Infant floor seats can provide a convenient spot to place your baby, typically between the ages of 4-6 months when they are already working on their sitting skills. However, like any baby gear item, there are drawbacks and safety considerations.
One key concern is that these seats can limit your baby's mobility. Babies learn and develop by moving, rolling, and exploring their environment. Gaining the strength to master a truly functional sit comes from unhindered floor play. Thus, spending too much time in a floor seat can block motor development by encouraging poor posture and delayed development of the core muscles necessary for sitting and crawling.
What's the point of an infant floor seat?
The main draw is that it gives your baby a different perspective of their surroundings and can offer convenience in temporarily containing your baby. Infant floor seats are not necessary to provide an enriching environment for your baby, but if you prefer one, here are some things to consider:
Opt for floor seats with ergonomic designs and proper back support that encourage a natural seated posture.
Introduce the seat when your baby can hold their head up independently, typically around 4-6 months.
Always use the seat on a stable surface, and never leave your baby unattended while they are in it.
Two of the most popular floor seats are Bumbo and Upseat. The Bumbo seat is more affordable, but it's frequently criticized for promoting poor "C-curve" posture, potentially damaging babies' developing hip joints. The Upseat promotes a more natural, ergonomic seated posture, focusing on healthier hip positioning, but it may be out of reach for some families at more than double the cost.
In sum, the best choice is what feels right for you –– but opting for the ergonomic design of the Upseat would potentially offer more support to your growing baby from a developmental lens.