As a parent, I am always looking for ways to entertain my child for short periods while I cook dinner , fold the laundry or consume my twice-microwaved luke-warm coffee. As a physiotherapist, I am looking for options that not only leave a parent temporarily hands free, but support the development of normal movement.
Want to join the family? Sign up to our Kidspot newsletter for more stories like this. Below are the most common statements I hear from parents about the Bumbo seat, and my opinion as a paediatric physiotherapist and mother.
Learning to sit independently is a dynamic process that includes learning to control the head, trunk and pelvic position, how to move in and out of sitting, how to rotate and weight shift, and how to use anticipatory and protective balance reactions to stay upright. The Bumbo holds an infant upright by locking the pelvis and lower limbs into position, and sloping backwards to maintain the centre of gravity in the seat.
This not only prevents a baby from actively using the muscles and sensory systems they need for pelvic control, but also tilts the pelvis backwards and brings the head forward into an immature sitting position. Locking a baby into a Bumbo prevents them from exploring and developing the dynamic skills they will need to sit and roll and crawl and walk confidently on their own.
My daughter spent a lot of time sitting with a boomerang breast feeding pillow behind her from months while she learnt to be a confident sitter, providing a safe landing site and a little support at her pelvis. The traditional Bumbo seat should not be used on any elevated surface due to many babies being able to tip the Bumbo or wiggle it off tables and chairs. When a baby first starts solids and is building the oral skills they need to chew, swallow and self-feed, it is important they are adequately supported in a neutral upright position.
More on Dr Williams here. It is highly recommended by doctors, paediatricians, early childhood experts and the Maternal Child and Family Health Nurses Association. Join the thousands of parents already playing with their babies from birth, in the best way for brain and body development and laying crucial foundations for future learning.
What happens in the first year, not only matters, it matters a lot! Introductory video below. Active Babies Smart Kids online series — Click here. Try the first class FREE! Thousands of parents, babies and children are presently involved in our programs and creating rising stars. Come join all the fun and learning! How to raise a smarter, happier baby.
Why active babies make smart kids. There is no need to be in a hurry for your baby to sit. Nature will determine the timing. For now, simply help your little one to develop a brain and body ready for movement and sitting by providing the right environment:. Vestibular stimulation — rocking, rolling, spinning, dancing, moving aid in the maturation of the balance organs and help with the development of a good posture.
Free baby balance video here. Skip to content. Jump to a centre. Center Finder.
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