Anyone NOT buy an exersaucer?

....and if not why not? My DD is 6 1/2 mths and I am just wondering if I should get one at this stage or if I should get something else?

Thanks

Re: Anyone NOT buy an exersaucer?

We didn't buy one. We had a family member who overused thiers. They always put thier daughter in it and she didn't walk until about 17 months and even now only walks on her tippy toes. She rolled over, sat up, and crawled very late too.

I know that exersaucers don't necessarily cause all of that, and you have to use them for moderation, but I read a few articles about how they can be damaging when they are overused, and I just didn't want to take a chance.

Instead we've always given my daughter free roam, at least of the living room which is babyproofed. Now that she's 10 months old she has free roam of all rooms except for the bathroom.

I just feel like it's better for her physical development that way. It is my personal opinion and some people love thier exersaucers and think I'm ridiculous, but it's just a decision that DH and I made after seeing what happened to our niece. We decided to try going without it and we've been just fine!

Re: Anyone NOT buy an exersaucer?

by 6.5 months I would say pass on it and buy someting else.

Re: Anyone NOT buy an exersaucer?

I'd say it depends. How active is your baby? My first would have loved to hang out in one at this age while my second cannot sit still for the life of him and was already pulling up and starting to cruise by 6.5 months.

ETS: We didn't have one with our first, but we got a used one for our second child and he used it early but hates it now.

Message edited 8/10/2006 8:41:13 AM.

Re: Anyone NOT buy an exersaucer?

I'm not buying one. DS is 5 months now and he doesn't like anything that really confines him or makes him sit still.

I agree that they can be overused. I have a friend who works in childcare and she calls them "neglect-o-saucers". I thought that was kind of harsh but I got her point.

Re: Anyone NOT buy an exersaucer?

We put my daughter in it at 4 months and she loved it. She will be 6 months in a few weeks and I could tell that she doesn't like being confined in it for too long and is more interested in standing and crawling around.....

At this point - I wouldn't purpose it -since your child is already 6.5 months - JMO.

Re: Anyone NOT buy an exersaucer?

Thanks Everyone...I think I will get her something else instead. Thanks for the input, I really appreciate it.

Re: Anyone NOT buy an exersaucer?

We were not going to get one and then our neighbor gave us theirs. Sydney uses it very little so I am glad I didnt but it. It is helpful to have her in it when I am trying to cook dinner and entertain her at the same time. If you want a used one I saw alot the last time I was at once upon a child.