Bumbo Seats

Updated on May 29, 2009
L.S. asks from Saint Petersburg, FL
23 answers

Has anyone had their child use a Bumbo seat? My daughter has a neuromuscular disorder and is unable to sit up independently on her own. I have seen these Bumbo seats in the stores and it looks like it may be helpful. I'd like hear some comments about the seats before I go out and buy one because they are a bit pricey. Thanks!

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So What Happened?

Wow..thank you all for your responses. I don't think I've heard one negative thing about the Bumbo seat. I think that with all the positive comments and my thoughts about it, my husband and I may go ahead and buy a new one. Because my daughter does have issues with her muscles, posture, etc., we think we may have to use it for quite a while until her condition improves. I appreciate everyone that offer to give theirs up. :)
Thanks again everyone for sharing your thoughts!

Featured Answers

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J.M.

answers from Sarasota on

The Bumbo seats are great. They really help babies sit up. The only downfall is that it does not support their head/neck. (and if they have chubby thighs it is tough to squeeze them in) It really has worked great teaching my little guy to sit (he is 14 weeks). There is a tray attachment that is good too. I would definately recommend the tray if you get the Bumbo.

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B.S.

answers from Fort Myers on

i used one for my daughter who is now 10months old. i LOVED it. I found it very very helpful. I would also put it in the shower with me when I would take a shower and she would just sit in it and play. You can almost ALWAYS find them at a childrens consignment store for half price. I highly recomend it!

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S.A.

answers from Tampa on

They are great. I used one for my daughter. I still have it. I am trying to get pregnant now and have no use for it right now. I don't know where you live, but I live in the St. Pete area. If you would like to borrow mine until I have another child, you can. Just make sure to have it seated on the floor, not on any raised surface like a counter or chair. Give me a message if you would like to use mine, as they are quite pricey.

I see you live in St. Pete. I live very near the Tyrone Mall.

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B.A.

answers from Tampa on

I love my Bumbo seat! I bought it for my first child and I am pregnant with #3 now. I have more than gotten my money's worth out of it. I will say this, buy used if you can. This item is virtually indestructable so getting one cheaper used would be the way to go.

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B.H.

answers from Tampa on

We have a bumbo and it's great. My daughter now sits on her own but sometimes still use the bumbo for convenience. For example, we take it to the beach with us so she can sit at the water's edge without us worrying. Great to use as a highchair on the go too.

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M.B.

answers from Tampa on

I used one with my son (who is now 2) when he was a baby. I liked it. I liked that he could be in a different position once in a while. I recently pulled it out again for my new son and my 2-year-old still likes to sit in it! I would suggest looking around in a consignment store before buying a new one.

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L.N.

answers from Tampa on

They are great! You can get them pretty reasonable on craigslist.

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C.F.

answers from Tampa on

L. I don't know where you are located, but I have one that is gently used and you are welcome to it. My daughter did very well in it and I think it helped her build the muscles for sitting on her own. If you are interest in it let me know, it is purple.

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D.C.

answers from Tampa on

My youngest used a bumbo. It did help her learn to sit up on her own very well. Yes, some parents were stupid when they first came out and would allow their children to sit in them on high surfaces causing all of the hullabaloo with children falling and being injured. If you only allow your child to sit in it with it firmly on the floor, you have nothing to worry about. I was actually bummed when Maddie got too big for the bumbo...

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N.W.

answers from Tampa on

I used a Bumbo seat with my son and he loved it. He was always so frustrated at not being able to sit up so this really helped. We didn't use it for long periods, but it was a welcome break for him from lying flat. Also, the consignment shops always seem to have these in abundance if you don't want to spend the money on something you aren't sure you will like. We gave ours to a shop and it was considered brand new. good -N.

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L.C.

answers from Tampa on

L.,

I loved the Bumbo seat. For the most part I loved it. For the average child, I don't think they use it long enough. As she got bigger, before she started crawling, she could scoot herself around the house (we have hardwood floors).

for what they are I think they are a little pricey. You can sometimes get them from consignment shops, but the go fast. You may not be able to get the color you want. If you buy new, when I bought my daughter's, BJ's wholesale club was the cheapest.

They now have tables that attach similar to a high chair. Last time I saw them was at target for $10.

I would also double check with your ped, being your daughter has a neuromuscular disorder, before getting one.

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A.C.

answers from Fort Myers on

I had the same problem with my daughter when she was younger she was unable to situp on her own so my sister baught me a bumbo for her and was great, it helped her alot. They are a bit pricey but it's deffinatly worth it. I think if I hadn't had that seat it might have taken her longer to sit up on her own. I also feel that it helps for when your busy cleaning or cooking because you can sit them in it and play. They have bumbos that are just seats and they have bumbos that have a tray that slides on and off with a toy and a couple place matts. I have the one with the tray,toy, and place matts. I prefer that one the best.

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L.C.

answers from Lakeland on

the seats are great! we used one to aid in the sitting up process until my daughter had it down pat, and then I donated it to her daycare. Look for one on Craigs List or ebay first (since they clean very easily you can disinfect a used one before you have your daughter use it) since yes they are pricey! Good Luck!

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K.E.

answers from Sarasota on

For what you are looking for i think it would be great for you. Just make sure when using it, it's on a very
flat surface or on the floor.
I used it for my now 2 yo. He was very active and liked to rock and tip the bumbo cause he thought it was funny.
Eventually he got big enough to flip it. IF you want I still have it and would be more than happy to give it to you for free. I know the new ones have more stuff you can do with it too so whatever your choice.
*If you want a free one let me know. email is ____@____.com

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K.H.

answers from Tampa on

My Bumbo seat experience was not that great. Perhaps we did not purchase early enough but I felt like we barely used it. After a month or so we put it away because the baby tried to get out and at times rolled right out. Once he did a back flip and that's when I decided to forget about it. We did take it to the beach a couple times. I have it stored away but wonder if I would use it again for my next child. Check consignment stores as they have these products and more affordable. Good luck.

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T.A.

answers from Tampa on

yes, my son has had (what is similar to) a bumbo seat. and personally it might of helped some. you could give it a try. an assisted seat like that, i am sure never hurt anyone! T., mom of almost two 1/2 year old son.

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E.R.

answers from Fort Myers on

Hi L.-

For my son who was typically developing, we really didn't use the Bumbo we had except as a travel feeding seat when he started cereal. Didn't really see the need for it otherwise. However, I also work as a developmental specialist for birth to three year olds, and I have had a lot of success with the Bumbo for kids who aren't able to sit on their own. It is important that they have good head and neck control though. The seat gave some of my "work" kiddos the ability to see the world around them from a developmentally appropriate view point even though they didn't yet have the strength or skills to sit on their own. This helped keep cognitive skills on track even when motor skills were behind. I would advocate also getting the tray - which is usually around $10. It helps to keep toys within reach. As with any device that restricts your baby's movement, just be sure it doesn't get overused. Hope this helps!

I would be willing to sell you ours for $15 (plus shipping if needed). Just send me a message on Mamasource!

Good luck!

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S.B.

answers from Tampa on

they are amazing & well worth the $. Try a child's consignment shop

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D.E.

answers from Sarasota on

Hello L.,

I had to get a bumbo seat for my son. It was suggested by the physical therapist. My son (and daughter) were born at 29 weeks. He had some development delay and sitting up on his own was a big challange. I have to tell you the seat worked great for us. I also purchased the tray too. It was great for the toys. When his back did get tired, he leaned to one side, and I took him out. He has outgrown it and no longer needs it. I would give it a try. It worked great for us.

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M.P.

answers from Tampa on

Hi. I had a friend with a baby who had a flat head. She loved her Bumbo. There is even a tray you can attach to it to put toys on etc. Before you run out and buy one, check the consignment stores. You can get one for half the price that looks brand new! Good luck....

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J.V.

answers from Tampa on

I absolutely loved mine.

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K.G.

answers from Sarasota on

We have one and my kids love it! I am waiting impatiently for my 2 month old to be ready to use it. My two older kids both used it, and still try to even though they are too big.

I would talk to your daughter's pediatrician as well (or therapist if she has one) and make sure that the seat would be appropriate. See if you can borrow one from somebody to show either one in case they are not familiar with them. I would lend you mine, but I am in south Sarasota County...

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D.H.

answers from Fort Myers on

L.-

I would highly recommend buying a Bumbo. They are a wonderful invention! We did not mess with buying a highchair for our son until he was 10 months old b/c I fed him in the Bumbo. It also comes with an attachable tray. We also used it in the bathtub for a few months until he was more stable at sitting by himself. It is definitely worth the money. Good luck!

D.

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