Baby activities / gadgets....? | ExpatWoman.com
 

Baby activities / gadgets....?

276
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 March 2013 - 13:44

Our LO is so active when she is awake but tends to get bored very easily. She is now 15 weeks, has excellent head control and tried to sit up whenever she can. Obviously she cannot hold herself up yet but she is so much happier when she is sitting up (she even tried to stand every occasion she gets!)
I was thinking maybe of getting her a walker as it would have her sitting up but I have just read through the earlier thread saying that they are not recommended at all. Is there anything else we could get for her that would entertain her where she is not just lying down? We have a couple of activity mats with dangling toys that she likes to swipe at and that entertains her for maybe 10 - 15 minutes. We also have a swing but shes not that interested in the swing at the moment. Her bouncer is not popular lol!
Any ideas or suggestions please? I was excited about getting a walker and now am very sceptical....

2782
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 16 March 2013 - 14:03
What I would invest in is an L shaped pillow that you can pop behind her back when she is able to sit up, this lets her fall, which is a good thing, but prevents her whacking her head on the hard floor in the process. This is pretty much where my 5 month old is at, sitting, falling, getting up on hands and knees, basically all the pre crawling strengthening stuff. It's good to let them build those muscles instead of strapping them into things. A second hand activity centre could come in handy if you needed 10 minutes to cook dinner or something or if your baby hated tummy time and you were worried about flat head maybe?
2782
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 16 March 2013 - 13:51
I agree with Evelyn, all those gadgets put strain on parts of your baby that are not yet ready. In another few weeks she may be able to sit on her own and that would be far better than restricting her to a bumbo. Let her have lots of tummy time, you can buy tummy time activity mats or just surround her with lots of scrunchy, rattley, noisy toys that she can explore. If you do invest in a gadget, keep a close eye on the time and don't leave get in it for more than 10 minutes. <em>edited by kiwispiers on 16/03/2013</em>
1381
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 March 2013 - 11:32
exersaucer is not for so small baby.didn't read her age properly. as for bumbo seat try one in babyshop or elsewhere first. ds didn't liked and he was so uncomfortable in that.
276
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 March 2013 - 19:55
Thanks ladies - very helpful information! Maybe she is too small for it just yet. Will have to be patient :) Think the Bumbo chair could be a good idea though - any idea where to get one here in Dubai?
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 March 2013 - 13:30
[b'>we shouldnt sit up baby who can not sit by her/himself, we should not stand up baby who can not stand byher/him self..[/b'> Babies natural development is to lie on their backs, roll to their sides, roll to their tummies, (they do this when they are ready to do it because their muscles are developed from just lying on their back!!) then moving around on the floor to discover the big bad world,,,, reaching out for toys, picking up that bit of fluff or speck that you missed. they then begin to discover their legs and try them out by getting up onto their knees, and slowly but surely over the month learning to crawl and then finally sitting sometimes as old at 9 months before acheiving it... all on their own... without mum or dad pushing them into steps that their body is not ready for. You will always have people saying sit your baby, do this , jolly jumper(the worst thing you could put your baby in) And one more thing if the manufacture of bumbo seat or other saying it is recommend from this and that months plz do not blindly follow this reccomendation cos they are made to sell the product. <em>edited by evelyn2000 on 15/03/2013</em>
29
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 March 2013 - 12:40
As tamieg1 said a bumbo chair is great and is recommended from the age of 4 months, dependent on the baby being able to hold their own head up. One word of caution, if babies wriggle they can get out or tip it over. Nothing beats tummy time for strengthening backs, arms and necks, and helps with their overall motor skills.
676
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 March 2013 - 10:44
What about a bumbo chair (or similar) with a tray. Then you could put books/toys on the tray to for her to look at. Also at that age doing more tummy time will help strengthen her back & neck
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 March 2013 - 02:34
15 weeks, isn't she too small to put her in that toy, with dandling legs? In my opinion it is not so good idea for baby hips, also such small baby supposed to still get her neck and spine to get stronger. I think the toy doesn't t give support for her back as well. Dear Mmmm think well and make more research before putting her in this one because it could lead for some problems with her muscles, spine, coordination etc. I am talking about long term one which can show in her adult life. Wish all good luck I know it is so hard to keep them to entertain when the are so small you we have limited options.
1381
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 March 2013 - 00:31
You see Daza, thats EXACTLY what I had in mind for her!!!! I think she would just love it! Sitting up would just suit her down to the ground :) Where did you get yours, do you mind me asking? Or where can I get something similar? It looks ideal! i have something similar,evenflo exersaucer which i am selling. i have put up an ad on dubizzle. tried putting here but every time it said pic is too large :) Ds loved that and still loves it although now he loves to use it as his push toy. <em>edited by angel joy on 15/03/2013</em>
276
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 March 2013 - 15:42
You see Daza, thats EXACTLY what I had in mind for her!!!! I think she would just love it! Sitting up would just suit her down to the ground :) Where did you get yours, do you mind me asking? Or where can I get something similar? It looks ideal!
4062
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 14 March 2013 - 14:48
I used an activity center with my first three and they all loved it. Not sure if it is what some people call a walker but even if it's not recommended it wouldn't put me off one bit, it will be getting trotted out again for my fourth baby. Found it a total lifesaver for the short time they use it. This isn't the one I have but it's similar. http://www.mamasandpapas.com/product-little-entertainer-activity-centre-little-land/442842400/type-i/
 
 

ON EXPATWOMAN TODAY