Guidelines to Using ExerSaucer

Safety

• Before using an Exersaucer, a baby should be old enough that he is able to hold up his heads on his own. Each individual play area will offer exact guidelines for the age and weight limits for the product. It is best to follow these minimums, even if you believe your baby is old enough or big enough to use the product. Always locate the ExerSaucer away from dangerous areas like shelves and cupboards or heated elements. Never underestimate how far your baby can reach. The toy is best seated a few feet from any potential danger zones.

Time Concerns

• Babies should not spend extended periods of time in any play center, even the well rated ExerSaucer. Doctor's opinions vary on the exact time period that babies should remain in an ExerSaucer, with the average time ranging between 15 and 20 minutes. The majority of doctors, like well-known baby experts Dr. Sears and Dr. Green (see Resources), believe that ExerSaucers used in moderation are perfectly safe for babies. Others, like Dr. Suzanne Dixon, believe that the unnatural position it places a baby in can be harmful to his development. She is currently doing studies that show some connections between a baby's visual field and his ability to walk, meaning that if he is unable to see his feet while standing, he may have a more difficult time learning to walk. For parents who choose to use an ExerSaucer, it is best to remember that it is possible for baby to spend too much time in one. Supporters agree that ExerSaucers should primarily be used for a few minutes of peace during simple activities like making dinner or putting laundry in the wash. A baby's major developmental strides need to be taken on the floor with parental interaction.

Purchasing Tips

• Look for an ExerSaucer that has a few interesting play areas on it, but is not overwhelmed with them. If there are too many activities, baby may get confused . The activities should be brightly colored and each with various textures, shapes, and colors to encourage visual and tactile development. An ExerSaucer that spins a full 360 degrees and can adjust to various heights, as most Evenflo models do, will give you the most use. It is a good idea to see a sample of the ExerSaucer you are considering buying. Pictures and reviews from other parents are wonderful sources, but can't show you everything. Seeing the toys first hand is the best way to sample the Evenflo ExerSaucer and decide if one is right for your baby.

  Evenflo makes a variety of styles of Exersaucers, some intended for boys or girls and some unisex. If you plan on having several children, a unisex system is the most cost effective choice. A set like the 1-2-3 Tea For Me is very cute for a family with a little girl, while the Active Learning Center tends to be a better crossover for families who plan on expanding.