I did some research on it before I put DS in it, and from what I found, a lot of the dangers could be significantly reduced by setting the height so that they were bouncing flat footed rather than on tippy toes, and by limiting time in it.
I was a little concerned that JJ's can place the hips in a position that is not "normal" for their stage of development, but my MCHN (who is, oddly, very concerned about hips) did not seem to think this was an issue.
I'm surprised to hear about backs. To me, it seems like what he is doing in the JJ is pretty much the same thing he is doing when I hold him upright- ie- bouncing like crazy- but without killing my arms! I suppose the different might be how long you do it for, and, as we've all said, foot position.
My DD uses it probably twice a day but never for more than 10 minutes at a time - as recommended by the store we bought it from.
We have the height set where her feet are flat on the floor and she just boings around happily.
My DS15, DD13 and DS10 all used walkers too and they are just fine and don't have any prob's at all.
The problem is that research and information is only now emerging (because Jolly Jumpers haven't been around for that long) that there are long-term problems for adults related to their use.
The health professionals are advising against their use.
My DD's physio has warned me against using one but only because she is already behind in development and due to time in hospital as a baby and a chromosome deletion she is likely to struggle with her developmental milestones in the future so we don't need anything to hold her back more than needed.
I am a bit against walkers etc anyway so it didn't really bother me. When I did discuss it with the physio however she did say that if a baby is healthy and meeting milestones then a max of 10-15mins a day was fine.
My nephew practically lived in his jolly jumper and walker and he was walking independantly at 10 months and is a healthy active 10 year old now, hmm, I find that strange that I have seen that it did not 'harm' him yet I am still a bit unsure about them, I too just cannot see it being all that good for there back.
All that said, my DD was given one as a Xmas gift, she does enjoy it but I am very concious of her develpment so she gets one 10 minute bounce every 2 weeks (in between each physio appointment)
Good on you for informing others on something they may not have known or simply not have thought of
Charlotte loved hers, was in it every day and has no problems with her back, her hips, her feet or walking. in fact she was standing and chair walking at 8 months and walking at 10 months. She has never had an issue at all, ever.
Most of the problems people seem to have can be resolved by common sense and following the instructions. WRT to studies showing problems in adults directly due to the use of JJ as babies, I find this very hard to believe - how on earth would they prove that the problems were caused soley by the JJ?? Did they leave people in traction for their lives except to put them in a JJ? It would be the only way to conclusively prove that it was JJ that caused any such damage.
I rave about JJ they are fabulous, and are very good for encouraging balance, coordination and muscle control. They are also fun!! Thanks for posting though Nice to know people care
I think like many things there is a potential risk. Just because you use a jolly jumper doean't mean your child will definately walk on tippee toes, have back issues etc. But, there are associated risks, particulalry if it is not used correctly. It is good to be aware.
Kuriaza- Thanks for pointing out the current research. It is always good to be informed. I have heard a bit about it, and was always cautious to only use it for short periods and at the correct hight.
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Nice to know people care
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