Jumper for children - from when and if it is safe

Jumpers are popular toys for children. What is the reason for their popularity? It is largely due to the parent's convenience. The parent can relax for a while letting the toddler play alone. But is this solution safe for the child? You will find out in our article.

 

What is a baby jumper?

 

Baby jumpers constitute a wide category of play equipment. They occur both in the form of swings or walkers with a frame, as well as spring-loaded animals.

The most basic models are designed for children who can already sit up on their own and keep their heads upright, but they do not yet need to be able to walk. Undoubtedly, this is a solution, thanks to which the parent gains more time.

 

Types of baby jumpers

 

Jumpers in the form of swings are mounted on the ceiling or in the door frame. When a child is put into such a swing, it bounces itself pushing its feet against the floor.

The second type of jumpers is based on a similar principle, with such a difference that the device has a frame - it does not need to be hung. It is a kind of a swing or a walker, we put a child in a harness and it pushes its legs against the floor. These jumpers usually contain additional accessories, e.g. toys that occupy a baby.

The third category of jumpers are rubber, spring-loaded animals. A baby may sit on such a jumper as on a rocking horse. This option is definitely for older children, who can keep balance and react appropriately if a fall occurs.

 

Jumper for baby - from which month?

 

Manufacturers of this type of toys argue that the jumpers can be used by babies from 6 months of age. However, physiotherapists warn: such toys should definitely be used by older children. The biggest mistake is putting children in jumpers, who are not yet able to sit up by themselves! Also keep in mind that the ability to jump is formed in children only at the age of two.

 

Advantages of jumpers

 

It seems that the baby jumper is ideal equipment only for ... parents. They are the ones who benefit most from the fact that a toddler is busy and safe without constant supervision on their part. At that time they can make a quick dinner, do the laundry or rest.

However, let's think whether it is worth buying a device, if benefits for a child are doubtful? Is it worth sacrificing so much for a few free moments? After all, there are definitely better solutions, such as placing a toddler on a special mat or in a suitable rocker.

 

 

Jumpers - disadvantages

 

Mom and Dad, we appeal for your attention when it comes to using jumpers. Undoubtedly, they are attractive devices. But use them with caution! No toy can replace active care.

There are currently many arguments against baby walkers and jumpers. Paediatric physiotherapists and sensory integration therapists are almost unanimous in their criticism of these devices. They draw attention to the fact that children are uprighted too early (kept in an unnatural vertical position when they are not yet sitting or standing). What can it result in? Among other things, problems with muscle tone, so common today. It may also contribute to the development of postural defects at a later age.

Hip joints of a child using such toys are overloaded. This may contribute to their improper formation and cause problems with excessive muscle tone. A toddler in a jumper does not exercise the sense of balance, nor does it develop the upper body. Do not place children in equipment that requires unnatural posture!

Another important issue is exposing a child using such a toy to too many stimuli. If you want to support their development, give them toys that stimulate one sense. Manufacturers of jumpers, wanting to lure customers, offer devices in which the child can jump and at the same time play with accessories (gadgets make sounds, trumpet, light up, you can touch them). This is definitely too many stimuli for the developing nervous system.

We strongly encourage you to choose other products for babies - ones that will develop their vestibular system. The vestibular system is only developed through rocking, swinging and playing with mom or dad.

If a parent wants to have a moment to themselves (e.g. to drink warm coffee in peace), they should think about buying special rockers. They will not only give the parents respite, but also have a great impact on the child's development, which is the most important thing!

Rocking supports development of many processes and functions at every stage of human life. It stimulates the development of children's senses, stimulates the vestibular system in the brain (responsible for motor coordination and sense of balance), and affects emotional and intellectual development. So many valuable benefits in such a simple activity!

Parents can choose from a variety of different versions and functions of the rockers. There are classic models, e.g. UNIMO, FELIO, which have a number of conveniences (safety harness, position regulation, easy folding etc.), as well as electric rockers, such as LUMI, LULI or FLO. These are modern devices which rock the baby by themselves (the parent can control the intensity and time of rocking, even with a remote control). LUMI and LULI also have the option of rocking from side to side - it resembles rocking in the parent's arms.

Experts also recommend using the floor to play with your baby. Instead of putting your baby in an unnatural position in a jumper or walker, you can put him on a foam mat (e.g. LUNO, MATTY) or an educational mat (e.g. SMARTPLAY or TIPI). There are also special sensory mats like 4SMART. This mat is divided into four zones: sight, hearing, touch and concentration.

All mats encourage your baby to raise its head, stretch  arms, turn from tummy to back, help it to improve eye-hand coordination. And above all, they motivate a baby to move and play in a natural way.

 

What to pay attention to when choosing a jumper for your child?

 

Ask yourself: do I really need a baby jumper? There are much better and healthier solutions! As often as possible put your baby on a mat, they will exercise their muscles and gain skills in a natural way. You can also put your baby in a rocker for a while to keep an eye on them while you have to take care of something. We discourage you from buying a jumper as the health of children is the most important thing for us.

We encourage you to choose other, safer devices and accessories - your baby's health is the basis!