 Anya in her Bumbo Seat, 6 months old |
Originally posted October 2006: How do I love the Bumbo Baby Seat ($40)? Let me count the ways… My friend Lisa told me it was must-have but she also couldn’t believe I didn’t have a wipe warmer, but I’m glad I listened this time. The Bumbo Seat lets babies who can hold up their heads (usually around 2-3 months) sit and helps them develop trunk control, letting them sit on their own earlier. We got one for Anya when she was a few months old and we credit it with her sitting on her own by six months. It works because the area where their tush goes is lowered and tilted while the seat back stabilizes their torso. There’s no need for straps or buckles- the baby stays put because his weight holds him in the seat.
The Bumbo Seat lets them interact with their surroundings in a way that was never before possible. Before we bought our inexpensive Ikea highchair for the kitchen, we shuttled the seat between the two rooms we needed to keep her busy and stationary- the kitchen and the bathroom. We hand her a toy or a whisk or a bottle of vitamins (with a childproof cap) and it keeps her busy for a good 5-10 minutes.
Made of soft low-density foam, the seats are available in five colors: lime green, blue, lilac, yellow and aqua. One Step Ahead sells a tote bag for the seat for $10 which might make it easier to shuttle back and forth to grandma’s.
Update: They now sell a tray ($10) which helps contain toys and snacks.
– Danielle
