Watching your baby grow and develop is one of the most exciting (and nerve-wracking) parts of parenthood.
There are so many products out there to help your baby and entertain them as they reach different stages and ages. One of these is the Jumperoo.
A baby Jumperoo lets babies exercise and play. The more modern ones have a base made of hard plastic that sits in a frame. They have a fabric seat with two leg holes that are suspended.
There are often different toys around that babies can play with as they bounce and jump. Older baby jumpers were suspended from a door frame with an elastic strap.
As you can imagine, this wasn’t the safest idea for babies. This is why many Jumperoos have evolved!
While a baby may be jumping to get into a Jumperoo, they may not be ready for it. It’s important that you don’t place your baby in a Jumperoo too early because they can get hurt.
Let’s take at some Jumperoo age recommendations as well as some things to look for as you shop.
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What Is the Right Jumperoo Age For My Baby?
There is no right answer here because babies develop at different stages. Some babies may be ready at the six-month mark, while others may not reach that point until they’re eight months or older.
Your baby should definitely be able to hold his head on his own and have pretty good head and neck control. Jumperoos have no support in this area, so your baby is on his own.
That’s why it’s important to be sure he’s developmentally ready to take on the Jumperoo. You can also check the age recommendations on the product you’re considering.
This can help steer you in the right direction, but it’s not a definite answer on when your baby is ready.
The American Academy of Pediatrics often references the 8-12 month mark for when babies are ready for activity centers or things like push cars for babies. You can also use that as a reference point if you’re thinking about the right Jumperoo age.
- Freestanding infant jumper with a seat that spins for 360 degrees of play
- Music, lights, and sounds reward and encourage your babys every bounce
- Easily adjusts to 3 different heights as your baby grows
- Colorful toys include a light-up chameleon, bat-at panda & elephant, lion slider, alligator flipper, froggy teether, beaded giraffe, and more; Plus, 2 take-along toys
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Are There Dangers Associated with A Baby Jumperoo?
You always have to have eyes in the back of your head when it comes to baby toys. Sometimes, even the safest toys can end up hurting your little one by mistake.
There are some safety concerns when it comes to babies and Jumperoos. If you’re talking about the older models, there are worries that a baby can hit his head, arms, or other body parts against the door frame.
This may be one of the reasons why some parents shy away from this model. Also, you should be looking at how your baby is sitting in the jumper seat.
Be sure his hips are not in an awkward position. This can work the wrong leg muscles and do more harm than good.
Is Jumperoos Bad for A Baby’s Development?
There are split opinions on this one. Some pediatricians and child development experts have spoken out about concerns that a Jumperoo can slow a baby’s development because they’re just sitting in a jumper seat.
The worry is that they’re missing out on other activities that can help them walk better or explore.
Experts usually recommend limiting the time your baby spends in a Jumperoo to sessions of 15-20 minutes with no more than two sessions daily.
What Are The Benefits of A Baby Jumperoo?
While there are concerns about how a Jumperoo can hinder a baby’s development, there are some benefits to using one.
Jumperoos usually have activities around them for children to play with as they sit and bounce. Some of these can teach colors, numbers, or shapes.
Also, a Jumperoo can be a safe place to let a baby play if you have to do something in the house. You don’t have to worry about them crawling anywhere or getting in trouble.
But, you still need to keep an eye on them. As we all know, accidents can happen at any time, anywhere.
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How Should A Babysit in a Jumperoo?
You always want your baby to be front-facing. If you put him in backward, they may not get the support they need and may get hurt.
Adjust the height of the seat so your baby’s feet can reach the floor. But, you don’t want them flat when they’re at rest. Your child needs to be able to touch the floor enough that they can push off to get a good bounce.
Many Jumperoos are adjustable so that you can change the height as your baby grows. Be aware of where your baby’s feet are as they jump.
This will alert you when it’s time to change the height. We all know how fast babies grow, so this may happen sooner than you think.
When Should My Baby Stop Using A Jumperoo?
A clear sign when your baby is no longer at the right Jumperoo age is when they can no longer fit in one. Check the weight limit on your specific Jumperoo.
The typical weight limit is between 20 and 33 pounds. When they get too big for a Jumperoo, there’s a chance they can tip over when they’re bouncing or moving.
Even if your baby is strapped in (which they definitely should be), they may try to wiggle out as they get older and stronger.
Any time that there’s a chance your baby could get out of the Jumperoo or topple over, it’s a sign that it’s time to stop using it. Safety is priority number one when it comes to your children and any products you’re using for them.
The Bottom Line
When you want to know when your baby can use a Jumperoo, it’s best to monitor his development and see when he’s ready. Just because your friend’s baby is ready at six months doesn’t mean yours is going to be at the same time.
See how your baby is holding his head up and moving on his own to see if he’s ready for a Jumperoo.
You can always ask your pediatrician for their professional opinion. He or she can advise you about whether your child is at the right age to start using a Jumperoo.
