DD bored and Physio says No to jollyjumper

[ubba82]

Everyone has given you some great suggestions. I just wanted to add that it's not necessary to get a new high chair or new toys for her. Check out eBay or op shops too :-)

[Ca Plane Pour Moi]

If a child cannot sit up alone and unaided, propping the child up is supposed to be bad for development - I've not done research on this so cannot give an opinion. However, boredom is a great stimulant. DS had a floor mat with an arch over it (which he still loves) and quickly got the hang of baby jigsaws. DS was very frustrated just before he started crusing (didn't crawl) so maybe she really wants to move and is finding it hard? It's a great encourager. Put toys just out of her reach and she'll have a focus then.

[Little Chicken]

Is there a toy library in your area? They can be absolutely in valuable if your budget is tight

[trishalishous]

I second the toy library idea! Have you tried wearing your DD in a sling, so she can see what youre doing, and you still have free hands?
Our DD only went into the JJ and exersaucer once she could hold her head steady and roll. I think she was around 6/7 months. Our physio actually suggested them, as she was favouring one side, and they both make you balance things out.
And she was never in them longer than 20 minutes (if I was DYING for the loo/shower) and usually 5 - 10 mins at a time (while I mopped/chopped meat/made her brekkie)

[trishalishous]

http://www.physiotherapy.asn.au/imag...%20walkers.pdf
this recommends activity centres/exersaucers

[Gigi]

i read the recommendations about Jolly Jumpers, and made a decision for my child, to use them, but under certain conditions:
- i set a timer for 10 minutes (for her to be using it)
- i sat with her the whole time she was in it (supervision)

exploration, curiousity and boredom are all part of a baby's world, necessary bits. it's how they learn.

my bub loved wooden pegs, i underestimated hwo much fun she would have, with basic stuff like that (e/g took me years to understand the value of a scarf, piece of cloth - to entertain a bub). at the time, i felt like a failure as a mum, cos i didn't have lots of plastic toys for her (e/g every other mum went nuts at the July toy sales except me, or that's what it seemed like).

[Ca Plane Pour Moi]

Thinking about basic stuff - I managed to entertain a 2yo for half an hour just with wiggling fingers. Maybe that says more about my son's mental abilities than the joy of free toys though.

SiL went the "tonnes of plastic" route, whereas I obviously didn't. Doesn't make her a better parent.

[Kazbah]

Will managed to amuse himself for about a half hour yesterday with a blankie that he kept pulling over his head, like in a peek-a-boo style. At this age, they're learning about consequence and anticipation, and repetition is great for that. Other things : bright paper (eg woolies catalogues) that they can crunch and crinkle. Bubble wrap taped onto the floor for them to roll onto. Mirror on the floor that someone mentioned above ... With Pip, I would have him in his rocker next to a window and he'd watch the leaves in the breeze for ages - it'd also zone him out and he'd often fall asleep. Pip would also enjoy watching the birds in their cage. And Will enjoys just sitting at the table with us, we give some toys for him to reach for and he plays with them. (well, slaps the table trying to get to them .. )