From The Archives: The Bumbo Baby Seat
 Anya in her Bumbo Seat, 6 months old |
Originally posted October 2006: How do I love the Bumbo Baby Seat ($40)? Let me count the ways… My friend Lisa told me it was must-have but she also couldn’t believe I didn’t have a wipe warmer, but I’m glad I listened this time. The Bumbo Seat lets babies who can hold up their heads (usually around 2-3 months) sit and helps them develop trunk control, letting them sit on their own earlier. We got one for Anya when she was a few months old and we credit it with her sitting on her own by six months. It works because the area where their tush goes is lowered and tilted while the seat back stabilizes their torso. There’s no need for straps or buckles- the baby stays put because his weight holds him in the seat.
The Bumbo Seat lets them interact with their surroundings in a way that was never before possible. Before we bought our inexpensive Ikea highchair for the kitchen, we shuttled the seat between the two rooms we needed to keep her busy and stationary- the kitchen and the bathroom. We hand her a toy or a whisk or a bottle of vitamins (with a childproof cap) and it keeps her busy for a good 5-10 minutes.
Made of soft low-density foam, the seats are available in five colors: lime green, blue, lilac, yellow and aqua. One Step Ahead sells a tote bag for the seat for $10 which might make it easier to shuttle back and forth to grandma’s.
Update: They now sell a tray ($10) which helps contain toys and snacks.
– Danielle
- Posted on Oct 26, 08 at 5:00AM
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- 2 Comments
October 28th, 2008 at 12:17 am
The bumbo seat is not good for children actually. It promotes round neck and back, pelvis tilting backwards during sitting (“slouching posture”); baby is not actively using any of his back extensor muscles; decreased ability to explore their enviroment; Decreased cognitive, social, and overall generalized learning activities. See this link: http://www.childrensmemorial.org/depts/rehab/motor_development.aspx
October 31st, 2008 at 2:54 pm
I agree with Lana.
My niece had craniostenosis when she was born and had to wear a helment for the first 9 months of her life. My sister was concerned about her development as the helmet was heavy and had and OT/PT evaluation who told her to get rid of the bumbo seat.