what is this?

Essentially it is a giant rubber ring which you blow up for your baby to sit in. It can supposedly be used from birth and I guess that they could lie in but I have only used mine since my baby began sitting up. You blow the ring up - prop them up, give them some toys and you have a safe place for them to sit and play.

Why should I use this not the floor?
WHen my little one started sitting up for the first time - he could sit supported by cushions but not up by himself. Or if he could he would last maybe 5 seconds and then face plant on the floor - cue lots of screaming and tears.

This provides support and if he does slip or fall over he only hits the inflatable ring!

What is is made of?
Plastic which is safety tested for babies and is tough - my cat jumped on mine and tried to claw it without bursting it luckily! There is a brightly coloured material cover which comes with it. This cover not only keeps baby entertained with its sensory "feeling bits" (essentially bits made from a different material to let them learn from touch) but it is machine washable. This is essential in a baby product as the un-avoidable vomit, milk, poo and other stains can make a product look and smell disgusting! With this - just take the cover off and wash it.

Any other features?
Well it comes with a few toys attached so baby can play - a sort of red monkey / lion (baby animals can be VERY hard to identify) with lots of soft frongs for baby to grab. You can also put in any other toys that you have and let baby play with them so it is a versatile toy.

Why would I buy this?
Well for me the best thing was when my baby wanted to sit up and play I could put him in here and let him play for 10 minutes while I made a cup of tea. It does give you a short break although I would not leave him in here by himself for all that long. He will now sit in it for up to an hour and play (although mummy has to watch most of the time as he is an exhibitionist!) It does save your back from supporting his weight ALL the time.

Where to buy and how much?

Now baby products are one of the most overpriced markets known to man (and woman). Therefore my rule has always been (in my seven months of being a mum) only to buy new things when absolutely necessary. So I bought a new car seat, a new buggy and a new cot. Virtually everything else has come from ebay, NCT sales or charity shops.

My Sit me up seat is no exception. Purchased in a second hand childrens shop for £3. If you have to buy one new Amazon is a good bet and this Red Kite Seat is significantly chepaer than an ELC version of this product which is £30. Otherwise keep your eyes out for one second hand!

Any other advantages?
It is really quick to inflate - it comes with a pump but it is just as easy to blow it up (well I lie - it was easy for my husband to blow it up!). So if you need to utilise the space this takes up then you can quickly deflate it and put it away. It folds down really small for storage (or for going on holiday!)

Any disadvantages?
Just the ridiculous price tag of a new one!

Overall - for babies learning to sit up this is a great tool.