Exersaucers are a safer alternative to walkers, allowing babies to move the saucer base and bounce in a seated position. Pediatricians advise limited use and caution against delaying development. Safety ratings are important, and some babies may not be ready for use until four to five months old.
An exersaucer is an alternative to a walker. First developed by the Evenflo® company and marketed specifically under the brand name ExerSaucer®, many parents now refer to all of these seated, hopping, and propelled turning devices for children as exersaucers, although other companies may sell them under different names. Unlike the typical walker, these baby accessories do not allow the child to move forward or backward using their feet. Instead, the child can move the saucer that forms the base, can bounce up and down in the saucer, and usually has access to a colorful tray that may have toys attached to it for entertainment.
There has been significant discussion about the value and risks of wheeled walkers. While you can still find some on the market, they have a high accident rate, with children tipping over on walkers or, even worse, falling down flights of stairs. Most pediatricians advise parents not to use walkers and also argue that these devices may actually delay some types of development. They do not teach a child to walk and discourage children from other forms of movement such as crawling and running around.
Many pediatricians think differently about exersaucers because they have a much lower risk of accidents. However, you should never leave a baby unattended in a saucer, and most doctors recommend using them for limited periods of time so that babies have an opportunity to explore other types of movement. One downside to exersaucers, according to some professionals, is that kids can’t see their feet in them. This can affect how the child perceives himself spatially and delay gross motor development.
Most doctors believe it is okay to use an exerciser for limited periods of time and can help maintain children’s interest. Kids can love or hate them, and you might want to try a friend’s exersaucer before buying one. Some of these are perfect for taking to places where you really don’t want the baby moving around on the floor and there are many varieties to choose from.
Most importantly, you need to make sure that any saucers you buy have a high rating for safety. Many feature a way to lock the rocking or turning mechanism so your child can sit up and play with the toys without moving. With growing concern about children spending too much time on their backs and how this can affect head shape and development, the exerciser may be more important to children.
Giving your child the ability to sit upright can help build neck strength. On the other hand, if your baby falls forward when placed in a saucer, you may want to wait a bit before using it. The age of use varies, but many babies are ready for extenders when they are around four to five months old and able to sit up with some support.
Most exersaucers have recommendations for maximum weight and height. You should not exceed these maximums. Also, some experienced babies who are just starting to walk may be able to pull themselves out of the exersaucers. If your baby seems on the verge of going outside, it’s time to put this toy away. In this way, the child cannot roll over if he manages to climb partially or completely.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
