Should i use an exersaucer

This message is non-existent when placed in an exersaucer. Decreased exploration of the environment. Active exploration of the environment allows babies to develop their cognitive and motor skills , especially when trying to obtain objects out of their reach.

This encourages rolling, scooting, crawling, and pulling to stand. Although exersaucers include many toys providing sensory stimulation and opportunities for problem solving, all toys are set right in front of them, thus depriving them of opportunities to challenge their gross motor development in order to explore their environment. Decreased interaction. But babies need that human interaction more than anything else.

Risk of overuse. Not a good reason. Once you start to use it regularly, it will become easier and easier to have it become your first resort rather than your last.

Despite these strikes against them, I believe exersaucers will be around for a long time because parents and babies love them. You can modify the way you use exersaucers to make them safer and better for babies. Here are some suggestions:. This allows her to play with the toys and practice supported sitting, which will be more appropriate for her at this age than actually being placed in it.

Wait to place baby in exersaucer until he can sit independently, without having to use arms for balance typically around 6 or 7 months. Most play saucers state they can be used with infants as young as 4 months. But waiting until they are older and can sit very well on their own will ensure they have adequate trunk strength and possibly decrease their tendency to assume the poor posture mentioned earlier.

Detach toys from exersaucer and allow baby to play with them on the floor if she is not yet sitting independently. This may not apply to all brands, but if it does, go for it! This will allow him to get down on the floor as he continues to develop motor skills and explore the environment while still being able to play with the great toys that came with the saucer. I learned this tip from child development guru Laura Sobell. Limit the amount of rocking baby can perform while in saucer by using stabilizing legs provided.

However, this rocking can carry over to other contexts where it is unsafe or uncalled for e. Many saucers include stabilizing legs that fold down to limit rocking, especially for older babies who can really get them going like a carnival ride at the county fair! Kind of like using a baby play table. Interact with baby while in exersaucer.

I know, I know, the point of using this thing is to give you a break from baby responsibilities while you get stuff done. Pick one minute chore or a few short tasks during the day that will necessitate the use of the exersaucer. Set a timer because, let me assure you, you WILL lose track of time, especially if baby is having a good time in there. Give baby plenty of time to play on the floor or on an exercise ball during the day.

Motor skills develop from experience and practice, and the best place for babies to get this practice is on the floor! They need time on their tummy , back , both sides, sitting on their bottom , and rocking on hands and knees in order to build skills toward rolling , crawling , and walking.

To see some of these suggestions in action, click here! So there you have it. A balanced look at the good, the bad, and the better in the world of exersaucers.

How to Play with Your Newborn Baby. Beware the Baby Bumbo Seat. Thank you for this information! What do you think of the walkers that babies hold onto from behind and push?

I think walker push toys are great for 2 stages: before baby can walk and after baby has learned to walk. When your baby is either two years old or above 25lbs, your baby is considered to be too developed and probably too big to use the ExerSaucer. If you notice your baby is struggling with the ExerSaucer, do not attempt self treatment based remedies. This article is for educational purposes and is meant to guide your decisions with your baby. Try not to disregard professional medical advice: If you have more questions or safety concerns about an ExerSaucer for your baby, consulting with a qualified healthcare provider is the best way to avoid a medical emergency and stunted development in the future.

Lauren is a registered occupational therapist working in Toronto. She has worked and trained in a variety of community, school and hospital settings, She has an interest in working with children and adults on motor development, co-ordination, fine and gross motor skills and adaptations for play, self-care and productivity. However, as a doctor, I can share that 9 out of 10 women encounter problems with breastfeeding. Babies crawl anywhere between months. If you have a medical emergency, call a physician or qualified healthcare provider, or CALL immediately.

Under no circumstances should you attempt self-treatment based on anything you have seen or read on this Website. Always seek the advice of your physician or other licensed and qualified health provider in your jurisdiction concerning any questions you may have regarding any information obtained from this Website and any medical condition you believe may be relevant to you or to someone else.

Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website. Are ExerSaucers Safe? Decreased Balance There is concern that when infants spend a lot of time in an ExerSaucer or jumper, they end up seated in a position where their center of gravity remains forward, compromising their development of balance and movement patterns.

Wait until your baby can sit independently before placing them in the ExerSaucer. This is usually around 6 or 7 months. This prevents them from assuming a poor posture when using the ExerSaucer, as they will have developed the needed trunk and core strength to support that position. If you have a younger baby that wants to engage with the ExerSaucer , then either allow them to sit at the outside edge of the ExerSaucer, with your support, or remove the toys and allow your baby to play with them on the floor.

If she falls over all the time wait a week or so and try again :. Once they have good head control. LO has been using one since 7 weeks. Now he does 20! Definately add a blanket behind baby to make the seat hole smaller. We got ours last weekend and DD likes it a lot more than the swing and bouncer I would say around 4 or so months. I wouldn't leave them in there for too long to start.