A baby jumper, as most mothers know, is a hoop that is suspended by an elastic strap. The main use of jumpers is to hold a baby securely while he or she jumps up and down.

Why would you use jumpers?

A baby, for all his cute looks and his adorable ways, is full of boundless energy. For a parent, this can be exhausting, to say the least. When a healthy baby begins to get bored, he can make life really difficult for his parents. Babies need to amuse themselves in some safe and secure manner. This is as much needed for the baby’s health as for your peace of mind. Jumpers offer just the right kind of entertainment.

Until they about one year old, babies are always experimenting with their various muscles.

Development is rapid in young babies and the constant jumping activity causes the muscles of the legs and calves to strengthen. Infants also get their first course in balancing when they are in their jumpers.

Babies love to explore and be in control of their immediate surroundings. As soon as they are able to hold up their heads, babies in jumpers and bouncers get an opportunity to move without adult interference.

Certain features that are a must in every jumper include:

A safety restraint: Most jumpers have a restraint that goes around the waist of the baby as well as between their tiny legs. This would be enough to ensure the safety of a young infant.

Comfortable: A jumper has to be well padded and must be free of any sharp edges. If a baby is not comfortable in his jumper, he will never enjoy it. Look for wide straps that will make getting in and out easy. A quilted nylon seat with a high back ensures comfort.

Ease in cleaning is also important when it comes to any equipment for a young (read messy) infant. The seat should therefore be removable, and the height should be adjustable. Some jumpers take care of your doorways by including bumpers. This reduces wear and tear.

Portable, sturdy and lightweight: Since you may need to detach the equipment and move it from one room to another, it must be portable and lightweight. However, the base of the equipment should be wide enough to ensure that it isn’t easily tipped over.

Who can use jumpers?

Jumpers are for small babies who can hold up their heads. Babies should ideally weigh no more than 25lbs. When they are able to sit upright and support most of their weight with their legs, they are ready to go into their jumpers. Jumpers are not advisable once your baby starts walking. One should be very careful while installing a jumper. To install your jumper securely, you should have a solid molding around the doorway. The best type of clamp is a spring-loaded, no-mar clamp that tightens as the baby bounces.

If the metal clasps in the jumper come undone, it may cause the unit to fall to the floor.

Babies can suffer injuries from such a fall. Most such injuries can directly be attributed to carelessness and lack of parental supervision. Remember that even a moment of distraction or the tiniest of mistakes can prove very dear when it comes to young babies.