"Just because a baby is in an Exersaucer or activity center doesn’t mean they are completely safe and don’t need to be monitored closely," says Christina Johns, M.D., a pediatrician and senior medical advisor at PM Pediatrics in Lake Success, New York. But your child should still be closely supervised when using these products. Jumpers can be fun and entertaining for babies, which means you can get a couple of minutes hands-free. If your little one happens to doze off in one of these products, move her to a safe, flat sleeping spot like a crib, bassinet or playard. "If you haven't bought it new yourself, make sure it's stable, in perfect working order and has no loose pieces that could become choking hazards," says Ben Hoffman, M.D., chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics' Council on Injury, Violence, and Poison Prevention. Also make sure the activity center or jumper still has all the pieces so it can be assembled correctly, and check that it's in good working order. If you go this route, be sure to search the Consumer Product Safety Commission database to make sure that the product hasn't been recalled. Since these pieces can be pricey and are used for a relatively short period of time, parents sometimes accept hand-me-down activity centers from friends or even buy them used. SafetyĪs fun as they are, there are a number of important safety considerations to keep in mind when shopping for and using jumpers and activity centers. We included products at a variety of price points, and the most expensive jumpers and activity centers have features that warrant their higher price tag. But you don’t have to spend that much to get a high-quality jumper.
Cost: Jumpers and activity centers can get expensive - some are upwards of $300, which is a lot for a product that only gets a few months of use.We prioritized jumpers that have features that make them a better longer-term investment. But some jumpers have features that allow them to be used for longer, such as those that convert into a toddler table. Longevity: Unfortunately, jumpers and activity centers have a pretty short lifespan: Most are only appropriate for babies from around 4 to 9 months old, depending on your baby’s neck strength and weight.We prioritized jumpers that come with a variety of toys that are well suited for the 4- to 9-month-old age group, as well as some that play music. Entertainment: The best jumpers and activity centers are fun and engaging for babies.We chose jumpers of various sizes to work with large and small spaces. Space: While very helpful, jumpers can take up quite a lot of space in the home.Per this guidance, all of the jumpers on our list are stationary. The AAP, however, does consider stationary activity a safer alternative. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends a ban on the sale and use of these products. But these types of baby walkers aren't safe as they are a fall risk, and shouldn't be used. Stationary: Baby walkers, and even some jumpers, have wheels attached so baby can move while they play.We reviewed and selected jumpers based on the following criteria from leading experts, as well as What to Expect community members: How we chose the best jumpers and activity centers “Jumpers offer hands-free time for parents, can provide engaging stimulation and may even soothe some fussy babies,” says Micah Resnick, M.D., F.A.A.P., a board-certified pediatrician in Cincinnati, Ohio, with TriHealth and member of the What to Expect Medical Review Board. Not only are these products fun for babies, but they give parents a quick break to do things like tidy up, too - while keeping a watchful eye out, of course. Like many parents, I loved having a safe space to place my curious babies when they were in that 4- to 9-month range not quite ready to be fully mobile, but eager for independence and increasingly interested in playing with toys and gaining a new perspective of their world.
And, in my experience, giving up floor real estate can be well worth it.
Having a big, colorful piece of gear like a Jumperoo taking over your living room is certainly a rite of passage for many new parents.
0 kommentar(er)
