What better way for baby and grandpa to bond, than "bungee jumping". This gives baby time to feel free, get some exercise and thrills, and with the proper equipment, be perfectly safe. While baby is "Bungee jumping", grandpa can sit back and enjoy the view of perhaps a newspaper or the TV.
Graco has designed the perfect piece of apparatus that is easy to install, (and uninstall), looks stylish (very important to baby?), light and compact to carry around, easy to clean, entertaining to baby, and best of all, gives ol' grandpa a break.
The Product
The Graco jumpers are designed to give baby exercise in a safe environment. It is essentially a cushioned seat with an outside frame that has a tray in front and hangs from door frames that have molding around them. There is a spring mechanism that allows the baby to jump and have a nice even bounce that is gentle on the feet while at the same time the baby's weight provides some resistance providing exercise.
The main tether breaks into three supporting lines, the same material, that attach to the baby carrier with one on each side of the front and one in the rear behind baby's back. These are somewhat separated from each other by the design of a triangular dome that keeps them apart so as to make it easier to put baby in and take baby out.
The product can hold a baby 5-36 months to about 25 pounds and it is important that baby can hold their head up. Though there is a food catching tray I don't feel little items like Cheerios etc. are a good idea when baby is bouncing. Though I have never done it, I suppose you could feed baby while in the bouncer. That is the baby in the bouncer, not you. I do hesitate though in recommending any feeding in a bouncy environment.
Setting It Up
We live in a home that is over 105 years old and the moldings are substantial. I do wonder how well it holds on thinner moldings. I don't have any experience there.
In our home the spring loaded clamp simply is pulled apart and then put over the molding. It then holds baby's weight with ease. To take it down requires no effort unless you do not have the height to reach very high. Most doorway openings are 70" high with the molding a few inches higher. The clamp actually comes down from that height about six inches.
Though most doorways are alike in height, some aren't and more important baby's size and weight will determine what length the tether must be. This is easily adjusted by a plastic clamp system that moves easily and then stays in its proper place.
The material and clamp is somewhat like straps one would have for strapping cargo to a automobile roof.
Baby should be able to jump up without the legs being too far "folded" under the jumper. At the same time you do not want baby's feet barely touching the ground. After an adjustment or two you should be set changing it only a few times as baby gets bigger and gains weight. Always be aware though that some,(very few) door height openings are different.
Maintenance
The product is pretty well designed and simple to set up. There are few pieces that will get worn and I have seen no fatigue in any of the straps.
The spring mechanism that provides the bounce seems to have no wear at all and the finish looks terrific. The plastic base that supports the cushion is easily cleaned and wipes off well. The cushion itself is removable for machine or hand washing without too much effort at all. It re-installs easily too.
Baby's and Grandpa's Experience
negatives
Putting baby into the bouncer isn't too hard if you have a good back. Remember the loading area is close to the floor and one must get down to that level. Using your legs rather than bending over is always better for your body.
Baby's legs may have to be separated when trying to get the feet into the proper hole. The same separation may take place as baby is removed. At times the straps may get tangled.
Putting baby in a doorway can sometimes be disruptive to the flow of traffic in and out of a room. The baby and jumper take up most of the walking area. You would not want to be walking through holding a tray of hot tea and crumpets.
positives
My grand daughter is now six months old. She holds her head up well and is very aware of her surroundings and her body. Once baby is in the jumper she starts moving her feet and having fun. In fact when we talk with her and note she's doing well she gets excited and bounces even more aggressively. She can even turn around and check out what is happening in the other room. What great fun that is for grandpa who can sit down and read the paper, watch TV or write a review and just watch baby as she gets good exercise in a safe environment.
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