Johnny Jumper... Put it in the Dumpster???

I know this title may seem harsh but if there is one thing every pediatric PT I've talked to says, it's that jumpers are no bueno. I've been doing a little checking on my own and I'd like to give you all some information about jumpers.

There are 3 types of jumpers - the one that hangs in the doorway; the one that hangs in a free standing frame; and the one that has springs and looks like an exersaucer. Each type has its disadvantages. The doorway mount can loosen or break causing your baby to fall. It can also be tempting for older siblings to push baby like it's a swing. In either case excessive movement or bouncing can result in your baby hitting their head or limbs on the door frame causing injury. The frame mounted swing and the spring mounted exersaucer can also result in pinched fingers. Depending on your baby's size/height there is always a risk your baby can bounce themselves out of the sling seat or tip over falling forward. :(

I looked at several sites that tried to answer the question, "At what age should my baby use a jumper?" I saw the following: 4 months, 5-6 months, 3-5 months, 6+ months. That's actually a lot of variability for an infant that is changing and growing a lot during that time. Several stated that as long as your baby has head control it is safe to put them in the jumper. There is a definite oxymoron. Head control is developing throughout the first 6-8 months as your baby moves from supine to prone to sitting. Hopefully by 3-4 months you will be able to hold your baby without full support to the head and neck but car seats are now being recommended to remain rear facing for several years to protect their infants and toddlers necks. Obviously a car crash is way more forceful that a jumper but we are talking about a baby's spine. A lot of damage can be done if your baby is bouncing too hard in a jumper. I also saw where the bouncing in the jumper can mimic shaken baby syndrome which is very detrimental to a developing brain.

Lets now talk about developmental milestones and if a jumper is appropriate for a baby in the 3-8 month range. Jumpers claim they can help babies stand, walk and jump. That is emphatically false. If you are so inclined to use google, look up the motor milestones for 3-6 month-olds. Jumping is an 18 -24+ month skill. The positioning and force that occurs in the jumper is very detrimental to an infant's hips. The sling seat of the jumper abducts (or opens) the baby's hips and then allows all the pressure of the trunk and head to sit on those under developed joints. Then you add bouncing and the force is compounded. The jumper also puts your little in position to bounce on pointed toes. This overworks the calf muscles and can lead to tight ankles and toe walking. Overdevelopment of any muscles causes imbalance which makes achieving other skills difficult. Learning to walk is about finding balance in the midline; activation and control of the trunk and leg joints; weight shifting from one leg to the other so you can step with control. Sitting in an unsupported and bouncing seat offers none of that to your child. The sling seat can also cause impingement to the nerves in the armpits - think long term use of crutches and how that feels??

Lastly, a jumper can be expensive. The frame and exersaucer versions take up valuable real estate in your home. (Space that could be used for a play pen or mat for tummy time.) Canada has banned many of the jumpers. I get it - you need some time with your hands free to do other important things. As always it is advised that a baby only spend 15 minutes each day in containers and a jumper is definitely included. If your baby has torticollis or low tone (hypotonia) then please heed these warnings about safety. If your baby has colic or is fussy, possibly baby wearing is a better option. If you still feel your baby needs this type of stimulation feel free to consult a pediatric PT to help you find better solutions for your situation. Happy holidays. Enjoy your children and the miracle of gross motor development.