I Want Toys ! :)

Hi S.,

As a home child care provider I use the exersaucers and bouncy seats, bumbo seats, swing and many more. I think they are beneficial to an infant who is learning new things.

To Rachel:
her post was not to get information on whether or not they are good or bad to use. I think if you are using excersauser to build up their leg muscles and back muscles for a few hours a day, there is no harm in that. Babies can't learn how to stand up if they don't know how to sit up.

S.,

I would stay away from saucers, bouncy seats, walkers, or anything else that may be 'restrictive' (something that holds the child in place) because it can hinder a baby's natural development. A baby needs to be free to learn to pull up and explore on his own. If he is being held up in a saucer, he is not able to develop neck, stomach (core), and leg muscles the same way a "floor baby" can. I have also heard walkers have potential to make children bowlegged when they get older.

Toys, YES! Definately Yes!! Walkers, NO!! Absolutely NOT! They are just a way to get your money and cage your baby so you don't have to watch him!

Sorry about the soapbox, but my mother was a child development advocate with dozens of years experience and education in the field, so I have the benefit of her knowledge. I know sometimes I can be preachy!

My son is close to 10 months old now, and is almost ready to walk. He was not allowed in 'contraptions' (including swings) until he was able to stand on his own, and now is only allowed in a saucer for VERY SHORT periods of time (15 to 20 minutes MAX) at Grandma's house. He does like to pull up to and inch around the saucer to play with the toys on it. This way, he can do something else when he chooses, and is not confined. (This is also good to develop independence and self reliance.) We DO NOT have one at home.

Sorry so long! I hope you find the information useful. Don't waste your $$$$!!!

ALSO, TO WENDY: PLEASE READ!!:

I do know what I am talking about.
Please see these links:
http://www.oandp.org/jpo/library/2003_03_102.asp
(Q5 and Q6) http://www.aap.org/advocacy/archives/julyskullqa.htm
http://www.healthychildcare.org/pdf/SIDSfinal.pdf

I don't have any,sorry but another place you might try is Children's Orchard. This place is really nest, they buy your gently used items and they have a lot of stuff to buy. They might have the items you're wanting.

you should check out craigslist. there's always tons of cheap and free stuff on there.