Among all these gears, some have proven to be very beneficial, while the benefits of some are still under debate.
A jumper or bouncer, commonly known as a jumperoo, is a very common baby gear loved by parents. It is a playing device that can keep babies engaged for a good chunk of time, leaving the parents some free time to wind up their work or get some free time.
Considering the hype, many parents jump into buying it without even researching about it. There are many questions that should be considered before buying, like whether it is safe to use. What are the risks and recommendations associated with its use? And many more questions like them. Once you have evaluated your choice, you can make the right decision.
Hannah Holt
What is a baby jumper?
A baby jumper is a seat suspended in the air with springs or rubber cables that make the seat bounce with the baby's movement. This sling seat can be fixed to a door frame or its frame. Some versions of the jumperoo have hanging toys making it more attractive and playful for the baby.
Jumperoo attached to its frame is a better option than the one fixed on the door frame as it has fewer risks and dangers involved.
What is the perfect age for babies to start and stop using the jumper?
A jumper may be an attractive play gear for babies but using it at the right is immensely important because of safety issues. Many parents are unaware of when a baby can use a jumper. And this ignorance can be harmful to the baby's growth.
A jumper is basically a bouncy swing; it will go to and fro and up and down. The baby must have enough neck and back strength to handle all the bounces. A baby without head control and neck stability should not be placed on the bouncer. Such a baby may damage his spinal cord or neck bone in the jumper.
When babies are around five to six months of age, they start gaining control over their head and neck movements. Once they reach this milestone, they can start using a jumper.
Likewise, babies cannot use jumperoo as long as they are enjoying it. Once a baby starts to learn to sit on his own or has reached the weight limit of the jumper, its use should be stopped. Using the jumper even after that limit can be dangerous for the baby.
Why should a jumper be used?
Parents need a break from the hectic schedule they are bound to follow because of baby duties. Making the baby use jumper for some time of the day is a great way to escape the day's madness and finish your remaining work or just relax while you can.
Almost all babies enjoy using a jumper and can spend considerable time in the jumper playing without requiring their mom or dad to entertain them. The babies are tied up on the seat, so parents don't have to worry about their safety as well.
Hannah Holt
What are the risks involved with using a jumper?
Although a jumper is a great and enjoyable play gear for babies and a great way to keep babies engaged without requiring assistance, using a jumper can be risky and involves several hazards. You can watch a chiropractor’s perspective on using a jumper here. Some risks involved with the use of a jumper include:
- It may strain the baby's hip bone and spinal cord, causing trouble in their growth and development. Disorders like hip dysplasia and dislocation are common in babies who use jumpers excessively.
- Excessive use of jumpers can result in delayed walking of the baby.
- The position of the baby in a jumper causes the gluteus muscles to become inactive and tightens the calf muscles as they are mostly on their toes in a jumper. This leads to toe-walking in the future.
- In jumpers that are fixed to the door frame, risks of head injury are involved. Furthermore, pinching fingers or falling off the jumper because of mechanical failure can also occur.
FAQs:
Q: How often can the jumper be used?
A: Excessive use of the jumper is highly objected to by doctors. It is recommended to use it for not more than 15 or 20 minutes twice a day only. Excessive or regular use of the jumper can cause adverse effects on the baby's physical development.
Q: What alternative can be used to keep the baby entertained?
A: The market is filled with numerous options to be used for entertaining the baby. Try to use anything that is stationary and soft to avoid any possible injuries to the baby. You can get many activity centers and toys that fit into this category.
Q: Can the baby use a jumper if his toes do not reach the floor?
A: Considering the baby's height is imperative before using the jumper. If the baby cannot reach the floor even at the lowest setting, it is not suitable for its use. Hanging in the seat without foot support can be very strenuous for the baby and severely affect his backbone development.
Hannah Holt
