Exersaucers are bad?

I've seen this in a few posts and just wanted to get the scoop. Anyone know why?

 

I think I've read that if they're used too much they can harm their hip/leg joints. Everything in moderation. We've used an exersaucer and a jumparoo for about 45 min day total - 15 - 20 min increments and my babies are both fine. I'd say you just dont want to leave them in there for an hour or longer at a time. But of course, the best source is your pediatrician.

 

Most twin moms I know who work with physical therapists said the same thing... They say it's bad for them, because it slows down their motor skills. It makes sense really considering that they mostly use their arms in there, and it's their legs they need to work the most to be able to crawl, walk etc. Even when their legs touch the bottom (I've heard everything from 'they're supposed to be able to stand with their feet flat' or 'they should not have their feet flat'), the main support really is in the seat... So it's really recommended to limit their uses. Plus I've heard jumperoos can cause hip problems also.

I had two but really rarely used them, so I sold them a few weeks ago.

 

I have heard many things about the exersaucers and jumperoos and doorway jumpers, that they can cause hip dysplasia. All of my friends and children that I have taken care of have all used exersaucers and they are all fine. I had a friend whos daughter was only happy in her jumperoo, she was in it off and on all day. I have decided to get exersaucers for my babies and thank goodness I did, the love them! I agree with pp everything in moderation.

 

Exersaucers and the Jumperoo are salvation for us, and our boys are fine. I think everything in moderation. Obviously, you wouldn't want to park your kiddos there all day; but a little while here and there isn't going to hurt a child who doesn't already have an issue.

 

Our physical therapist said they are fine in moderation.

However, my kid managed to fall OUT of his, so I no longer let them use it unless I am RIGHT there.

 

Thanks for your responses. Lola really likes the exersaucer, but will only stay there for about 20 minutes at a time, so I don't think there'd be a problem.

 

Our physical therapist and everyone at Early Intervention are totally against them. I still use them both, but try not to for too long. I couldn't get through the day without them at this point. She said for a child that doesn't have any issues, they may be fine, but for a child that already is having issues, they only make them worse. We are trying to streghten Ellie's trunk. She tends to use her back muscles instead of her stomach muscles. Her arms are behind her most of the time. The exersaucer encourages her to use her back muscles. She is getting better, so I'm not going to worry about it too much. I know she'll sit, crawl and walk eventually. She might be behind a little, but I don't care. I'm not in a rush for her to get into everything anyways.