Babies should never be placed in a jumper until they have the strength to control their neck — usually around 4-6 months (2).

Your baby can independently (but safely) practice bouncing, standing, and manipulating objects like buttons and noisemakers. The maximum weight for this economical jumper is 26 pounds, so it’s easy to justify this inexpensive purchase as you know your baby will get plenty of use out of it. A Jumperoo, baby jumper or exersaucer, is a baby activity device designed to provide babies with a fun way to burn energy and strengthen motor skills. This one includes bumpers to help keep your baby from getting hurt if they bump into the door frame, and the tray can hold additional toys if your baby needs a little extra entertainment along with the 2 detachable toys it already includes. There’s something about the positioning and the leg activity that stimulates a bowel movement, so choose a jumper with a seat you can wash easily — either by throwing the whole seat in the washer or with a plastic exterior you can wipe down and sanitize as necessary.These devices have wheels so babies can sit in a fabric or plastic chair while they roll around, and they have no benefits, says the AAP: Though parents often think they will help children learn to walk, they can actually delay when your child starts to walk.

Do not attach toys or other items with strings to the jumperoo, as they can pose a strangulation hazard. And if you are concerned about your baby spending too much time in a seat, this jumper actually gives you reminders to take your baby out after 10 and 20 minutes of play. Jumpers are good for giving you a short break during the day while your baby plays in a confined space where they can’t hurt themselves. While baby jumpers are great for giving busy parents a break, it’s best for your baby’s development to have plenty of free play on the floor.

My little one absolutely adores it, giggling and kicking nonstop, which makes for a happy and tired baby afterwards. These convertible activity centers generally have a longer usable lifespan, since cruising babies around 9 to 11 months old begin to tire of their activity center and want to explore the world around them. The bottom is adjustable, so you can set it to just the right height, and the seat spins around in a full circle so your baby moves to explore it all.

For starters, this activity seat has a wide—35-inch—footprint that we constantly have to navigate around in my kitchen. While many activity centers are designed to be used for just a few short months of a baby’s life, this activity center offers more longevity. Additionally, it isn’t quite as springy as some other jumpers, and it is definitely a little bulky too.In addition to that general age threshold, each manufacturer outlines the recommended age, weight, and height restrictions of its products. Sometimes, when you’re on the go, you need a place for your baby to play without getting full of dirt and sand.