The Bumbo chair can be used from around 4 months old (when your baby has good head control and can sit unassisted) until they can climb out of it (usually about 12 months old). It should not be an alternative to an infant seat or bouncer. The chair helps support your baby in a seated position, which can help with their development.
However, it is essential to remember that the age recommendation is just a recommendation. There is no definitive answer as different babies will reach the developmental milestones necessary to use a bumbo chair at different ages. However, most babies can use a bumbo chair safely by around 4 months old.
Remember that it is always important to consult with your pediatrician before giving your baby any new type of seat.
Can older babies use bumbo chairs? (8 months and up)
Yes, if your child is over eight months and meets the guidelines above, they can still use a bumbo chair. Many parents report that their children enjoy using the bumbo well into the second year.
What is a Bumbo chair?
A Bumbo chair, also known as a bumbo seat, is a molded plastic chair with a round, flat bottom. There is a three-point harness to secure the baby, and the child has no control over the direction they are facing. The Bumbo chair can be used on any flat surface. The manufacturer also makes other products designed for use with the bumbo, such as playpens, activity gyms, bath seats, and stools.
However, there are concerns that a baby seated in a bumbo is not visible to those around them, which has led to several cases of accidental suffocation.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends against using the bumbo as it “poses a risk for serious head injuries and ejection from the chair” as well as other problems such as aspiration. The AAP has also stated that the bumbo chair “should not be used for routine feeding.”
How to use a bumbo chair safely
Despite the risks associated with using the bumbo chair, many parents find it helpful in supporting their baby in a seated position. If you do choose to use a bumbo chair, there are steps parents can take to use the bumbo chair safely.
- First, be sure that your baby can sit up unassisted before placing them in the bumbo seat.
- The bumbo should not be used on an elevated surface.
- Always use the harness at all times when seated in the bumbo.
- The bumbo should not be used for longer than 30 minutes at a time.
If you are concerned about your baby’s safety, remember that it is essential to contact your pediatrician. It is also helpful to talk with other parents who have used the chair before, as they may offer additional advice based on their personal experiences.
Bumbo chair alternatives
If you are not comfortable using a bumbo chair, other options are available to help your baby sit up. You can try an infant seat or bouncer, which will provide more support for your baby.
Fisher-Price Sit-Me-Up Floor Seat
This Fisher-Price floor seat is an excellent alternative to the Bumbo chair. Invite your child to sit up and play in a comfortable, sturdy seat that provides them with a view of the world around them! The two linked toys, a turtle spinner with a mirrored side and entertaining clackers keep your cuddle bug occupied. And the comfy seat cushion is detachable and machine-washable, making cleanup simple!
The Sit-Me-Up Floor Seat’s supportive upright seat and broad, stable base allow your child to observe and interact with the world around him, providing comfort and security.
The lightweight and ultra-compact design of this foldable baby chair make it a breeze to transport your loved one along with you to grandma’s house or wherever you’re going.
It can be used for babies up to 25 pounds or until they can sit up on their own without assistance.
Summer Learn-to-Sit Stages 3-Position Floor Seat
This Summer 3-position floor seat is a great alternative to the Bumbo chair. It is designed to help your baby learn to sit up on their own, and it can be used for babies up to 40 pounds. The Summer Learn-to-Sit Stages 3-Position Floor Seat has three different height levels, so it can grow with your child as they gain new skills.
- The first position is lower to the ground and is intended for babies with complete neck control.
- When your baby learns to sit up, transition them to the second posture, which will assist in developing balance.
- The highest position is for babies who begin to sit up.
The Learn-to-Sit Stages 3-position floor seat features detachable toys and a meal tray to provide everything you need. This chair also folds completely flat for storage and travel, making it ideal.
This baby chair is extra-safe and easy to use. It supports up to 25 pounds so that you can use it for a long time! It also comes with a comfortable cushion that makes this perfect for playtime, nap time, or anytime.
The ergonomic design of this sturdy baby floor seat distributes your child’s weight evenly, making it more comfortable for them to sit up. And the broad base prevents your little one from tipping over.
Fisher-Price Healthy Care Deluxe Booster Seat
This Fisher-Price healthy care booster seat is perfect for when your baby begins to sit up on their own all the way to toddlerhood. The Healthy Care Booster Seat supports babies up to 50 pounds and helps them develop the skills they need to transition to a regular chair.
It has a three-point harness for safety and a removable tray with two cup holders, and a snap-on lid that doubles as a serving tray. The Booster Seat folds up for easy storage and transport, and it wipes clean easily.
The easy cleaning is what makes this kids’ chair special. There are no nooks or crannies to retain crumbs, so you can keep your baby’s space clean. The feeding tray can be cleaned in the dishwasher to reduce germs.
This Fisher-Price kids’ chair is durable enough to last through long family gatherings. It has an extended use up to six years so that it can grow with your child. The lightweight design makes it easy to move from one place to another.
Infantino 3-in-1 Booster Seat
This Infantino 3-in-1 booster seat is perfect for your growing child. It can be used in 3 different ways:
- as a seated positioner
- as a feeding booster
- as a table booster seat
The Infantino 3-in-1 Booster Seat is designed to support babies up to 33 pounds so that it can be used for a long time.
The Infantino Grow-With-Me Discovery Seat and Booster is a three-in-one product that provides an interactive play area, snack time seat, and secure booster with harnesses.
Babies seat and play with toys: spinners, mirror play, and silly squeakers, encouraging sensory development. When it’s time for a snack, just remove the detachable toy pods to reveal a snack tray with a cup holder. Use the security straps to attach the booster seat to a kitchen chair as your baby grows.
Skip Hop 2-in-1 Sit-up Activity Baby Chair
This Skip Hop 2-in-1 Sit-up Activity Baby Chair is perfect for when your baby begins to sit up on their own. The Skip Hop 2-in-1 Sit-up Activity Baby Chair has a soft, comfortable seat with an adjustable harness to keep your child safe. It also comes with a removable tray with a built-in cup holder and an activity center with various activities to keep your baby entertained.
The 2-in-1 design makes this baby chair super convenient. Parents can alternate between a multipurpose tray (perfect for snacks!) and three interesting toys, depending on whether it is time for a meal or play.
The sturdy, wide-leg foundation provides stability, while the soft fabric seat cover makes Skip Hop chair comfy. The seat cover may be removed for simple machine washing.
Ingenuity Baby Base 2-in-1 Booster Feeding and Floor Seat with Self-Storing Tray
This product shows how to transform a playtime chair into a snack time quickly!
The Baby Base securely clamps onto dining chairs, allowing your child to sit higher and see more during family dinners. Cute in design, this tiny baby feeding chair is lightweight and portable. It’s a fantastic option for at-home or on-the-go dining with your child!
The detachable tray allows your youngster to have their own perfectly sized table, so they can easily reach food or toys. The tray conveniently folds up underneath the booster seat when it is not used. The tray is also dishwasher safe, making mealtimes a pleasure. Wipe the base and foam insert clean with a damp cloth and mild soap to remove dust.
The Baby Base may be used once your baby can hold its head up independently. The safety strap secures a tight fasten when linked to your dining chair, and the 3-point harness keeps the baby safe.
Remove the foam seat insert when your baby gets older and use it as a toddler seat. Suitable for 6 months to 36 months.
Upseat Baby Chair Booster Seat with Tray
Upseat Baby Chair Booster Seat was designed by physical therapists with developing babies in mind and targets the muscles responsible for good upright posture while also being safe for a child’s developing hips.
Upseat baby seats allow for chubby legs and keep babies’ hips in a safe and correct posture. This chair is recommended for kids who can sit on their own, mainly from the 3rd month of life until 12 months. Upseat Baby Chair Booster Seat holds up to 30 pounds.
This baby chair can be used in 3 ways:
- as a floor seat
- as a booster seat
- as a feeding chair
Upseat baby chair booster seat comes with a detachable tray designed, so it is super easy to clean up after mealtime.
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