Jolly Jumpers are BAD for infant development

[SunnyRain]

There is a lot of research coming out now that shows the harmful effects of Jolly Jumpers on the physical development of children. Chronic back pain is one such life-long crippling effect that we, as mothers, surely wouldn't want for our children.

The Jolly Jumper encourages tippy-toe bouncing which is counter productive for the development of good walking technique. They also encourage the strengthening of certain muscles out of balance with others which is what is now coming through in research as resulting in back problems in adult life.

I don't know if this has ever been raised on these forums before, but it seems to me that a good 75% of mothers that I speak to are using Jolly Jumpers as a convenient way to entertain their children while they get on with house work etc. I have to wonder if these mothers know about the current recommendations by child health professionals STRONGLY AGAINST using this equipment (as well as other bouncers and walkers that encourage use of the toes over weight balanced properly on feet).

Please, if your children are not able to bear weight on their feet yet, consider ceasing use of your jolly jumper or severely limit the time you place your baby in it. I am writing this note because it makes me sick to my stomach to think of our children growing up with chronic pain that will never go away and can not be fixed.

[Rach75]

I understand where you are coming from but also if used correctly I dont see a problem with them jack was never in his longer than 15min at a time...which I beleive is the recomended timeframe I do ahve friends that leave their kids int hem for hr's on ends and I can/do see a problem with this

[feeb]

I was told by a physio and pead they are fine if used for maximum of 10 mins a day, in fact they are beneficial to them.

We have one must say not used much as to much of a hassle as we have exersaucer which DS is it for short periods at a time multiple times a day. He gets cranky if there too long.

[~Raven~]

Interesting!

I put Mason in one but only a couple of times as he hated it and I really didn't like it either. Kind of freaked me out a bit and then we lent it to BIL along with lots of other stuff that we never got back.

[TwinsMummy]

Both of my girls used them a few times a week when they were younger and have never had any issues walked and crawled fine never had a problem i actually recommend the jolly jumper to my friends.

[The[cookie]Doctor]

It only encourages tippy toe bouncing if it hasn't been set at a correct height level.
My DS never bounced on his tippy toes in it. I think any problems that may be caused by a tippy toe bounce would be more likely now that he scoots along furniture on his tippy toes.
I don't see a problem if used correctly at all. And most babies get sick of it within 10 miniutes anyway...

[1MOREPLZ]

yep have to agree with others in this thread.
Jack only lasts 10mins max in it...then gets the cranks...
if set at the right height/level tippy toe bouncing shouldn't occur...

[leesha]

I was told by MCN not to use one but I have and DS loves it...I did wait till he was 7 months and was very good on his feet. He is only in it for a maximum of 15 mins per day maybe 3 times per week and always supervised!!
I have a friend who's 2 children have used a jolly jumper and are perfectly fine. I have another friend who didn't use one and her child walks on tippy toes!!! So who really knows??? Just use common sense when using one!

[amberj]

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.

[Visitor8]

My mum used one for us, I used one for all 3 of my boys, my sister used one for her son, my friends all used one for their kids... guess what... noone has any issues with walking on their tip toes, chronic pain or any of the other so called side effects of using one. I even used a walker with my first, and those play centres for the other 2. In fact Ashton has a tigger jolly jumper and 2 play centres. Am I worried? No!

My opinion is it is absolute rubbish that it will harm your child. What will harm your child is not using these things appropriately, it is people who leave their kids in them for hours and hours daily. It is parents who use them as a baby sitter. When used appropriately I don't see how they can be bad. My children were certainly not behind in walking or having any issues with their walking, in fact the opposite when my 8.5 month old started walking.

I think you would be hard pressed to find someone who has had a problem for every person that hasn't. I am yet to meet someone IRL who has had issues with them, yet I know more people than I can count on my hands who haven't.

Just MY opinion of course.

[Toomanytoomany]

My mum used one for us, I used one for all 3 of my boys, my sister used one for her son, my friends all used one for their kids... guess what... noone has any issues with walking on their tip toes, chronic pain or any of the other so called side effects of using one. I even used a walker with my first, and those play centres for the other 2. In fact Ashton has a tigger jolly jumper and 2 play centres. Am I worried? No!

I understand you aren't concerned, and that's fine, that's your prerogative, but that kind of rebuttal to research ("I used to do it and I was fine") was used by people who objected to car seats and smoke free environments, too. And it's part of the alcohol in pregnancy debate. Note, I'm not saying Jolly Jumpers are like tobacco and alcohol

Maybe the OP can post some links to the actual research - I'm certainly looking for some - so that we can have a discussion that's informed by more than anecdote. I'm certainly interested in exploring it It's interesting that there are no Australian standards relating to this equipment and many children's hospitals advise against using them.

[SamiH]

by people who objected to car seats and smoke free environments, too. And it's part of the alcohol in pregnancy debate. Note, I'm not saying Jolly Jumpers are like tobacco and alcohol

.

I was actually thinking of listeria! Many say they eat this and that and their babies were fine - but if you were the unlucky one - just not worth it.

But i digress .... sorry

[Madissun]

My mum used one for us, I used one for all 3 of my boys, my sister used one for her son, my friends all used one for their kids... guess what... noone has any issues with walking on their tip toes, chronic pain or any of the other so called side effects of using one. I even used a walker with my first, and those play centres for the other 2. In fact Ashton has a tigger jolly jumper and 2 play centres. Am I worried? No!

My opinion is it is absolute rubbish that it will harm your child.

I think you would be hard pressed to find someone who has had a problem for every person that hasn't. I am yet to meet someone IRL who has had issues with them, yet I know more people than I can count on my hands who haven't.

Just MY opinion of course.

Hun, the OP wasn't attacking anyone who uses a Jolly Jumper. She is pointing out that there has been research on the effects of using a Jolly Jumper. Perhaps dont dismiss something as "absolute rubbish" until you have read the research being spoken of. Thats fantastic that you're not worried, but others may still find the information useful.

[Butterfly Dawn]

I think you raise some good points. It is personal choice what you choice to give your children to play in/with. I personally welcome more information posted as it helps me to decide what I will choose for my kids

[Madissun]

I think you raise some good points. It is personal choice what you choice to give your children to play in/with. I personally welcome more information posted as it helps me to decide what I will choose for my kids

I completely agree