A Jumperoo for 6 Months Old Aiden!

I had this post written “mentally” inside my mine since 2 weeks ago. Unfortunately, I could not find the time to blog it online.

I have been eyeing the Fisher Price Jumperoo for quite a while. The Jumperoo is a free standing jumper with plenty of interactive play options and stimulating movements. It allows babies who are able to hold his or her head up unassisted, and who is not yet able to climb out or walk, to jump in a safe environment. In other words, perfect for Aiden right now, up until he learns how to walk. But every time I look at the price I would unconsciously cringe. It is quite pricey for a baby, and it isn’t even a need – it’s a want.

There is obviously a cheaper alternative, which is the walker (which just rolls, not bounce) or the doorway jumper (which you have to hang onto a doorway – obviously). Pros of these? Definitely cheaper. But the cons? Well, Aiden’s paed had specifically told us when he was just 3 months old, to not get a walker. Because the walker will not help in straightening babies bowed legs (from being cramped in the uterus for too long). Not to mention, with the current house being a split level and my maids “attentiveness”, I wouldn’t bet a thousand bucks that Aiden wouldn’t dive down the steps with the walker. As for the doorway jumper, hmm.. I don’t have a convenient doorway, and I don’t think its much fun to suspend my son from a door. Hmm…

But then, Raya came and went, and Aiden received lots and lots of raya packets! Even hubby and I received raya packets from my dad. I think it is his way of saying “thank you for the first grandson”. Oh well, orang memberi, kita menerima right? *huge grin*

So we decided to purchase the Jumperoo, but using Aiden’s raya money. I guess it is Aiden’s present to himself for his 6 months birthday. Sorry Aiden, Mummy and Daddy are busy saving up for the renovation budget!

A preggie friend of mine had even expressed her intention on buying it from us once Aiden grows out of it. Apparently secondhand Jumperoos are quite hard to find. I did find one about a month back, but the unit would not activate its lights and sounds by jumping. Instead you would have to press a button, and mane la Aiden tau how to push buttons, right? Whereas the Jumperoo we purchased includes a motion sensor that encourages babies by rewarding them with lights and sounds when they jump.

To also further justify it, he is getting a bit tired of the newborn rocker as he prefers to “stand” instead of lying down. Dah besar anak Mummy nie!

Daddy trying to assemble the Jumperoo without the manual.

That's a lot of pieces to put together!

Daddy fooling around. Cepat la Daddy! Aiden wants to jumpppp!!

Daddy finally gave in and started studying the manual. Haha...

A close up of the (complicated) manual.

Putting the spinning seat together.

A bobbling elephant, a monkey swinging from a vine, a parrot hanging from a bead bar, a clear spinning bead ball, a tethered chew toy, a tiger that plays hide and seek and a spinning lizard that makes rattling sounds with eye-catching graphics for Aiden to explore.

Tons of safe jumping fun with toys all around and overhead. Even comes with a spinning seat to let Aiden explore it all.

Aiden's look when we first placed him in the Jumperoo. Priceless!

Aiden: "What is this?? Hmmm..."

Aiden starting to explore.

Now he gets more interested and fascinated.

Aiden: "Woah! There are lights and sounds!"

Chubby thighs!

Aiden: "Thank you Mummy and Daddy. I love it!"

Aiden has been using it for the past 2 weeks, and enjoys the Jumperoo immensely. The variety of textures, the bright colours and fun music – all very stimulating for a baby.

The first time we placed him in the Jumperoo, he didn’t really quite get the idea of jumping. Slowly, he began to understand that jumping equals to lights and music. Then he started to use his legs to rotate himself around using the rotating seat to access the toys all around him.

Nowadays, he can actually play “quietly” (if you count jumping and banging on the toys as quiet) for more than half an hour at times. Provided that he can see you near him. I think he’s slowly developing separation anxiety. He also loves sucking on the dangling bee but has yet to reach for the overhead canopy with the soft toy leaves. He looks at it longingly, hoping to be able to bat at it someday. Hehe…

So I guess at the end of the day, it is Aiden’s money well spent. By the way, anyone wants to get in queue to buy it off me second hand? Highest bidder gets it! *cheeky grin*