What is a baby exersaucer use?
An exersaucer is a baby contraption that allows a child to stay upright and explore the environment while being supported. It has mesh sides for ventilation and usually includes toys. The exersaucer one can use from soon after birth up until the child begins to pull themselves up or walk independently, at which point it becomes too small to support their weight safely.
'Is exersaucer good for baby?', almost any mom wondered. The answer is both yes and no. Here we will tell you about the pros and cons of using an exersaucer for your baby. The design of a walker gives a newborn a different perspective compared to sitting on his parent's knee - a necessary perspective for a developing brain in order to learn about the world around them. The exersaucer also helps prevent flat head syndrome if worn often enough during early development, as well as other conditions attributed to time spent in high chairs such as torticollis.
But when can baby use exersaucer? This question has several aspects. First, when is your baby ready to be upright? And second, how long can an infant safely use an exersaucer? The answers to these questions we will tell you later, so read on!
What are the different types of exersaucers?
There are many different types of exersaucer on the market, sometimes with varying prices for similar models. Each brand has its own unique features which may appeal to some parents more than others. For example one of the most popular brands, Eddie Bauer, produces portable travel versions of their exersaucers; while another brand includes high contrast images and sounds that babies find amusing; still, another brand makes an exersaucer that can convert into a walker/jumper when your baby is old enough.
One more interesting type is where your baby can sit when he starts to pull himself up. This type is very versatile and can save you some money as it will grow with your baby. At the same time, when he or she will stand in it, your baby will be able to play with the attached toys.
When can a baby use an exersaucer?
It is recommended that you start with an exersaucer the day after birth, but not before. Ensure that you regularly monitor your infant on the device so they don't lose their balance and fall out. Many parents find it easy to use them when changing diapers or during meal times. If you are breastfeeding, then it may be necessary to remove the device for periods of time when feeding your baby; although some brands offer elevated saucer settings (for women who sit on the floor while breastfeeding) which would make this unnecessary.
What about weight limits? Weight restrictions vary drastically from model to model. Check carefully before purchasing any walker, and if in doubt err on the side of caution and go for a lighter weight version rather than heavier. Exersaucers can be too heavy for some parents to lift once their child has grown fairly large and therefore it is not recommended that you buy one unless you will be using it long-term or plan to pass it on to other family members when no longer needed.
When can baby use exersaucer: 3 useful tips
If parents still hesitate about the infant`s safety while using an exersaucer, we have three tips that will help to understand when a kid can use an exersaucer.
Check the weight and height limit
The first thing you need to do is check the weight and height limit of your chosen walker. Most models are designed for babies weighing between 5-25 pounds (2.3-11.3 kg) and 28-32 inches (71-81 cm) tall, but there are a few exceptions. For example, the Baby Einstein Discovering Music Activity Table is best suited for babies up to 35 pounds (15.9 kg).
Look for signs that your baby is ready to use an exersaucer
Once you know the weight and height limit of your chosen model, you can start looking for signs that your baby is ready to use it. Here are some common signs:
- Your baby can hold their head up unassisted;
- Your toddler can sit up with minimal support;
- Your infant shows interest in exploring the world around them;
- Your kid seems uncomfortable spending long periods of time lying down.
If you're not sure whether your baby is ready to use an exersaucer, consult your pediatrician.
Choose the right model
Once you know when can baby use an exersaucer, it's time to choose the right model. There are many different types of exersaucers on the market, so it's important to choose one that will suit your kid's needs.
How long can I keep my child inside?
For most babies, the maximum is up to 3 hours in a walker at one time; although others suggest stopping playtime after 1 hour and putting the baby down to sleep. While it is important for your child to have time outside of their exersaucer so they can strengthen their leg muscles, there are reasons why you shouldn't let them play in one for all waking hours of the day.
A baby must learn to navigate their own body around furniture, obstacles, and stairs. If they only have access to level surfaces with no obstructions then this will be impossible. A baby's brain develops most rapidly during the first three years of life; if you use too long then this could lead to delayed or abnormal development in some areas that are crucial to later learning abilities.
For example, crawling is known as a precursor skill to learning to walk and is necessary for a child's development of strength and coordination. If your baby doesn't learn how to crawl then they will not be able to properly transition into walking, which can lead to problems such as pain in the hips and knees.
When your kid is too old for exersaucer?
Depending on your specific needs and preferences, most babies transition out of an exersaucer around 11 months old when they begin crawling and then progress onto a stationary activity center. However, in certain countries and cultures where crawling is not encouraged or it would be inappropriate for your child to crawl on the floor, exersaucers are sometimes used for extended periods of time.
When your child sits and stands on their own, they will no longer need the support of a walker and can transition to a new type of activity center or toy. At the same time, if parents see that he or she can sit without support for long periods of time and isn't developing properly, it's important to speak to a pediatrician about other activities that may be more appropriate.
Can I use an exersaucer if my baby already crawls? If you have a baby who has already begun crawling and/or walking then they may be too old to play in an exersaucer safely. Once a baby knows how to crawl then they can pull themselves upright into a standing position inside almost any model of exersaucer; after which you should remove them from the device for their safety.
What must be in a good exersaucer?
- Toys
This is obvious, but the more toys and activities you have for your baby, the better. Infants use exersaucers not only for learning to walk but also for playing.
- Stability
You do not want the exersaucer to move or tip over when your kid jumps or moves around on it. Ensure there are no loose bolts and that all bolts are tight before using the device. Also, ensure that there is no way your child can remove any toy parts themselves as they will need to be safely attached so they don't pose a choking hazard if swallowed by mistake.
- Safety & Comfort Features
Your infant should never feel trapped inside the device and there must be lots of room for them to move their legs and feet freely without bumping into anything. Make sure it has comfortable padding on all surfaces as well as soft fabrics in case your baby falls.
- Base Size
The larger the base for your baby to play in, the better. You want a model that is wide enough so they have room to move around without being able to reach every toy from one side of the exersaucer.
- Assembly
The last thing you need to remember before purchasing the unit is assembled. Most manufacturers provide simple instructions on how to set up their exersaucers; however, if there`s no manual with your unit - make sure to contact customer support for more information. Also, many units must be assembled without tools, which makes them ideal even for older parents who don`t know how to handle screwdrivers and other complicated machines like this.
Most importantly, however, the exersaucer must be suitable for your particular baby's size and weight otherwise it can be dangerous to use if they lose their balance when standing upright in the device. Some models are much more sturdy than others. Ensure that your baby is properly supported in any walker you buy, never allowing them to lean forward or put any strain on their hips or legs while standing upright.
Brief buying guide
Well, now let`s pay attention to more basic things:
- Material - Exersaucers may be made of plastic, metal, or wood. Every material has pros and cons: while plastic is light, it`s quite cheap and you can clean it easily; metal exersaucers are more sturdy, but they`re also heavier to move around; wooden units look beautiful in your living room, but they could be dangerous if not set up carefully (they`re heavy too).
- Colors - It may seem that which color of the unit will not affect your baby`s play activities - however many parents believe that blue and red models could stimulate a baby`s brain development because these colors reflect at the same wavelength as light spectrums babies see best.
- Design - Now let me show you some examples of overstayers: one of them looks like a cradle and has many different toys; the other is just a saucer that may have an added bar with some additional toys.
- Price - The cheapest models are usually made of plastic, while more expensive ones are developed using wood or metal. Of course, the price depends on how many features does unit offers.
You can buy an exersaucer for around 30 bucks, but you will get only the simplest model with few toys. If you want to purchase really functional unit which will keep your child entertained for hours and enjoy its use - it`ll cost about 100 dollars. Also if you want your baby to remain safe inside of the device, make sure that everything is securely fixed in place so there`s no way they can hurt themselves, or that they can remove any toy parts themselves (they can be a choking hazard).
How old for exersaucer should your baby be?
Start introducing your baby to an exersaucer around 4-5 months old, when they are able to hold their head up unassisted. If your baby is younger than this, they may not be able to use an exersaucer safely.
First of all, be careful with the amount of time you let your baby spend in the walker. This is not a playpen where they can just lie there and sleep - it`s designed for interactive playing. For this reason, if you want to use the device regularly make sure that your baby doesn`t spend more than 45 minutes in their exersaucer.
You should also pay attention to how much they bend their legs while inside the unit - this could cause strain on their hip joints (which are still developing). If they constantly stand up, then it may be helpful to support them under their arms or hold them by the hand until they learn how to balance themselves.
Also, remember that any walker an infant must use under supervision - otherwise, your baby may start to climb out, which could result in injury. Finally make sure that you properly clean the exersaucer according to the manufacturer`s instructions - if it allows machine wash, use a warm cycle and no bleach for plastic devices. For wooden units, wipe them with warm water and let them dry naturally. If the unit has cushions or other soft parts - use only pillowcases for washing, never put them into a washing machine!
How to care about it?
After each use, thoroughly wipe down the unit with warm water and mild soap. Never clean walkers with powerful solvents - they may damage plastic parts or remove any paints on metal devices.
If your baby`s skin is extra sensitive, use only special wipes to clean surfaces - this will protect their skin from irritation. Any baby should use this device under the close watch of an adult. Alternatively, if your kid starts to climb out of the exersaucer, he or she may fall and get hurt.
When washing an exersaucer, you should focus on and clean the seat and footrest areas carefully. If they`re removable, take them off and rinse them thoroughly in warm water with mild soap. You can use a soft brush or sponge to scrub away dried food or any other stains from those areas.
Be careful when rinsing - never let water directly hit baby as it may be as cold as ice! And make sure that there are no sharp metal parts left over which could hurt your child if they try to climb out without supervision. After drying up all surfaces, replace everything with the exersaucer back again.
Remember that toys included with the unit also need to be cleaned regularly: wipe each toy separately using a cloth soaked in a mixture of one part warm water and one part mild soap. If you want to make sure that everything is clean, use a spray bottle with plain water - this will disinfect the exersaucer thoroughly without damaging any of its surfaces.
How does it affect the muscles, joints, and bones?
For children between 8-12 months of age, exersaucers are an excellent way to develop balancing abilities while having fun at the same time! But you should be aware of how much time they spend on these devices. It`s not recommended for babies younger than 8 months old because their legs are still developing and they can't support their whole weight when standing upright on their own yet. Also, they may get hurt if they fall while getting in or out of the exersaucer.
To avoid these kinds of risks, try to offer your baby different play opportunities - this will stimulate their muscle development. For example, you can put them on a blanket on the floor with some toys spread all over it. Of course, make sure that your baby`s spine is always straight when playing with them because tummy time is also an important part of their physical development!
You can also take advantage of placing some cushions or pillows around them to provide additional support under their arms when babies use it - do not hold them by hands when they are trying to sit up on their own. This way you`ll help them develop necessary body strength and learn how to sit properly on their own.
Exersaucers are usually equipped with some toys attached to the frame - they can promote your child`s physical development too. For example, if you select an exersaucer that comes with a piano for children (don`t forget to choose one that doesn`t make too much noise), then your baby will learn how to press buttons and play the piano.
If it has dangling toys/rings above it, then they can learn how to reach out for these objects and grab them since this is also an important part of their motor skills development.