Average Cost: $35-40
Availability: Readily available online and at retail stores
Rating: ****/***** (4/5)
Alternative Products: Bebe Pod

Every parent has been there. The baby’s bored with the view laying down, but every time you try to prop him up with pillows or cushions, he manages to slip down- sometimes even ending up under the pillows. The answer seems to be the bumbo seat, one of the most comfortable infant seats available.

Unlike other seats that are made of hard plastic, the bumbo seat is made of a low density foam that is squishy and comfortable. The design of the bumbo, has the seat at a slightly lower angle than the leg openings, which holds the baby securely, using the baby’s own weight to keep the seat from tipping over and to make it more difficult for the baby to climb out easily or tip it over. (Note: The baby can arch his back and go over the back of the seat when he’s longer and stronger. Never use this or any baby seat on raised surfaces where the baby can fall!)

My son started using the bumbo for short periods of time at 6 weeks when his head control became good enough for him to sit without flopping around. He loves to sit in it and be shown objects such as the free “Infant Stim” graphics that I printed out on glossy photo paper, or a variety of toys. He finds it much more appealing to sit in this, than in the carseat, as it gives him more of a view and lets him practice holding himself upright. It also makes it easier to do things like clip his toenails or put socks onto him, as it keeps his legs more still than they’d ever be otherwise.

The downsides of the bumbo appear to be:

• Somewhat narrow leg openings mean that larger babies will grow out of it very quickly

• Lack of a restraint means that the seat is less than safe for babies that are strong enough/long enough to arch their backs, touch their feet to the ground, or throw themselves backwards. It should always be used on a level surface, preferably a padded one.

Despite these downsides, which apply to all infant seats, the bumbo is a great product that babies seem to love.

Product Link: Bumbo Seat