Baby Exersaucers

From LoveToKnow Baby

One of the best purchases new parents can make are baby exersaucers. Although it may seem as if your baby only uses this essential item for a few months, you and she will enjoy it thoroughly. I promise!

What Are Baby Exersaucers?

If you are a first time parent, or you are simply searching for that perfect baby gift, you may not be familiar with the term exersaucer. What exactly are baby excersaucers? are they really some type of baby exercise equipment? Well, I guess you could say that it is, but they are also much more.

Baby exersaucers are updated, improved, and safer form of baby walkers. You remember those. They have a place for baby to sit, and he can also move around the room on wheels using his feet to propel him towards all the areas he wants to explore and many that you would rather he didn't! An exersaucer resembles its name. It has a place for baby to sit, but instead of coming equipped with wheels at the base, it has a saucer-shaped bottom.

At What Age Will My Baby Enjoy an Exersaucer?

The ages of babies who use exersaucers vary somewhat. A good rule of thumb is that your baby should be old enough to sit with support. When you first place your baby in an exersaucer, you'll probably need to roll blankets to pack in around him, helping him remain upright and keeping him from being so wobbly. You definitely don't want to put an infant who cannot hold his head up or hold his back straight into an excersaucer.

Once your baby can sit with support, however, he will probably enjoy the exersaucer for short periods of time. Just be sure you have his body supported all the way around until he has become strong enough and coordinated enough to hold himself upright. He should continue to enjoy the exersaucer until he is beginning to walk on his own.

Why Should I Choose an Exersaucer Instead of a Walker?

One of the major controverial issues that surround baby walkers is safety. Because a baby can become quite mobile in a baby walker, she also can manuever herself into dangerous situations, such as steps, stairwells, hot stoves, electrical cords, etc.

The beauty of an exersaucer is that baby can still have freedom of movement by rocking back and forth on its saucer-like bottom, but she won't actually go anywhere. Of course, if she is very active, all that rocking might move the saucer a little, so you would definitely want to use caution in where you place it, but the worry of her traveling all over the house will be eliminated, at least while she is in the saucer!

What Are Some Features I Should Look for in Baby Exersaucers?

Baby equipment designers have finally gotten smart, and they've added lots of wonderful features to these saucers. When you are shopping for an exersaucer, you'll probably want the following features:

Baby exersaucers should be adjustable to accomodate baby as he grows.
It should have a swivel seat, so that baby can turn completely around when he sits in it.
It should have attached toys that surround the exersaucer. As baby turns around, he'll discover new toys to play with.
It should have toys that play music.
It should have a washable or removable, padded seat cover for easy clean-up.

What Are Some Safety Precautions I Should Take?

First, while your baby will probably love her new exersaucer, don't make it too much of a good thing. Be sure you give her plenty of other opportunities and positions to play and exercise.
Although she might seem perfectly safe in the exersaucer, you should never leave her unattended.
Be sure you have locked the exersaucer into the correct position before placing baby in it to prevent the saucer from collapsing.

Finally, take my word for it. This is one piece of baby equipment that mom, dad, and baby will love!

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Comments

Tom, We'd also love to hear what Evenflo has to say on this issue. You are right, however, that the key point to remember is not to leave your baby in the exersaucer for too long.-Susie

-- Contributed by: Susie1506

Tara, It's funny you should ask about the baby's feet touching the base in the exersaucer. My family and I were just having the same discussion. I too read the label, so I have my son standing on his toes rather than flat footed. My sister-in- law does not think babys should stand on their toes. She is a nurse and has heard that it may cause problems if babys stand on their toes. We discussed it for awhile and came to no agreement. So I am determined to find the right answer. I have emailed eveflow and asked them the same questions. When I asked my Dr., she told me she has never heard of either way being an issue. The key is not to leave baby in the exersaucer for an extended period of time. I wouldn't say I'm worried about it because we do limit his time in the exersaucer, but I would like to know the right answer and why. Anyway, if I find out more I will let you know. Take care. Tom

-- Contributed by: Tom

Tara, I've used both of these with my children without any development problems. Depending upon the company that makes these products, you may be able to get specifications mailed to you directly from the company. I did pull up some info that recommended both for ages 5 months and above, however, again depending upon the manufacturer. You might want to talk to your pediatrician about this as well.-Susie

-- Contributed by: Susie1506

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