Bumbo or...?

[Aworryingtrend]

DS is 11 weeks and loves being sat up (supported by us) on the settee, or sitting up on our knees facing forwards. He seems to much prefer it to being in his bouncy chair. I have looked online and seen a 'bumbo' which is a seat suitable from 3 months old. It looks just like a potty though which is putting me off a little, silly as that sounds! Are there any alternatives to a bumbo to help a baby who would like to sit up?
TIA

[MoonlightMerrimentandMistletoe]

You're probably better off just using the bouncy chair or your knee at the moment, as he will still need head support at this stage, and the Bumbo, or anything else of that ilk, can't offer that.

Congratulations by the way!

[needsadviceplease]

It may be your holding him is part of what he likes anyway, as well as the being upright. My son was also v keen on being supported into a sitting position until he could do it himself - I didn't want to buy a bumbo because I think the hip position it requires looks really dysfunctional and doesn't developmentally support normal sitting (pfb!) - and it felt like I spent foreverrrrr propping him up, but with the benefit of hindsight it wasn't forever at all.

[MegMogAndOwl]

I had a bumbo for dd. It was useful for about 3 weeks!

I thought I could use it to keep her entertained whilst I got on with the washing up but she hated being confined. The problem is that they just chuck the toys off the play tray.

Apparently if you don't use the play tray some children also learn to fling themselves backwards to get out!

I did use it to give her food to play with in the very early stages of weaning but really could just have used the highchair from the start.

If you get one from a friend, or can get a cheap one on eBay, than maybe try it but I wouldn't spend a lot of money on one.

[greenbananas]

A friend bought a second-hand bumbo and didn't find it as useful as she had hoped, although she did use it for a bit. It never looked safe to me, and she said that her DD flung herself backwards out of it a couple of times.

I'm a childminder and have heard that Ofsted (the inspectors) frown upon the use of bumbos. The position they force children into is not good for developing hips and spines.

[BikeRunSki]

Jumperoo
Door bouncer
Both my babies worked out how to get out of the Bumbo ib a couple of weeks.

[KatAndKit]

I got the mamas and papas snug seat because it looks nicer than the bumbo. my 8 month DS can escape from it if the tray isn't attached though.

[HappyAsASandboy]

I didn't like the look of the bumbo - very odd hip position, and the baby can't change position if his back/neck/hips are uncomfortable.

I used widgey cushions with my twins. They are designed for breastfeeding, but work well to support babies who can just about sit up. I would either use two, to make a circle, or put some pillows on the floor in front of the baby, as they sometimes tip forwards when getting the hang of sitting!

You could also try short periods in a high chair, proped by a cushion if necessary?

[Saltytomato]

My DS loved his bumbo for about 10 minutes then almost broke his back trying to lean out of it!

[Pascha]

DS was unimpressed with and escaped very easily from the Bumbo by squirming and pushing his hips up - he just sort of popped out. At 11 weeks he was happiest in his swing chair or on somebody. Later when he could sit up better we had a playnest type thingy which he quite liked.

[AlreadyScone]

Only my youngest had a Bumbo and it was incredibly useful, but only for about 4 weeks at a certain sitting stage - so buy second hand like I did!

[SentimentalKat]

Babies should not be propped up or put into sitting contraptions unless that are able to sit unaided.
I would continue to hold ds upright if he likes it - with your support. If not held by you he should be lying flat!

[JustFabulous]

I know I have spent too much time on here as I thought you were discussing baby names!.

[Pommes]

We have a Snug - not used half as much as I hoped, was helpful at a certain sitting stage and now used as a portable high chair!

[lovemynathy]

We didn't like bamboo at all, and it seems dangerous to me, used it once and it went to the atic. Boucher seat was a great use for a long time.

[NaturalBaby]

Is it because he's higher up on your knee or the settee? You can't put a bumbo on the settee!
Ds1 loved the bumbo and spent many happy hours in it. Ds2 hated it. Try to find one to try or borrow first.

If your baby hasn't got the head control yet then won't be able to sit in it for long. I got a booster seat that attached to the dining chair and is suitable from 3months because it has a high back that reclined a bit.

[Fairylea]

I'd stick with a comfortable bouncy chair ... ds is now 7 months and still using his! We have just made it a little more upright for him.