Reddit reviews Graco Doorway Bumper Jumper, Little Jungle

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.

I usually use one of these.

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!

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)

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.

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

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...).

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

I am currently wanting to save for this baby swing for my four month old. He loves trying to walk & crawl around he is always wanting to go somewhere or be in motion this would make him beyond happy. I am also saving for a much needed high chair for my son as well. Saving private Ryan