thread: Jolly Jumpers are BAD for infant development

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  1. #1
    Registered User

    Feb 2008
    Gold Coast, QLD
    1,563

    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.

  2. #2
    Registered User

    Jan 2008
    Country Victoria
    1,991

    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

  3. #3
    Registered User

    Dec 2007
    Victoria
    7,260

    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

  4. #4
    Registered User

    Feb 2007
    In the jungle.
    4,809

    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.

  5. #5
    Registered User

    Jan 2008
    In a land of bubbles and trouble
    1,479

    I agree, thanks for putting the research out there - it's not meant for people to take it personally - just information for you to do with what you will.

  6. #6
    Registered User

    Jan 2009
    hiding under my desk!
    1,432

    i think also when new research comes out about a popular item, often it is met with scepticism because we all like the said item.
    but its this info that once its really our there then we can make informed desicions about it rather then assume the marketting company for these products have our childrens best interests at heart.

    yes i own and have used the JJ

  7. #7
    Registered User

    Jun 2008
    Tassie
    2,567

    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 first Jolly Jumper was invented by Susan Olivia Poole in 1910 and produced for the retail market in 1948.

    They have actually been out for a while

  8. #8
    Registered User

    Apr 2007
    Inner South East suburbs Melbourne
    1,213

    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.
    We always used a jolly jumper for our babies but after reading more and more things coming out about the potential damage, we sadly resigned ourselves to not using it any more.

    Like a previous poster said, there's nothing wrong with being informed and you just do with the information what you see as appropriate.

  9. #9
    BellyBelly Member

    Jan 2007
    In my own little world.
    1,035

    Well that is interestin!

    Our DD LOVED her JJ and went in it most days from about 4.5months. SHe already had a lot of back and neck strength and I think it helped her gain leg strength too. I was always careful to have it at the right height and when she learned about timing she was boinging away happily on bended knees and flat feet. She was completely manic about it! There is no way she wanted to come out after only 10mins, she wanted about 30mins most days.

    I wonder when this information came out as our JJ was bought new about 1year ago and there is quite a lot written onthe box about researchers saying how GOOD they are for child development etc.

  10. #10
    Registered User

    Jul 2005
    Rural NSW
    6,975

    Only read the first page of posts but we never used JJ or any piece of equipment that put a child into a position that was unnatural for it's stage of development... plus we didn't have the money to buy such items with our first baby... was just something that didn't feel right so we never did it. ETA: ...and I never really thought to judge parents that did use such things... it was just something we chose not to do.

  11. #11
    Registered User

    May 2008
    Gtown
    666

    Wooooaahhhhh......

    Each to their own I say!!

    Take the information given and decide what to do for your own child!! No need to get nasty with one another!!

    I for one think that kurazia did the right thing posting the information she has found but it won't stop me from using a JJ.....But that is my choice!!!

    Do with the information what you please just don't make it personal and argue about it as there is no right or wrong answer in this case!!!