sibling and to stop them from headbutting their sister when I get a bit frisky on kerbs

My graco bumper bar has little sections built in the hold snacks, it's a godsend to bribe an unwilling toddler to get in the buggy.

About
For your little one’s extra comfort, you can choose to add an elegant bumper bar. Matching in colour to your leatherette handlebar. With just one hand it’s easy to use, and you’re ready to continue on your way.
for an extra cosy & safe feeling
easy to open with one hand on both sides
attach toys
available in brown, mid brown and black carbon