I need an extra set of hands

[texaspeach]

I'm considering getting an exersaucer, jumperoo or pack n play (used). ds is 6.5 months old and getting mobile.. I need some place to put him briefly while I cook dinner and dh isn't home.

I'm hesitant to get one of these baby holders because we're so short on space, but I think ds would enjoy it. I'm not comfortable wearing him in a back carry and cooking. I'm not sure which we'd get the most use out of. any suggestions?

eta: just found a stationary entertainer on craigslist at a good price. reassure me that it's ok to use this for a few minutes each day

[woodchick]

It is totally fine!

We have an exersaucer that was gifted to us and it gets a small amount of use- mainly during cooking or showering. It has certainly come in handy.

DD2 actualy uses it more now that she can walk- but she uses it from the outside, walking around and playing with the toys. She's 12mos now and the saucer is not long for this world at our house.

[jillmamma]

Another thought...do you have a high chair? I sometimes put the baby in there with a toy or two while making dinner. Mine reclines for newborns, and when they are older you could do a snack or toy on the tray while you make dinner. I like it because the baby is up where he/she can see me and I can talk to him/her while doing what I need to do. Something else I have done is have one kitchen cabinet down low with no child locks and stuff that is okay for a baby/toddler to play with...metal bowls, plastic dishes, wooden spoons, etc. and that keeps them occupied and close by where I can keep an eye on the baby. If my baby is fussy, sometimes I put him/her in the Ergo on my back too. If you do go the exersaucer/jumparoo/whatever route, definitely check for used as those things generally are only used a few months anyway and then passed on (or do like me and let grandma buy it ).

[AndtheStars]

My DS (7.5 months) loves his doorway jumper (jumperoo?) He will happily spend 20 minutes or so just bouncing in circles and 'talking'. We didn't use it though until he could sit up unassisted. I think that once they start moving around a little by themselves, it's fine to put them down frequently...it gives them some independence and a chance to explore the world on their terms.

[tzs]

i have the jumper and the exersaucer. most people love the exersaucer but for me it's only good for like 10minutes and it's ugly and takes up space.

the jumper is great for entertainment but my 6mo is great in the highchair, like the previous poster said.

just this afternoon she watched me scrub the kitchen floor and make dinner. she can be content in there for much longer periods b/c she's so engaged and when she starts to get bored i can always throw some finger food on the tray so she can practice feeding. she hasn't made it to the mouth so far but she'll try for as long as you put more out for her. and then the dog cleans it up and she gets to touch his ears! perfect arrangement.

[slimkins]

I don't think this is something you should feel even slightly bad about. Even from an AP standpoint. As long as you follow your LO's needs, I see no harm. Heck, I have even put my LO down, when he didn't want me to, because I had to get something done (like using the bathroom).
Sometimes my son loves his seats and sometimes he doesn't. I just follow his cues.
I second the high chair, though!

[texaspeach]

good idea about the high chair! we haven't used it yet, typically he sits on my lap (and is not so interested in solids yet.. so it works). I'll have to put it together