Bumbo vs Upseat…pros and cons
One of the most common questions I get about baby equipment is this: “Which one, Upseat or Bumbo?!” Let’s get into it!
At face value, they can appear very similar. They are both infant floor seats that give support at the hips and trunk but not at the head. But as they say, the devil is in the details, and there are some important differences between the two!
Let’s get the obligatory disclaimer outta the way…
As always, every baby is different. This post is meant to highlight some of the pros and cons of each type of floor seat to allow you to make the best decision for your baby with the help of your healthcare provider. I also want to also be clear about when/how using a floor seat is recommended for baby. Before plopping baby in said floor seat, let’s make sure they are ready for the challenge. Baby should have independent head control (aka be able to hold their head up and turn it side to side without wobbling). They should be ready to work on sitting skills, which means they can keep their body upright without too much wobbling or slumping. For most babies this is around 4-6 months.
If your baby has lower muscle tone, decreased postural control, or medical needs, this timeline may be different so be sure to chat with your pediatrician or consult a PT for specific guidance! Ok, ok, my usual disclaimer is out of the way, so let’s dive into the pros and cons of each!
Upsides and Oopsies with the Upseat
The Upseat was designed with the help of physical therapists to create an ergonomic set up. The seat props baby’s hips up slightly, allowing their pelvis, spine, and head to stack up in neutral alignment. The idea behind this position is to optimize baby’s posture, better allow them to use their core muscles, and reduce slumping or excessive pressure on the joints. It also is designed with developing hips in mind, keeping them in a supportive and safe position during this critical period of hip joint development.
The biggest negative to this seat is honestly the price ($100)—wah wah. It is marketed to be able to fit your baby until the toddler years as a booster seat, and has a tray for multiple uses as well. However, if you also have a high chair, this can feel like an extraneous expense that is not necessarily necessary (hehe).
Upright posture, and great to use for eating and play!
The bests and the bummers about the Bumbo
The Bumbo is really popular, and for good reason. It’s more affordable (around $40), it’s comfortable for baby, easy to use and clean, and it’s been around for a while. You can also buy a tray that snaps on to help baby work on fine motor and play skills while the trunk is supported. It’s a tried and true favorite and is a great basic for many babies.
One downside is that it tends to allow a more rounded posture in baby’s spine, which can lead to slumping and not using core muscles correctly, especially if your baby has lower muscle tone. The seat doesn’t always support the optimal position that the International Hip Dysplasia Institute recommends for little hips, as it can compress those cute, chunky thighs, but if your baby fits, go for it!
(TIP: if baby is too slumped, try folding up a washcloth/towel under their bum to make posture more neutral!)
Her hips are supported in a flexed, open position and are nice and relaxed…just like this chill cutie!
So to summarize your question about which is better…
IT DEPENDS! (Cringe, I know, sorry!) Like most things in life, there are pros and cons to each, and you have to decide what is best for your baby and family.
No matter which seat you choose, remember to use it safely, appropriately, and under supervision. There have been reports of babies tipping over, chairs falling off tables, and other scary accidents due to improper use and lack of supervision. Always use the straps, make sure it’s on a safe surface (it’s called a FLOOR seat for a reason!), and keep an eye on your little while they are in it. Like any baby equipment, I recommend you use a floor seat sparingly, and double the amount of unrestricted floor time baby gets to wiggle and move. Check out this blog post for more tips about baby equipment. Limiting use to 30 minutes and watching closely for signs of fatigue are good ways to mitigate some of the negative postural and joint development effects. Let the floor seat fun begin!
BTW! These aren’t the only two options!
There are other infant seat options, such as this one, the Infantino seat (affil link).
TL;DR
Upseat and Bumbo are both floor seats, which should be used safely, appropriately, and under supervision.
Babies should have independent head control and upright posture before using the seat, usually around 4-6 months. Timeline is different for each baby, especially if they have lower muscle tone, postural control challenges, or medical needs.
The Upseat was designed by PTs to support a neutral, aligned posture. It supports hips in a healthy position, and can be used into toddlerhood. It is also $$$.
The Bumbo is cheaper, easy to use and clean, and soft and comfortable. It has been around for a while and can be a good basic option for babies. The scooped seat can encourage slumping/slouching if we aren’t careful. And cute chunky thighs don’t always fit for long!
Work with your medical team and neonatal therapist to identify the best seat for your baby’s needs. As always, limit time in equipment and spend lots of free time on the floor too!