Bumbos and Bouncers. Walkers and Jolly Jumpers and Capsules Oh My! Have you thought about the positive or negative impacts of these?

What should I use?

So many options for the modern baby! It's understandable to be overwhelmed and question if our babies need all these things.

Bumbos, bouncers, walkers and jolly jumpers can be convenient at the time, but do you ever wonder about the potential negative side of them?

Parents frequently ask us as Osteopaths if these things are good or bad for their babies. We treat lots of babies and kids, and we are happy to share with you some information to help you decide if you'd like to use them.

There is research out there to suggest that ‘infants who have high equipment use tend to score lower on infant motor development or that infants who have low equipment use tend to score higher on infant motor development.’ (Abbott & Bartlett p 295-306). We need to question whether we should be using walkers or jolly jumpers. Another study says it delays walking between 11-26 days (Burrows & Griffiths p 581-586). So for a delay of 11-26 days you have to question if that is enough to stop using one?

Over the next few weeks we will look in detail at each appliance including:

1/ Bumbo’s 

2/ Walker’s 

3/ Jolly Jumper 

4/ Bouncer 

5/ Capsule 

So stay tuned on our blog series on “Bumbos and Bouncers. Walkers and Jolly Jumpers and Capsules Oh My!”