Just Say “NO” to the Bumbo.
Ah, the Bumbo. Honestly, the bane of my existence. When I’m talking to patients about false positions, buckets, and what NOT to put your baby in, this is my number one example.
Let’s break it down to why it’s just not a good idea for any baby!
Babies are born with a blueprint of development. I’m talking musculoskeletal development so let’s stay in that arena today. Every single baby is born with this pattern; no matter where, when, or how the baby was born. Even the teeniest patterns like what grip develops first are all a part of this plan. It’s how our joints form, muscles learn how to pull correctly, and it is responsible for important structural changes like the curves in our spines. This blueprint is referred to as the “developmental sequence” in our office.
A problem arises when something – internal or external – alters this pattern. Internal factors include a central coordination disturbance such as cerebral palsy, autism, muscular dystrophy, etc. An external factor would be any “bucket”; exersaucers, jumpers, and in today’s blog…the Bumbo.
What does the Bumbo do? Well, simply put, it shows the baby a higher developmental position that’s inappropriate for the age of the baby. Neurologically, once a baby spends time in a higher position they are less likely to want to spend time in a lower position. What I mean is this: sitting upright like in a Bumbo is consistent with a ten month pattern. If a baby, let’s say three months of age, is put in a ten month pattern then that baby is less likely to enjoy tummy time (which is super important for shoulder formation- more on this later).
I know you’re thinking it so I’ll just answer you- YES. Putting your baby in a sitting position, Bumbo or not, does the same thing! For today’s blog though, let’s focus on this piece of baby equipment.
Anatomically, the Bumbo isn’t ideal either. It spreads the hips apart and keeps them there. It also does not provide proper support for the spine, leading to a bent or flexed low back. While we’re talking about the back, the spine isn’t supposed to be loaded (upright against gravity) until around 8-10 months. What happens around that time? You guessed it! The baby will naturally learn to sit when the spine is ready to be upright against gravity. Anything earlier compromises its integrity.
Lastly, babies do not need help to learn how to sit. The developmental sequence (developmental milestones in a very specific order) is in an order for a reason! We must learn to roll before we sit just like we have to crawl before we walk and sit naturally before we stand.
Alright, now listen: it isn’t too late and if you have been using a Bumbo and you’re reading this, you can still throw it away and encourage your baby’s natural proper development! Just put baby on the floor and have some fun toys around. You may also need to get on the floor and help motivate baby to move around.
All in all, the Bumbo and all false sitting is a no-go. Lets avoid rushing the development of our tiny humans! Afterall, they’re only babies once and they WILL develop correctly, naturally!
Do you have questions or concerns about your child’s development? Please call our office today to have your little one evaluated!
