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My husband talked me into purchasing a FP Jumperoo for our 6mo DD - she loved the one at a friends house. I'm not a fan of stationary activities. Not to mention the way my friends 1yr DS bangs around in his jumperoo. I made DH & the Nanny promise no more than 20 minutes/day. Can anyone tell me a bit more about this contraption. I'm planning on putting a shock absorbing mat underneath, but I'm really worried the bouncing could effect her ankles, shins, legs, etc.
Thanks!
We have one and DS loves it (more so at 6-9 months). They've been selling doorway jumpers for years and I haven't heard any complaints about leg problems, etc. Additionally, it isn't is the same league as an exersaucer or walker, as the child can only jump, not walk/pivot, so I don't think it will have any effect on walking development. DS liked to sit in it in front of the window by his grandparents and watch the cars and trucks drive by (jumping, of course, each time one went by) and now we'll put him in it for the occassional "Signing Times" viewing.
Traci
~Connor's Mom~
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I'm a pediatric physical therapist, and I've posted many things on this board when people have asked for advice about saucers...many of those same principles apply to jumpers. In fact, I'm even less a fan of jumpers (of any type) than I am of saucers.
They can encourage tip toe standing, as well as an abnormal movement pattern known as "extensor thrust." They can put quite a bit of stress on the baby's spine, pelvis, and legs. They encourage a lordotic (sway backed) posture as well. It just isn't good in general from a postural standpoint. They can encourage muscle imbalances that can lead to postural issues down the road as well.
Additionally, any time you use a "device" like a saucer, walker, and jumper, it can negatively impact the acheivement of gross motor milestones. Limiting the use to less than 20 mins per day helps, but personally I am not a fan of any of these contraptions. We don't own any of them, and when I was working, we actually had pamphlets that we handed out to families with research on the topic. I worked w/ a pediatric physical therapist when I was an intern, and she and her husband (a pediatric orthopedic surgeon BTW) were very very anti "device" of any kind (saucers, walkers and jumpers). That is how I got interested in the topic. I actually did a bulletin board for a pediatrician's office when I was a student that included research info on saucers, walkers and jumpers. The pediatrician was a friend of theirs and fortunately was very well informed. Most pediatricians don't know much about the topic.
I know many people say their kids used these devices and are "just fine," but personally, I won't chance it with my own kid nor would I recommend their use to any parent who asks. For those who insist on using them, I would absolutely limit their use to less than 20 mins per day, but since you asked, I would recommend against their use as would every single pediatric physical therapist I know.
Since you asked ;)
I did ask & thank you both for your opinions. I am going to take them both to heart. Thank you again!
I'm disinclined to use a saucer or a jumper for the reasons Beth listed above, but I'm starting about mayve using a jumper for a few minutes once or twice a week. See, my EBF son only poops every three or four days, and when he poops, he POOPS - so much so that I don't leave the house on days when he hasn't pooped in a while because one of his poops ALWAYS requires an entire clothing change for him, and sometimes for me (let me tell you how I just LOVE picking up my child only to have poop dribble down his leg and onto me.). My pediatrician recommended letting Baby A spend a few minutes in the jumper when he's gone several days without a poop, telling me, "the jumper is a POWERFUL laxative!"
I'm very curious to hear a PT's stanpoint on the issue of jumper as laxative. Believe me, I'm tempted to employ the contraption if it makes my boy a little more regular. However, a good friend of my mother's is a pediatric physical therapist, and every time she sees Baby A, she comments on how strong and advanced his muscle tone is, and I don't want to do anything to jeopardize his progress.
Also, Beth, you mentioned that you developed a pamphlet on this topic. Is it possible for you to post the file, or to email it to me? Thank you!
We use one and he enjoys it.
I think moderation is key. My best friend is also a pediatric physical therapist. She uses a jumperoo and exersaucer with her daughter...as toys, for limited time periods, pure fun, nothing more.
In terms of the laxative effect, just being upright helps aid the body to have a BM (one of the reasons it is important when you are a patient in the hospital to get up and move as much as you are allowed). I suppose the activity might also stir things up a bit ;) If it helps your son poop, I am sure using it in very limited amounts is fine.
Smilequeen-I agree, in limited doses most of these things are probably fine. I think it is just too easy though for parents to end up having their kids spend a LOT of time in the various devices during the day without even realizing how fast a few minutes here and there adds up. So...I just like to mention the negatives so that hopefully parents are more aware of how much time their child is in there. Also, I like to make the point that they aren't "helpfuL" to development. I just hate to see parents shell out large sums of money for all of these things thinking they are needed/necessary. the way they are marketed gives a lot of parents that perception unfortunately.
Unfortunately, I do not have the pamplet on my computer. It is on a very old floppy disk, and I no longer even have a floppy drive on my MAC. If you want the references (journals/study titles/etc.) I can try to dig up a hard copy, but we're in the process of packing for a move coming up so it is tough right now. I wish I had the info handy.
I have to say that my children love the Jumperoo. Yes, I use it in moderation. It was great when they were your dd's age too since they were able to stand in it. They love to jump and do get some exercise in it. I do not keep them in it for long periods of time though. I would recommend getting one.
no offense, but parents out there...
Please don't consider a jumperoo "exercise" for your baby. It would be much more appropriate "exercise" for them to be working on their developmental skills on the floor and much more beneficial. There are concerns that jumping in a baby jumper may put infants at risk of spondylolisthesis, which is when the very bottom lumbar vertebrae slip forward on the sacrum (part of the pelvis) which can lead to low back pain and problems later in life. It is a lot of stress on the spine.
Please don't be upset with me...I just feel I have to make mention of this for anyone who is researching the topic. Just don't buy into the suggestions from the manufacturer or other parents that this is some type of "strengthening" or "exercise" type device for your baby. No way.
I am curious what you would reccomend for babies with developmental delays. We are adopting from China and developmental delays (from not being held or getting one-on-one attention and floor time) mean that many of the children have weak leg muscles. I figured the movement in a stationary device would help. Now I have no idea to do while our daughter is catching up. I don't think seeing a PT will be necessary since most of these children ususally catch up in a short period of time. Suggestions? I am glad I read this post or I would have put her in one a bit every day.
Amy
For a child with developmental delays, it is even more critical to avoid the use of jumpers/saucers/walkers. If your DD needs to work on her developmental skills, floor time will help strengthen her muscles and help her catch up. Work with her on sitting, standing while holding on, rolling, or whatever she may be struggling with, but there's no need to use these types of equipment to "strengthen" anything :) Fly her around like an "airplane" and see if she can use her back muscles to lift her head/neck and extend her back...that's a great strengthening activity. If you have a yoga type ball, you can sit her on it (if she's able) and gently tip her side to side (obviously use caution here) and that will work her trunk muscles and help strengthen them. When she's ready to learn to pull to stand, remove the couch cushions so it is lower and easier to grasp. Have her crawl over couch cushions and pillows on the floor. When she's closer to walking, walk with her holding two of her hands. Progressively lower how high you hold her hands...see if she can walk if you hold them at shoulder height, then at chest height, then at waist height. Once she can do that, try having her walk with one hand held at shoulder height and progressively lower that as she gets more confident. Introduce a push toy when she can walk with two hands held and help her move it forward a bit and then take a few steps as you help her hold it steady. There are sooo many great ideas that are developmentally appropriate, that will help strengthen her muscles, and don't require any special equipment :) There's a great book at most bookstores (Border's etc.) called "Gross Motor Skills in children with Down Syndrome" by Patricia Winders. Don't let the title scare you off...it has some great ideas in there for activities to introduce to children with mild/moderate gross motor delays, particularly those with lower muscle tone. It is very parent friendly and has lots of good photos. That might be something you want to look at to get some ideas. Obviously you need to speak w/ your pediatrician and use your judgement about which activities are appropriate for her stage of develoment once she arrives, but it contains some great ideas.
If you are concerned, you can always request an early intervention evaluation and they'll provide free in home therapy to help her catch up if necessary. Even if you think she'll catch up quickly, it might be worthwhile.
No offense to you as well, but how can it not be considered exercise when they have to use their legs for it to function? I understand your references to overuse as well as possible injuries, but while they may not be bearing their total body weight on their legs, they are bearing some weight, using their legs as mobility, and would of course be strengthening them to some extent. I can see where being on the floor would be beneficial for their upper body strength, but early on this is a good option for letting them use their legs. Sure, you can hold them in your lap, and let them push up, which is a typical developmental action, however I personally wouldn't consider things like a jumperoo totally useless. I have 4 kids (12, 10 yr old twins, 5, and one on the way), and found several of these items to be not only entertaining but functional in many ways.
Stacie
Beth,
Thanks you very much for your help! I will look into that book so taht I am ready when we bring her home.
Amy
sure thing amy. Best wishes to your growing family!
Colwyn was able to sit up really early, so he was using the Jumperoo at about 4-5 months for about 10 minutes every other day (he got bored if he was in it more). We stopped using it at about 7-8 months when he started pulling up and cruising. He probably wold have enjoyed it for a few months more, but I wanted him to focus on standing on his own rather than in the jumperoo or exersaucer.
I know that it has the potential to cause problems and delays, but I think that if you use it properly and put it away once your baby wants to stand on his/her own, I wouldn't worry too much.
Beth,
I just wanted to say that I, for one, really appreciate your input on this. I've mentioned it before but I'll mention it again - my DH has spondilolysthesis & it's not pretty. We don't know how/why he developed it - I'm quite sure it wouldn't be appropriate to bring up this discussion with MIL :). He didn't have any pain at all from it until he was about 30 & you would never know from looking at him that there was anything wrong. But the amount of pain that he is in on an almost constant basis & all the activities that he just can't do, it doesn't hardly seem worth it to me to risk that for me child for 20 minutes a day.
I don't say this to hijack the thread or to judge anybody for using these items. Everyone has their own risk threshold & I respect that. But everytime this subject comes up it seems that the only risk most people are interested in or aware of is delaying development - & that seems like the most minor one to me. Serious spinal conditions, like spondilolysthesis, are so often NOT FIXABLE and oftentimes don't show themselves until much later in life.
Just my 2 cents.
Allison
Thanks Allison. It is hard for me often times because I feel I offend those who choose to use these items...and I understand how they are terribly convenient. But...I also feel torn because there is a lack of info out there on possible negatives of saucers/walkers/jumpers, including a lack of knowledge on the topic by most pediatricians.
I'm sorry your DH has pain from the spondylolisthesis. My SIL has it as well..she's 32, and has quite a bit of pain from it.
Thanks again for your thoughtful message. I'm not always sure that my thoughts on the topic are welcome, but with my background, it is hard for me to not speak up on the topic ;)
Take care!