Bumbos; Are they safe? Should I use one for my child?

Part one of our blog series on “Bumbos and Bouncers. Walkers and Jolly Jumpers and Capsules Oh My!”

Bumbos are those little seats with short back and side supports, and with spaces for your baby's thighs to fit through the front. They help keep your baby upright in a supported seated position.

You may think that bumbos help your baby learn how to sit; not quite. Your baby actually relies on the bumbo to sit rather than developing the muscles to allow them to sit by themselves.Your baby just ends up being 'propped' up into a type of sitting position. 

A Bumbo is rigid, and not necessarily how your hips would sit if sitting on your own. This can cause issues with restrictions in the hips which may have a cascade result of altered gait and crawl pattern

Babies learn so much from exploring the world using their own strength and coordination, and they build on that in their own time and with practice. This natural progression of strength and coordination through their pelvis, torso, head and neck gained through self exploration of sitting is important for your baby's overall development.  It's great to give them that chance to practice on their own with you by their side, and not always rely on an aid holding them in place. 

The other issue with Bumbo’s is from a falls perspective. We don't want our babies tipping backwards or to the sides and out of the Bumbo. For example, if their feet kick off the floor they may send themselves toppling backwards with the seat and hit their heads!

At Osteo 4 Families we adore treating babies. It’s wonderful being able to offer hands on treatment and see them change over time, gaining more movement and new skills. If you have any concerns, or your little one is struggling with movements, or having trouble sitting independently, call us to see how we may be of assistance. You may wish to read our blog on developmental milestones and sitting at https://www.osteo4families.com.au/osteopathy-blog-admin/2019/9/9/sitting-what-age-should-my-child-be-able-to-sit-independently-my-child-always-falls-forward-when-trying-to-sit

If you are wanting to know more, contact us at Osteo 4 Families on 0416 161 411, or book online at https://osteo4families.cliniko.com/bookings#location

Look out for our blog about walkers part two of our blog series on “Bumbos and Bouncers. Walkers and Jolly Jumpers and Capsules Oh My!”