Reddit mentions: The best baby doorway jumpers

I feel like you are me. The past version of me and I am the future version of you. Or maybe we just are each other. Anyway... maybe we are just siblings from another mother. Okay here goes. From your not future self to my not past self.

Dear past self,

Remember when our kid was 4 months old (she's 6mos now) and you were wracking your brain trying to find good toys and "things" she could interact with to help her grow, be curious, imaginative - to be less bored? Well, remember all those things you bought from Amazon?

Most of them had a TON of 5 star reviews and she didn't end up giving a shit about. That AMAZING Rain forest Jumper with all the "things" to interact with, that made noise and had lights!!! Yeah, that didn't really last for more than 5 minutes over 4 days... Turns out, the seat seams cut into her legs and she wasn't a fan of that. This, wasn't the only thing you bought with the best intentions that didn't really work out as planned. That's okay, you live and learn, and donate to someone else because maybe their kid will like it.

What did work? A measuring spoon. Specifically the one cup size measuring spoon. She likes to chew on that. I don't ask...

An empty Pampers box. She sits in there and plays with her toes, touches the sides of the box and just has fun moving around. Even though the box doesn't move, she just doesn't seem to care. She laughs and smiles.

A playmat. It's actually just a set of foam pieces that you put together like a jig saw puzzle on the ground. There are no toy bars or mobiles. Just a mat, on the ground, made of foam. She loves that thing. She rolls around on it, scratches the surface with her fingers (she likes the noise it makes), tries crawling, and often just takes a nap. That thing was one of the best investments we made.

Small plastic strainer. She puts it on her head, wears it like a helmet. Apparently, that's very exciting. Again, I don't ask.

And finally, a basic jumper that you attach above the door frame. It looks like a baby seat on a spring. She will sit and bounce in that thing for 30 minutes. Seems to be comfortable. Was pretty inexpensive, no lights or music. Just jumping. She loves it.

Whatever you decide is best for YOUR son. Experiment and have fun with it. Just consider maybe trying some basic things around the house, first. To see how that goes. A good playmat that is expandable that you can both roll around on. is always a good idea. This is the one we purchased: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01NBXX1DX/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This is the doorway jumper she loves: https://www.amazon.com/Graco-Doorway-Bumper-Jumper-Little/dp/B000WJLKQM/ref=sr_1_5_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1497459338&sr=8-5&keywords=baby+bouncy+chair

I'd send you links for the pampers box, strainer, and measure spoon but pretty sure you've got the idea. :)

CONGRATS ON THE 4 MONTHS! It only gets more amazing.

• Diapers Sensitive skin runs in our family and the regular brands made her break out something awful but cloth, babyganics and [up & ups] (http://www.target.com/p/diapers-bulk-plus-pack-select-size-up/-/A-15121671 ) worked great. Pull Ups for older ones.
  
  
• Potty Training We have [This one] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C431NRE/ref=twister_B01E930B16?_encoding=UTF8&th=1) and [This one] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F667QS2/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&th=1)
  
  
• High Chair like this
  
  
• [Stroller] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00H8MQBFQ/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&th=1) its well padded and is comfy for even the older kids.
  
  
• Carrier We have [This one] (https://www.amazon.com/Carrying-Positions-Carrier-Detachable-Included/dp/B01IUS08FK/ref=sr_1_4_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1478452855&sr=8-4&keywords=mei+tai) and a ring sling that I still use but I wish we had bought one like [This] (https://www.amazon.com/Infantino-Cuddle-Ergonomic-Hoodie-Carrier/dp/B01B45KW0C/ref=sr_1_6_s_it?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1478453079&sr=1-6&keywords=carrier) It would be easier to put on.
  
  
• [Nursing pillows] (https://www.amazon.com/Boppy-Nursing-Pillow-Positioner-Peaceful/dp/B00HMGBJCS/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1478458541&sr=1-4&keywords=nursing+pillow) my husband used it all the time and this is her favorite spot to cuddle up still
  
  
• Pack n Play
  
  
  
• Bouncer chair I believe ours was the previous model.
  
  
• [Swing] (https://www.amazon.com/4moms-rockaRoo-Baby-Swing-Classic/dp/B00I0BVQFO/ref=sr_1_27_s_it?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1478452147&sr=1-27&keywords=swing&th=1) We have one similar to it the other ones tend to be a pain to move around.
  
  
• Some sort of walker This or [This] (https://www.amazon.com/Bright-Starts-Around-Activity-Zippity/dp/B00OC8B1IQ/ref=sr_1_6?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1478454444&sr=1-6&keywords=activity+jumper) or [This] (https://www.amazon.com/Evenflo-ExerSaucer-Learn-Jumper-Jungle/dp/B006PB2H4A/ref=sr_1_7?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1478454444&sr=1-7&keywords=activity%2Bjumper&th=1)
  
  
• Some sort of activity toys like This, This,
  
  Comfy rocking chair
  
  When it comes to cribs, pack n plays, rock n plays, bouncers and swings its upto the childs taste. Out of my nieces and nephews 1 always napped in a rock n play, 1 in the swing, 1 would sleeps anywhere, 1 would sleep on mommy or a boppy, 1 in the crib and my daughter would only sleep in the carrier or being held. She never used the rock n play, crib or pack n play but loved the bouncer and occasionally accepted sitting in the boppy or swing. They are all so different. With our little girl her reflux was so bad that if she was laid flat she would immediately throw up.
  
  
  (I will edit to add more when I get a minute)

Sure, I'd be happy to give some recommendations.

Now the first thing is, babies don't really care that much about stuff. They don't really do much or play with much for a long time. They'll get more joy out of you just playing peekaboo than any actual toy

That said, it's the thought that counts, so you can pick up a rattle or something. If they don't have one already, you can get a tummy time playmat like this or something similar, that comes with a bunch of toys with it. Alternately, honestly you can just walk down to the dollar store and see whatever cheap stuff they have, it doesn't really matter

On the other hand, you can do something more practical. Baby wipes are a sure thing, they will 100% absolutely be used. You could get similar stuff, like burp cloths or baby soap or whatever. But that stuff isn't really fun, though it's usually appreciated.

Then there's the last category, the one I'd personally go with: Stuff for the parents that makes parenting easier. This is actually a little for your cousin too, because it tends to be stuff that makes the baby more comfortable, which makes the parent more comfortable.

For instance, do they have a baby carrier? You could look into getting them one, or getting them another one (it doesn't hurt to have two), or-- a lot of people don't think about this-- one specially sized for your uncle, because I can practically guarantee unless someone specifically thought about it, any baby carrier they have is going to be sized for mom, not dad.

If you want to go a little more expensive, you can do things like a jumper which the little gal will probably be a little young for, but not by much

or a swing both of those were honestly absolute godsends for keeping my sanity, because i got to put my little guy down and they'd keep him actually quiet, and sometimes even put him to sleep! And for some reason no one ever thought to get us one as a gift.

So anyway, those are some ideas.

But like I said, clothes aren't the wrong choice, just keep in mind that really, any clothes you get the baby now are for you, because you think it'll be cute to dress them up. The baby doesn't care, and I'm sure the baby doesn't really need clothes right now (in a year or so? More likely)

My first child was extremely active and really enjoyed her swing when real little, then her bouncer kept her entertained for hours and finally this jumper when she was old enough.

I really enjoyed my Moby wrap and Boba carriers when we went out.

A lot of people also enjoy the Sleep Sheep for white noise (mine didn't seem to care either way).

Oh and my girl LOVED her Sophie the Giraffe teether when she started teething at 3 months.

The Mustela baby care line is great as well (kind of pricey). Worth it if you have issues with cradle cap or diaper rash.

Not a registry item but, if you are going to do disposable diapers, sign up for Amazon Mom and you'll get a 20% discount (not just diapers) and free two day shipping (for a 3m trial).

Car-seat.org has good advice on car seats (e.g. if they fit in your car type, reviews, etc...).

Congrats man!

I have 2 girls, 3 and 5, and I am 32.

So read the book and watch the movie what to expect when you're expecting.

Seriously it helps, and the movie is pretty entertaining and funny.

Here's some things I think others aren't going to point out since I'm late to this thread.

Most women have no idea how to breastfeed. My wife and I attended two 3 week courses offered by the hospital we were delivering at. They were actually covered by insurance! One was on the actual birthing process, which, lets face it is going to happen one way or another. The other was a breast feeding course. It laid out not only techniques for breastfeeding that subverted the common knowledge (and REALLY work), but also pointed out that you are given access to a breastfeeding assistant in the hospital (I forget the technical name for her position but she would come in and work with the mom on initial breastfeeding.) Colostrum, immune system, bonding, none of these things can be found in formula. All the same there's no shame in it if breastfeeding simply doesn't work. But it is WAY cheaper than formula as well.

You'll also want to invest in a shit ton of nipple pads (nipple shields) and nursing bras and a good pump if you're going that route. Shit ton of nipple pads. They're basically maxi pads for your nips for when you spring a leak.

https://www.amazon.com/Lansinoh-Nursing-Packs-Disposable-Breast/dp/B06XPHR7DF/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=breastfeeding+nipple+pads&qid=1556119448&s=gateway&sr=8-3

I point out all the stuff about this because I knew NOTHING about what all goes into breast feeding before my first kid, and I was shocked by a lot of it.

I would definitely plan time off, at least a couple weeks after the baby is born if not more. Take as much time off as you can. You'll always have work.

There's the possibility of a c-section, which is what my wife had. If that happens, she'll be prescribed narcotics to take home. You should control how many of those she has and when she gets them, she should also get laxatives. Every single time. Because narcotics block you up, and the last thing you want is to be constipated with a c-section scar healing. And if she takes too much (which is why you should be doling them out) she's definitely going to get constipated.

Get yourself whatever coffee maker is easiest to use. I prefer a keurig because it's so damned instant. Gonna be a lot of sleepless nights right off the bat. My wife takes over after I go back to work but the time I'm off we're basically bleary eyed half dead 24/7. So also have some shit to binge, and make sure you have a COMFY bed. My wife and me and my baby all just hung out in the bedroom for a week straight watching OITNB while she recovered from her c-section.

Your wife poops. You may have to witness and/or clean up after that depending on a lot of things. My wife got constipated and couldn't twist to wipe herself because of her c-section scar after she finally got it out of her. You just gotta man up and do that if it comes down to it, and don't make a face, and maybe make a stupid joke about it.

This is the single most important thing you'll buy:

https://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Sweet-Snugapuppy-Dreams-Cradle/dp/B01MQM7W6M/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=baby+swing&qid=1556119614&s=gateway&sr=8-3

Seems dumb and gimmicky but this thing has all the science man. Great way to transition a baby into the world of the real and out of the womb. It actually plays a muffled heart beat like she would hear in the womb, while mimicking womb movement. It rocks back, forth, and most importantly SWINGS. Which gives the baby the sensation of being back in the womb. This is the babie's sleepy time chair. This keeps the baby asleep when it needs to sleep instead of screaming because it doesn't feel like it's in the womb.

Learn how to do a badass swaddle. Burrito that baby up. It doesn't like free motion in its hands and legs. It likes to be in a tight little wad, because it has been for 9 months. I don't think babies are fully cooked when they come out yknow? They still want to be in.

https://www.amazon.com/Pregnancy-Maternity-Contoured-U-Shape-Bluestone/dp/B00DVKJXFE/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?keywords=Pregnancy+pillow&qid=1556119831&s=gateway&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1

Go ahead and get that RIDICULOUS pillow right away. I'd get it today. My wife....adored hers. It took the pressure off her hips at night and she could sleep like a baby on it. It's also GREAT for nursing. You will hate it. It eats the bed. But...this is about her.

It won't be long till you need the baby to have mobility so they don't freak out, and you'll want to keep them in a relatively small area. So get one of these bad boys:

https://www.amazon.com/Evenflo-Exersaucer-Door-Jumper-Owl/dp/B00O8RQYGU/ref=sr_1_38?keywords=baby+jumperoo&qid=1556119950&s=gateway&sr=8-38

Hot damn they're awesome. The kid is trapped, but they can jump around like crazy and it's fine. Probably won't need it until 6 months to a year after birth but.....trust me it's awesome.

That's all I can think of man. Good luck. Have fun. It's a crazy adventure.

I second the senior design project idea but wanted to pass along some other ideas as well. It seems the true intent is to create an exercise tool that will allow her to exercise her legs featuring adjustable resistance. Your idea uses a variable slide angle and gravity to adjust the resistance. I assume you've already considered a spring-assisted doorway type jumper and found it unsuitable.

You might also consider using adjustable resistance (through either weights or spring-type resistance).

Some simple (and inexpensive) ideas utilizing a horizontal sliding motion:

• get a mechanic "creeper" on a hard wood floor and use bungie cables of varying resistance attached between the creeper and a wall; you may have to replace the stock casters with wheels of reduced rolling resistance.
  
  
• Inverse of the creeper where your daughter lies stationary and pushes a wheeled platform away from her, where the platform is attached to something via elastic bands like bungie cords, etc.
  
  
• repurpose an old rowing or other exercise equipment with a rolling seat (Bowflex-style, etc) and use varying weights. These typically roll on bearings so less out-of-the-box resistance than a creeper, however it will also constrain her movements linearly.
  
  
• A suspended bed against a wall, where the suspension at the ceiling is placed to ever to either be perfectly plumb or ever so slightly angled such that the ropes/cables such that it will create some fraction of force due to gravity; the force require to push away from the wall can be adjusted by adding weights to the bed. The resistance will increase the further away from the wall she pushes but by a very small amount since she's not pushing it very far.

I have quite a few items on my wishlist that are green or have green. This Nail dotting kit comes with a green dotter,This baby bouncer/swing is green my four month old son would LOVE this [Its over a bit but a gc would be loved if possible], Mike from TMNT is green,Thanks for hosting a fun contest!

We bought my son this Graco Bumper Jumper (http://amzn.com/B000WJLKQM) and it is one of our most valued purchases.

I'd often put it in the doorway of the bathroom while I showered and he'd just jump away. He thought it was so funny! He'd just laugh and laugh. And sometimes a little jumping before nap time or bedtime would wear him out a bit and he'd go down easier.

It's not a very big baby item, so it's easy to store under the bed or in a closet.

Rainy Day Indoor net swing https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007L76WVQ/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_URSGxbJ32N3PV

I attached Lycra to two carabiners and hook it onto the loops as well. the Lycra provides enough pressure to help soothe my son while he rocks. We also have a trapeze bar and swing that go with it. He prefers the Lycra or the trapeze.

When he was younger we had this Jolly Jumper. It was a sanity saver for me, and for him it provided the sensory input he found most pleasurable.

Jolly Jumper on a Stand for Rockers https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000JPYEJY/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_HUSGxbSK4A5AH

Although it’s 24 years since i bought one, i fully recommend a door swing, it connects to the door frame and can be easily moved to whichever room you’re in. Not cheap as I’ve just found out but worth the money if you can get one.

Baby Door Jumpers and Bouncers Swing Exerciser Set with Door Clamp Adjustable Strap for Toddler Infant 6-24 Months https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07PNK3S4N/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_XsV3DbKTDBZ56

And just in case nobody told you today, you’re doing a great job. Single parenting is hard!

This thing was the best purchase I have ever made. I hung it in the door between the kitchen and the living room. Awesome.

I have this one and it works alright, but she doesn’t like to be in it if I’m doing other things. I’ve tried putting her in it right next to me while I’m doing the dishes and even though I was talking to her the whole time she couldn’t see what I was doing so she still got angry lol. It works alright for when I’m picking things up around the house though, as long as she can see me.

Thank you!

That's exactly how I started. Laying around somewhere is a picture of me in my bumper jumper intently watching Jordan and the Bulls beat the Chuck-led Suns in the Finals. Merry Christmas and I hope you have an up and coming Bulls fan on your hands!

A dimmable night light: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PFK7T3F/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Kif4DbQ571ZPT

Zip swaddles of some kind. No Velcro. (We like the "love to dream" style)

Doorway jumper, but not a crappy one. We were given this one and our little guy loooves it: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0012AWZ3M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Qkf4DbFBVZDA3

Of course I have. I've used it since I was a baby.

I usually use one of these.

this thing

Ha! I just realized how terrible that could have come out if I had switched the player names around...

I swear I was just picturing Larry Bird in a jumper being hoisted up into the rafters.