Is My Son Ready for the Doorway Jumper?

As L. as he can hold his head up on his own, go for it. If the unit itself seems too big for him, roll up blankets to put in it and give him a more snug fit. It will probably take him a couple weeks to really get a hang of what to do in it, but my experience is that kids love these!

M., we got one for our daughter at a consignment shop when she was about 4 months old. She pretty much just sat in it. Until all of a sudden, she learned how to kick her legs out and jump - this just happened a few weeks ago - she's now 6 months old. She didn't mind being in it before she could jump though, and now, she doesn't want to come out of it. I also didn't have a book since I bought it second hand, and I just went to the manufacturer web site and found the instructions. Ours is a Graco. Good luck, he's going to love it!

I was a nanny to a little boy who absolutely loved his jumper and he was around the same age as your son. I would go on to the manufacturer's website and try to find some intallation instructions there for the product just to verify how to attach it safely, any warnings or recalls, etc.

Jimmy had an absolute ball in his jumper and I'm guessing your son will too! Also helps them develop their leg muscles.

I say go for it!

I think my jumper suggests 6 months, but I know we had ours in it much early - more like 4. The key is that he's got good head control. You want to be cautious not to overuse it though. Both the doorway jumpers and exersaucers can give you the illusion that your child is developing leg muscles for motor skills, but they actually hold their legs in a position is somewhat counterproductive. Occasional use isn't a bad thing and won't cause harm, but it's really important that they have plenty of time on the floor figuring out how to pull themselves up to standing independently and standing straight on their little legs without a harness supporting them or affecting the position of their hips/legs. Sometime they like it so much and are so happy to be upright that they fuss and complain about being on the floor and forced to struggle to learn how to do it themselves. We found it was a super tool for times when we were showering or getting dressed in the am. They were contained right there, but 10-20 minutes once a day was about enough.

M.,
I registered and recieved a Fisher Price Jumperoo. It is not a doorway jumper but a stationary one. My daughter is 6months and has been using this since she was 4 months. We had the same problem with her wanting to stand and jump, we also got a walker at my shower which is walking very well in already.
D.

M.

As one of the other moms already said, use any jumper sparingly. They often love to be in it, being upright and jumping. The problem is they can develop muscle imbalances. THe calf and quad (thigh) muscles can become more developed and create problems down the road. ALso they are not developing arm muscle strength.

J.

Hi M.:
We bought one but took it back since my daughter (7 mo) was not that interested in it. She really loves her exersaucer but I remember the one we had said max 25 lbs and I beleive it said 4 months and up. I think as long as they can hold their head up on their own its ok. SO, from how you describe your little one, should be ok! Maybe look up the brand on line and see if there is anything on there about it if your still hesitant to use it? Maybe you can get a phone # to call. Have fun!
K.

Usually they recommend the jumpers once the child is able to hold their own head up. It does sound like something that you may want to slowly introduce him too. I personally don't have the door way jumper, but I have the Jumperoo. And my son loves it. He has been going in his Jumperoo since he was 3 months old. I would have to say that was probably one of the best gifts that I received at my baby shower. Definitely a good investment and entertains for long periods of time.

Has anyone heard the scoop on NOT using these junpers? I beleive if you check product safety and Consumer reports they are suggesting NOT using these anymore due to a problem with childrens delicate optic nerve developement (due to the way they bounce). I read back when we were choosing our bouncies and rockies we opted for the swing chair cos we had read something about some infant's optic nerve problems. Just a thought!

My daughter started using her jumper at the same age. The first time we put her in it she was all smiles. As long as he can hold his head up he should be fine. Just make sure to adjust the jumper for his height without him in it. My cousin tried adjusting the jumper with her son in it and it released all of the tension and he fell down. Luckily he wasn't hurt.

I got a doorway jumper at a yard sale, and both of my boys loved it. I didnt have a manual either, but just started using it when I thought they were ready. I would say as long as he can hold his head steady, he would be fine. Otherwise I would probably wait another month or so. I cant remember how young my boys were when they started using it, but I am thinking it was around 5 or 6 months old.

M. MY son LOVes his to death sorry he is trying to help my type too lol. we started at 4 months b/c he was ready aslong as he can hold up his head i wount worry