Baby Bouncers

[laudaud]

I'm interested in views on baby bouncers. SIL has bought one for DD for christmas and I'm personally not in favour of them. I brought DD to a baby massage class and the teacher said that they are not great for babys development.

ooh i believe these are highly controversial on mn

ds had one at around 5 months and loved it until about 7 months. strictly supervised and for 10 - 15 min bouncing sessions only

after became mobile interest waned rapidly, unsurprisingly

are we talking door bouncers or chair bouncers?

I'VE had one for both of my girls, they have loved it, never in for longer than 10 min at a time and that is gradually built up, they need to have really strong neck control. It's great for their legs, gives them a good workout

why arehn't you in favoaur?

i was thinking the door bouncer....!

Door bouncers. I think I may have to discuss with DH how we tell SIL that we would prefer to exchange for something else.

I'm sure she'd rather you have something that you approve of

why don't you like them?

What I've heard is that they encourage babies to be on their tip toes which is not good for development - they need to be encouraged to have feet flat on ground for walking (I'm a first time mother so may be a bit anal about things which is why I want to hear other views!)

Not as contraversial as babywalkers though ! Used a door bouncer for both ds and dd and they enjoyed "dancing" for short periods. Don't think they do anything to enhance a baby's development but ok as long as they are already weight bearing and can support themselves well, use it for short periods and are supervised (I used to grab a cup of tea an sit in front). Now babywalkers on the other hand....

but surely they are more likely to want to use them (door bouncer)well before walking becomes an issue, before crawling even.

its obviously a right laugh for them, ds used to pick up both feet at right angles and look at his slippers. and twirl around in circles.

ds LOVED his door bouncer and used it from 4-12 months - one of our best baby gifts (funnily enough also bought by SIL)

but if it's not what you'd like I think you should suggest an alternative..

DD used hers maybe 5 times a week for 40 mins from about 6-11 months. This was the time I hung the washing out or did the hoovering. I honestly don't think 40 mins a day would restrict her development, she was walking at 12.5 months. I don't like baby walkers and she never had one of those.

okay I'm coming around to the idea. I've also just picked up DD and bounced her up and down in arms to see what she thinks of the sensation - lots of giggles! She is 6 months so probably the right age for it!

My ds loved his too. We used to put on music and he'd "dance" in his bouncer! I think the only danger is if they are not securely attached to the door frame... Once he was crawling we didn't use it.
He had a walker too, something I would never buy, but a neighbour offered the use of it. Neither affected his walking or motor control.