Bumbo Product Review: What you Need to Know

So, you’ve got a Bumbo or are thinking of buying a Bumbo… Maybe you have questions about the Bumbo. Will it teach my baby to sit? At what age can I use the Bumbo with my baby? This video aims to answer some of those questions.

The Bumbo is becoming increasingly popular and many moms own one. Generally, the view is that they are either loved or hated.

The Bumbo will help my baby learn to sit, right?

Many moms on blogs and forums are saying that he Bumbo will teach their baby to sit. I’m not convinced and I’ll tell you why. For babies to be able to sit independently, they need to have good tummy and back muscles. and these muscle groups need to work synergistically, In order for your baby to strengthen the

For babies to be able to sit independently, they need to have good tummy and back muscles

muscles needed for sitting, they need to spend times playing on their backs and tummies. Think about it, if you wanted to strengthen those long-forgotten core muscles, you’re not going to be sitting in a stable chair, are you? If sitting in a chair worked those muscle groups, we’d all have amazing bodies (and I for one, don’t!) 

Also, your baby need to have good balance to prevent himself from falling over. They need to experience movement and even falling over to develop their balance. Sitting in a supportive seat like a Bumbo is not going to provide your baby with the movement they need to develop those balance skills.

How is a Bumbo helpful?

So, is it all bad? Not at all! The Bumbo is great piece of kit, when used properly. The manufacturers state that he Bumbo can be used once your baby has good head control (at about 3 months). It shouldn’t be used with babies younger than this and I would personally only use it with babies who are closer to 5 months.

Bumbos are great feeding chairs, particularly if you are planning on introducing solids to your baby at 17 weeks or before your baby can sit independently. Your baby is well-supported and in a good position for feeding.

Bumbos are great feeding chairs, particularly if you are planning on introducing solids

They are also just so CONVENIENT when going away. I take mine with me when we’re going away to someplace that does not have a high chair and at least I know Gracie will have somewhere to sit whilst we’re out and about.

Gracie also uses the Bumbo when I need to be hands free – when I’m showering or cooking. At least I know she’s safe and secure when I can’t give her my full attention.

How long can your baby sit in a Bumbo for?

So, now that we know why they’re useful, how long can your baby be sat in a Bumbo? Well, that depends on the age of your baby but a good rule of thumb is that if your baby begins to slump to the side or the front, they need a break and should be taken out of the Bumbo. If your baby is sitting independently and managing well in the Bumbo, I wouldn’t;t let them sit in it for more than 10 or 15 minutes at a time – roughly the amount of time you would need to feed them or shower etc…

So, here’s what you need to know about the Bumbo:

To summarise:

• It won’t teach your baby how to sit
• It’s great for introducing solids
• Very portable and light weight so convenient when traveling
• It shouldn’t be used for longer than 15 minutes at a time
• It shouldn’t be used on high surfaces or counter tops.

Have I missed anything? Let me know and send me a comment.

Where is the most adventurous or unusual place you’ve used your Bumbo? Ours has gone as far as Dorset a couple of times – it doesn’t lead a particularly exciting life!

What do you think about using any of the equipment mentioned? Does your baby love it or hate it?

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