A Bumbo seat is a pediatric seating device that helps provide support to babies and toddlers who are learning to sit up on their own. This unique chair is made of one piece of molded foam, which cradles the baby safely and comfortably while helping them maintain an upright posture.
The Bumbo seat has become increasingly popular among parents since it was first introduced in 2003, as it allows infants to be safely engaged with family activities at an earlier age.
The age range for use of the Bumbo seat typically starts at 3-4 months old or as soon as the baby can hold up their head. Generally, babies should remain in the Bumbo seat until they have mastered basic sitting skills or reached 16-20 pounds; at this point, most children will no longer fit into the contours of the seat properly and may need additional support from other types of seating devices like high chairs or booster seats.
Understanding the pros and cons of using a Bumbo seat can help parents make an informed decision about whether they would like to use one with their child.
In this post we will talk about when is the right age for your baby to start using a Bumbo seat, common safety considerations, and whether it helps your child sit or not.
If you’re looking for bumbo seat alternatives we’ve got this too!
Are Bumbo Seats Safe?
According to physical therapists, bumbo seats can be a safe and useful tool for babies when used properly; however, it is important to note that not all physical therapists support the use of the product. Many believe that while they can provide some helpful positioning assistance, they should not replace regular tummy time activities or other floor play.
Additionally, bumbo seats should only be used when an infant has achieved adequate head control and strength in their neck muscles (which typically occurs around 3-4 months).
In terms of safety concerns related to using a bumbo seat are: falls, airway obstruction due to slumping/slouching and pressure injuries from prolonged sitting.
To reduce the risk of any potential falls, place infants in their bumbo seat on the ground (this makes retrieving them much easier) and always supervise at all times. If your child’s posture starts slacking then remove her from the seat immediately as this could block her airway.
Do not keep your child in a Bumbo seat for more than 30 minutes per day.
When Can A Baby Sit In A Bumbo Seat?
Bumbo recommends the use of their floor seat for babies 3-12 months. However, each child goes through different developmental stages at different times so it’s important to look for signs of your baby’s readiness before introducing a Bumbo Seat.
When looking for signs that your baby is ready to sit in a Bumbo Seat, it’s important to observe if they are able to hold their head up with minimal support while sitting upright (this usually happens around 3-4 months).
Other indicators include having adequate trunk strength and neck control as well as being able to move their legs into a sitting position without assistance. The best way is always to practice caution and make sure you read the manufacturer’s instructions on recommended ages before placing your child in a Bumbo seat or similar device.
The maximum suggested age for using a Bumbo seat is 18 months old; after this point, toddlers should no longer need extra support from such devices in order be seated comfortably and safely.
Additionally, when your child has developed crawling skills like pushing themselves up on all fours or scooting backward you should discontinue use for safety reasons since children can easily tip over these seats if not properly secured or adjusted per instructions given by the manufacturer.
Bumbo Seat Safety Tips
Parents should never place their child higher than countertop level when using a bumbo seat. The revised version of this seat now includes straps but caution still needs to be exercised.
Even though this device offers plenty of stability and comfort for small kids who don’t yet know how to sit independently and keep balanced on regular chair surfaces-falls do happen in these situations if the parent/caregiver isn’t paying close attention. Never leave your child unattended in the seat.
Never carry a child with you while seated in a Bumbo seat because this device does not give your baby enough support to protect them in case of an unexpected drop.
Do Bumbo Seats Help Your Baby Learn To Sit Up?
No, a bumbo seat will not teach your baby to sit up. It can help your baby remain in an upright position, but it’s important to note that a bumbo seat cannot replace the skills needed to sit.
Babies need to develop core strength, neck and shoulder muscles. These skills are best developed through floor time activities such as tummy time, reaching for objects, and rolling/crawling.
Therefore, while a bumbo seat can provide your child with brief periods of assisted sitting, it should not be relied upon as a teaching tool or the sole method of helping your baby learn to sit.
How Can You Help Your Baby Learn To Sit Up
When helping your baby learn to sit up unassisted, there are some important steps you can take.
It can be beneficial to create an atmosphere conducive to sitting up by placing toys and other objects in front of your baby that will encourage them to stretch out their arms towards these items and work on controlling their body movements.
This helps strengthen their neck, back, and arm muscles which are essential for sitting up independently.
In addition to supervised tummy time, it’s important that your baby has plenty of opportunities to practice their new-found skills in a seated position while they are supported by pillows and cushions.
Bumbo Seat Alternatives
Keep in mind that while on occasion Bumbo seats may offer some value, there are other developmentally appropriate seating strategies such as floor sitters, floor mats with toys just out of reach, or attaching toys to stationary objects like furniture should still likely become part of your daily routine once you start using a Bumbo Seat regularly with your baby!
Here is a list of what to use instead of a bumbo seat that can support sitting:
A Boppy -this is great for all kinds of baby care activities including supported sitting.
Small storage bin or laundry basket
A cushioned corner seat made of soft padding
Pack and play
Baby bathtub
FAQs About Bumbo Seats
Are bumbo seats banned?
Bumbo seats are not actually banned for personal consumer use. You can purchase one without penalty or restriction. In 2012 for safety reasons, the company recalled the seats to add a restraint belt to the product. Prior to this date, these seats were not manufactured with a restraint belt.
Just remember that finding and using safe, age appropriate products is best. If you have a bumbo seat without a belt, it’s a good idea to discontinue the use of this one and replace it with the newer models.
Can a 2 month old sit in a Bumbo?
A two month old is highly unlikely to have all the necessary abdominal and neck muscles needed to support their head and upper body while sitting in a Bumbo seat.
As such, it is not recommended that infants of such an age be placed in the seat due to their unsafe posture, which could easily lead to accidental slipping or teetering that may cause injury.
This can be prevented by waiting until an infant develops those essential muscles, allowing them to better safely use a Bumbo seat with improved coordination. Until then, parents should monitor their babies carefully and provide manual balance supervision as needed.
How long can a 3 month old sit in a Bumbo?
Limited studies have been done on the extended use of the popular Bumbo seat. However, there is some consensus in terms of short-term usage that 3 month old infants can safely spend 10 to 20 minutes at most while they are seated upright in a Bumbo chair. Do not exceed 30 minutes of use per day.
Should I Use A Bumbo Seat For My Baby?
In conclusion, Bumbo seats can be a useful tool for helping babies learn to sit up unassisted. However, parents should carefully monitor their children while in the seat and should never exceed 30 minutes of use per day.
It is important to remember that Bumbo seats are not a teaching tool or replacement for floor time activities such as tummy time and learning to use “floor sitters” or other alternatives when helping baby learn how to sit up.
With proper usage, a Bumbo seat can provide parents with brief periods of assisted sitting for their children.