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Product Reviews

Bumbo Baby Sitter

Number of reviews: 44
Overall score:

Funky baby seat
Buy now from the babyworld shop, price £29.97

bumbo

Parent Panel review by i - review date 31 January 2006

I bought it when my daughter was 4 mnths old but she keeps falling fwd in it and never liked sitting in it. it is a good invention but bit pricy and totally depends on individual baby.

Best Feature: simple

Worst Feature: bit bulky

Verdict: not good value for money

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great to encourage sitting

Parent Panel review by Helen - review date 28 August 2005

Jack was 9lb 3oz at birth and continues to be a big baby! I bought a bumbo to encourage him to sit. Luckily Jack learnt to sit quite quick as I don't think he would have fitted in it for long!

Best Feature: novel idea better than using pillows!

Worst Feature: a bit snug for bigger babies!

Verdict: great idea

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"Loved it"
We bought the Bumbo when my now 3 year old daughter was a baby. I liked it but we didn't really use it that much as she was always being held lol

With my new 5 month old son though it's been a godsend. We use it all the time. He's average weight for his age but long so he fits in it well. We go out for meals and he sits at the table with us. I use it a lot in the day as he loves watching me and hates his bouncy chair. I seriously would have gone mad during these past 2 months without it as any other place I put him he just screams!
Member review by Jenny - Mum of 2 - review date 28 November 2008

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"bumbo no no!"
i put my 8 month old son in his cousins one of these, with in ten minutes he had fallen out and hit his head. i thought it may be that i hadnt sat him in it correctly, i tried again and the same thing happend. this product is a complete waste of money in my eyes and should have clearer warning signs on the packaging. having said all this however, his cousin, just 2 weeks younger, sits in this seat comfortably and is yet to come out. overall though i think the risks of this chair should be more clearly stated.
Member review by katie - mother of 1 - review date 11 July 2008

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"Useful but noy essential"
I was given a Bumbo for my 2nd child and I found it useful as it did help him sit up and stay in one spot! My son was quite a big baby though and didn't fit in it for long. I used a widgey pillow with my first son as I'd used this during my pregancy and it wasn't being used. This worked just as well although you obviously have to be slightly more on the ball incase they fall forward/to the side! The bumbo was a gift but I probably would've used the Widgey again if I'd not been given it.
Member review by Audrey - Mum to 2 boys - review date 30 May 2008

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"She hated it!"
Thought this would be a great idea for our daughter, so bought one when she was 4 months old.

The first time I put her in it she accepted it for 30 seconds, then tried to straighten her legs, which she could not do, and screamed! She is an average size baby but her legs seemed squashed into the seat at the tops. Don't know if it made a difference but she wears cloth nappies so has a bulkier bottom than if she wore disposables.

Have tried her in it on a few occasions since and each time it ends in tears - back in the box for this item I think!
Member review by Carrie - mother of one little girl - review date 22 April 2008

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"Terrible"
My 9 month old daughter was sitting in a bumbo chair and she fell out, she was only on the floor. Not reliable at all.
Member review by judith - mother of 9m & 2y - review date 3 November 2007

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"Fab"
Brought one of these when Izzy was 3 months old. Izzy was a small baby so didnt 'wedge' into it but it was the best thing I have brought. I could sit her next to me while washing up etc and she could see what was going on. When she got older it was great for feeding when out of the home. Now at 15 months she puts it on the floor gets in it herself and reads her books in it! Certainly got our moneys worth from this. One thing, once they reach about 6 months if they are skinny like Izzy they can get out of it themselves!
Member review by Emilly - Mummy to Isobel - review date 14 December 2006

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"bumbo's rule"
I ordered my bumbo before our baby arrived. I didn't know what to expect from it, but it is the best buy we brought. We weaned our Daughter in it, so it was easy to clean. I also took it to work and she was able to sit and watch the other kiddies play. Everyone always asked why she had a potty at 4 months old !!!

Would definitely have one for our next baby
Member review by jayne - Mummy to 1 and fulltime Nanny - review date 6 December 2006

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"Disappointing"
OMG This was a must have,rushed out to buy it,son fitted snuggly inside plenty of room for growth BUT,He could at 4 months flip himself backwards out of it,Had our floors not been carpeted I would of hated to see the outcome of any falls..
Member review by kerry - Mother of 3 foster mum to 1 - review date 6 December 2006

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"Good product"
I found this a great product when I first started weaning my son, as I could sit him in it and feed him easily..however as soon as he was able to move more he used to lean and it would tip. Great for the short term!!
Member review by ali - Mother of one - review date 6 December 2006

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"Has it's moments!"
I bought a bumbo for my DS who is now 10 months old. It was brilliant when he was younger and he loved sitting in it. He's quite a skinny thing though, and since he was about 6 months old he's been able to twist his way out of it, so needless to say we've not used it for a while for him.

DD however has always loved it. I know she is older than the products recommended maximum age but she's quite skinny too and fits in it no problem. She loves to sit in it to watch TV or 'read' books to her toys.

So all in all, I think it's a fantastic idea but in our experience it hasn't seen our child through the full age range it's recommended for. My son may go back to using it in the future but I think if I were to have another child I wouldn't buy one again. It's also quite pricey for what it is.
Member review by Penny - Mum of two, 29 months and 10 months - review date 6 December 2006

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"You either love it or hate it!"
And I am the hate kind of person I'm afraid. I am pleased to say that I didn't buy one of these, it was lend to me by my SIL.

Emily really disliked sitting in the thing so I gave it back after a couple of weeks.

I really think it is either a love or hate relationship with these so if you can borrow one without buying then that is the best option.

Plus it is expensive for what it is...
Member review by Katie - Mother and expecting - review date 30 October 2006

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"A must have product"
This is a great product. My child is only 14 weeks old and it helps them to sit up from 4 months onwards. as my daughter is already trying to sit up on her own I decided to try her in it at 3 months and she loves it. She can sit and watch tv or play and is much happier sitting up! My only critism is that it has a slight resemblance to a potty...
Member review by Michelle - mum of one - review date 18 October 2006

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"My son loves his bumbo"
The bumbo seat is a must have especially if you have a keen baby who loves to attempt to sit rather than lie down and for weaning it makes life so much easier!It's nice and light so you can take it to grandma's or to a restaurant if you wish to eat out with your baby. We bought one for our son and its a great addition to having a bouncer chair - he loves his!!
Member review by Rachel - mum of one - review date 18 October 2006

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"Versatile and great value for money"
I feel that the bumbo is probobly the best buy yet!

It can be used anywhere and is especially useful for when the family eats out. My daughter is 15 weeks old and has been using a bumbo for the last two weeks. She hates lying down. Money well spent.
Member review by Julie - Mother of three - review date 18 October 2006

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"No good for skinny babes"
My 6 month old is long and slender. She can lean forward and chew the front, and lean back so far she falls out. I great idea, but only for the chubby ones!! I got mine off ebay. As they hold their value, I anticipate selling it on ebay for the same money.
Member review by Kate McLuckluck - Mother of three - review date 18 October 2006

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"Bumbo Helped with Twins"
As a mom of twins, we found eating at friends houses near impossible (since none of our friends have 2 high chairs). Once we got the Bumbo Seats we were booking dinner dates and getting out more because our boys enjoyed eating in their Bumbo Baby Sitters and they were so easy to bring with us and clean! We got our Bumbo Seats at http://www.brightideasbaby.com/Scripts/product_bumbo.asp - we bought from Bright Ideas Baby because they provided a lot of information about the Bumbo Seat and they had free shipping options. That link provided answered all our questions… hopefully it will help you too.

We loved the Bumbo Seat so much, both of our Bumbo Seats have been handed down to friends and family now that our boys are too big for them (which made us pretty popular with the parents who received them). The twins fit in the Bumbo Seat until they were about a year old – I just wish they had large sizes.

Member review by Michelle - Mother - review date 5 September 2006

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"a must have product"
I bought my bumbo when my 4 year old daughter was getting ready to sit. i know use it for my son -5 months-. He has always hated lying down so this is great for him. Also for feeding it is so easy. He's not quite ready for a high chair sothis does the job. So easy to clean.
Member review by Candice - mother of 2 - review date 11 July 2006

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"Wouldn't be without it"
We bought a Bumbo seat when our baby was 4 months old. I thought we'd use it but I didn't realise how much. Name a situation and we've used the Bumbo seat to put our baby in - someone at the door, in the shower, starting weaning, at the table when we've been eating. We've carried it upstairs and downstairs, used it when visiting people (it is surprisingly light and both sturdy and soft). I think it is like any baby product - some babies like it, some don't (ours hated her bouncy chair but loves her Bumbo seat).
Member review by Susan - mum of one - review date 27 March 2006

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"Great product"
These weren't around when I had my first two children, but when I had my daughter my mum bought one for when she was looking after her while I was at work, and I was so impressed, bought another one for our house.

I can't recommend them highly enough. They are sturdy, safe and encourage your child to sit upright.

They also have a great resale value, so you don't lose any money by buying one.
Member review by andrea - mother of 3 - review date 27 March 2006

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"Don't live up to the hype!"
My daughter was too big in the "bottom" department at 10 months (although she is of average size)and when first used at 6 months was already planning her escape route!! Used with goodish results for first couple of weeks of weaning before using highchair. Sold on Ebay for more than I paid new (bonus!) but still consider waste of money and wouldn't buy again.
Member review by K - Mummy of one trying for #2 - review date 10 March 2006

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"not an essential"
so many people raved about these to me that I bought one on ebay. I am glad I didn't pay full price. It was slightly useful when weaning but by about 8 months my son could climb out of it. It is now in the loft and only used if we have babies come for tea.
Member review by emily - mum to William 19 months - review date 21 February 2006

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"BUMBO SEATS"
I WORKED IN A HILDS NURSERY WHEN I FIRST SAW THESE & THE KIDS LOOKED COMFY IN THEM, SO WHEN I HAD MJY DAUGHTER, I WENT MAD FOR ONE. HOWEVER, SHE DOESNT LIKE UT AT ALL, &B IS JUST SAT THERE DOING NOTHING. FOR £27 FROM TOYS 'R US, THEY'RE AN EXPENSIVE ITEM IF YOUR CHILD ISNT COMFORTABLE, AND THATS WHAT MATTERS THE MOST! SHE WAS A BIG GIRL - 9LB 6OZ ANDHER CHUBBY LITTLE LEGS DONT FIT TOO WELL, ND SHE TENDS TO TRY AND LEAN HER WAY BACKWARDS OUT OF IT. DEPENDS ON THE INDIVIDUAL CHILD I THINK. BORROW ONE IF YOU CAN OR GET IT 2ND HAND, & IF YOUR CHILD IS COOL WITH IT - BONUS!!!
Member review by ANGELA - MUM OF 2, JAMES 3YRS 5MTHS & ELLIE-MAY 6MTHS - review date 20 February 2006

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"Bumbo, dumbo!"
Sorry, have heard lots of people, including my hubby's brother rave about these and we ended up with a hand-me-down one. I'm glad I didn't pay for it as my son sat in it only a handful of times and hated almost every minute. He had chubby legs and I think he found it very uncomfortable. Borrow from a friend before you buy your own, they are very dependent on your child!
Member review by Trish - Mum of 7 month boy - review date 9 February 2006

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"indispensible for weaning!!!"
This was one of our best buys and we've had endless use out of it. It's been used every day since we bought it so I think it was money well spent.Also, they hold their value well on ebay so if your baby doesn't like it you can sell it easily.

It's also really handy for just popping in the car and going visiting. We go away quite a lot and it's been a lot easier to pack up and take away than a highchair.

You certainly can't leave them unattended in it though as they can climb out and tip themselves over.

My son liked to be sat up from a early age and the bumbo saved us lots of frustration!
Member review by Imogen - mother of one - review date 13 January 2006

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"Great for all occassions"
I wish that we had a Bumbo for our first son as I was really sad when Samuel grew out of has seat at about 15 months. We found it great to take to friends houses as it was so easy to carry around with us we even used it at a cousins wedding as no highchairs were provided. Highly recommended.
Member review by Lisa - mum to two sons - review date 6 January 2006

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"No Bumbo for Big Baby"
I bought one of these for my second son when he was 4 months old. He had a little friend who was loving his Bumbo, and I thought it would be good for my son too. The it looked great, soft and safe, but unfortunatly my sons legs were too chunky for it and it cut off his circulation so we had to take it straight back. I wouldn't buy one until you know how big your child is.
Member review by Clare - Mother of 2 boys aged 3 and 1, with another on the way! - review date 2 January 2006

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"A great find"
I felt that the Bumbo was a great replacement for Charlie's bouncy chair, as he learnt to launch himself forward out of that at an early age! He can get out of the bumbo now too, but it was invaluable for a good few months, so I found it well worth it.
Member review by katharine - mum to Charlie - 10 months - review date 13 December 2005

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"Bumbo"
I only heard about the Bumbo via Babyworld Antinatal club and it was very highly recommended by the other members.

It has been used by us a lot but I've always found it difficult to get her out of it. Our daughter is slightly lighter than average but she has totally grown out of it at 10 months.

When she first started trying to get out of it herself, jt was rather scarey watching her thrust her body backwards and arch her back but now she just gets out easily by twisting her body.

Good while we could use it but over priced for a short term investment.
Member review by Jane - Mum of 1 - review date 22 November 2005

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"slightly disappointed"
I was desperate to get a Bumbo for my daughter Grace. At 3 months old I found that she wasn't quite ready for it though. I re introduced it at 5 months when I began weaning but she used to try and launch herself out of it. She started sitting unaided at abot 5 months anyway. And now at 8 months Grace can easily climb out.

I was hoping it would be suitable until she is over a year old but I think we've had our use out of it now.

I think they're a good idea, but I don't think the price reflects how much use you can get from them.
Member review by Kelly - mother of baby girl - review date 18 November 2005

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"A good idea in theory..."
...but sadly not a good idea in practice.

I went crazy wanting to get one of these seats for my daughter. So I bought her one, which is going on ebay now! She hated to sit in it and it made her cry and at only 5 months old she managed to throw herself out of it by pushing her feet into the ground and arching her back! So much for the new innovative design that is supposed to keep them sat the seat.

A novelty but complete waste of money.
Member review by faye - mum of 2 - review date 19 October 2005

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"Bumbo"
We bought our son a Bumbo when he was about 3 months old and for a while it was fantastic as he loved the freedom of being upright. Unfortunately by about 4 1/2 months he'd start to complain after about 5 minutes sat in any kind of chair. Absolutely brilliant for a baby who isn't a wannabe-Houdini!
Member review by Caroline - Mum of one - review date 13 October 2005

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"value 4 money"
I bought the bumbo over 2 years ago and my son still uses it. its now his naughty chair, but has been used for weaning and watching t.v. It's very light and so easy to move about or take with you in the car. It's also plastic so it cleans well but now looks a bit too much like a potty.
Member review by beverley - mum of 1 boy 2 years - review date 12 October 2005

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"helen"
The Bumbo looked like a very good idea and I couldn't wait to get one to try for my son. However he is quite a slim baby and his legs weren't chunky enough for the bumbo to hold him in place, so he kept toppling out. I expect however, with a larger baby it would work very well.
Member review by Helen - mother of one - review date 12 October 2005

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"Genius idea but expensive!"
My daughter Ashli loved her bumbo when we bought it for her at 3 months old. She could sit up without us and be a big girl! She can now sit confidently at 6 months and I like to think that the bumbo helped her! It's a brilliant idea and the only thing that spoilt it was the price tag!
Member review by Sarah - Mum of one. - review date 5 October 2005

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"Great!"
I was lucky enough to be given one of these and I used it from around 4 months. It was great for weaning and he loved watching me doing the housework (typical man!). However, he soon figured out how to get out of it, so it only lasted about 6 weeks. It is in the cupboard though, waiting for number two!
Member review by catherine - Mother of 9 month old boy - review date 29 September 2005

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"She sits where you left her"
I purchased this when my daughter was 3 months old - and it was great until her thighs became a little too large for it at 4 months which made getting her out tricky. However her thighs have become smaller now she is more active at 5 months, sitting up unaided, and she is easily in and out of it. It has been useful for feeding when out, for her watching me do jobs around the kitchen and for knowing she is safe when popping out of the room. Mine lives in the kitchen. Don't give up on it when they can sit up or when their thighs get larger - it comes into its own over and over again. I love mine.
Member review by Lin - Mum of 5 month old - review date 16 September 2005

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"Bumbo"
I bought the bumbo when my daughter was 4 months old and she is seven and a half months now and I still use it constantly I think it is a brilliant buy. I would definetly recommend it to any expectant mums as I find it really good to take when visiting people and found it so much easier for her as she didn't like lying down anymore and couldn't sit up unaided.
Member review by michelle - review date 28 August 2005

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"love the freedom it gives me"
I loved using the bumbo for my last child and he loved being able to sit up and join in what was happening around him. It was particularly handy for when I needed to put him down in a hurry (with 6 children theres always emergencies happening). I'm looking forward to being able to use it again in a few months time.
Member review by janis - Mother of 6 and another on the way - review date 26 August 2005

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"Convenient and portable"
This is great for my son to sit in while I wash dishes, put up the pram etc. He hates lying down but feels part of the action when sitting in the Bumbo and loves to watch me. I like it because it's light to move around the house and because there are no straps it's quick and easy to get your baby in and out.
Member review by Gillian - Mother of one - review date 24 August 2005

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"handy and neat"
I find the Bumbo very useful as is light enough and small enough to plonk down wherever you need it. Mine usually lives in the bathroom as I use it for my son to sit in while I'm running his bath. Amusingly, he ALWAYS wees in it while he's waiting - is it a coincidence that it's shape resembles a potty? Also, a warning to mums with boys. If your son is enjoying the Bumbo nappy-free make sure his penis is pointing downwards otherwise he may find himself trying to dodge a bizarre "wee fountain" - probably the funniest thing I've ever seen!
Member review by Yvonne - Mother of one - review date 18 August 2005

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"Bumbo"
This is fantastic, my daughter is at the point that she gets very frustrated being on her back, she wants to be up all the time so that she can look around, She loves being sat in it and its good that it is lightweight as it makes it easy to transport when you are out and about visiting, I would definately recommend these to others. They are in my opinion expensive, but it is worth it to save your child all that frustration.
Member review by julie - mother - review date 12 August 2005

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