advice desperately needed!

Rhonda - posted on 01/16/2011

@Jodie: Thanks for the mention of Magda Gerber. I'd never heard of her before this thread, and she practically gave birth to many of our modern concepts about infant development--I need to read more :) It seems to have very little to do with the speed at which the kids are checking off items on a milestones chart and more about the way we relate to our kids, and the method by which infants figure things out. Even with my son at the elderly age of 1.5 years, I have new ideas to ponder. Thanks for sharing!

Jodie - posted on 01/16/2011

Yeah, i'm certainly not in a hurry for him to start walking or anything, natural movement just an interesting way to watch baby develop and strengthen at his own pace. I was not overly concerned that he was falling, I just needed reassurance on the amount of knocks he had that particular day and whether anyone had any info on lots of head bumps! funny how these things slide onto new topics lol

Sherri - posted on 01/16/2011

That is great that is what you chose to do. I personally don't believe it. My middle and last child lived in a walker and were running by 9mo's. All of my kids were sitting by 6mo's and pulling themselves to standing by 7-8mo's. No matter what you do children are going to develop at their own rate. More likely than not your youngest son is learning things faster from his older siblings.

Jodie - posted on 01/15/2011

for more info on natural movement google magda gerber, she has a great dvd and her philosophies make alot of sense!

Jodie - posted on 01/15/2011

All these great suggestions! I have used and own a bumbo/jolly jumper/exersaucer for my other children but with my last im trying only natural movement for him so i have never proped him up or put him in any position he wouldnt be able to naturally get into himself. i am amazed at the results, i never put him on his tummy only ever on his back and he was rolling by 3 months to his tummy himself, now at 6 months he can put himself in a sitting position and move around the floor as he chooses to, (my older 3 didnt do this until 9-10months!) its only when he gets excited and waves his arms around that he suddenly gets off balance and might fall back. I like the ideas of making the ground softer, just in the last few days he has imporved so much that he hasnt fallen once, it just seemed to be that 1 week of nasty knocks. thanks for all your help :)

Armanda - posted on 01/13/2011

How about a stationary entertainer? Or one of those boppy pillows? Will he stay in a playpen or gated area with some toys? Then he would have some room to move around, and you could make it baby friendly.

Sherri - posted on 01/13/2011

I would say a walker, johnny jumper or a bumbo seat. I know you said you don't approve of bouncers but they were also my life line so it may be something to consider, as I am not sure why you don't approve.

Louise - posted on 01/13/2011

I had a walker for all three of my kids because a 6 months there muscles are not strong enough to support them yet. All my kids loves the walker as once they got the hang of it they could move around and explore safely. With my last daughter I also had a product called a bumboo. Which is a soft rubber seat with leg holes. It supports the lower back and prevents them from falling any where. I did not use this as much as the walker but it was handy to have if I just wanted to nip to the loo.

Gena - posted on 01/13/2011

Do you have a boppy pillow? I used the u shaped pillow around my son when he was sitting on the floor. It supported him just enough, but if the fell it helped too. I also bought those square foamy mat pieces that connect together. I put them on the floor & I also stand them up around my curio cabinet (my son fell over & hit his head on the glass part of the cabinet). And if neither of these are an option we sometimes take all the cushions off the couch & put them all around the baby so he can't get hurt.

I'm not sure were you live but this is a link to Target with an example of the squares. I love the squares :)
http://www.target.com/s?keywords=foam+fl...|1287991011&ref=sr_bx_1_1&x=0&y=0

Jodie - posted on 01/12/2011

Thanks, cant believe i didnt think about putting a softer rug under him, (amazing i somehow did all this with 3 before him, blame the mummy brain!)

JuLeah - posted on 01/12/2011

If he is on carpet or a soft floor, he will be fine. Put a thick blanket under him so he lands on that. Put covers over the corners of the table so he won't get hurt too bad. Baby proof well and he will be fine.