What is that "thing" that helps babies sit?

It's that plastic chair looking thing with that joy stick looking part that goes between their legs.  I know... that is a rediculous way to describe it.  What is it called?  I wanted to get it for Leighton.

For the "experienced" moms... if you have that thing, does it help?

[Jem75]

the bumbo....friends say it is great

[Jem75]

Ovaz - I just went on line to see the suggested ages for using this - it is 6 wks to 14 months - but wondering how my little girl can sit in it when she can only hold her head up for short periods? What do you think?

[toes33107]

You can use it as soon as your baby gets head control.  It holds the baby in place nicely to sit up.  I believe they're about $40 at stores.  Brock doesn't have the head control yet to use ours.

[Whitneylauren]

We have a king lionheart version of the bumbo. At first babies have a difficult time sitting in them because their core muscles are not strong enough to support them. But, like tummy time, they learn control much more quickly from sitting in these chairs. I have seen babies sit months before the average age because they use these chairs.

[ovaz129]

Cool... thank you guys!  I think that she could possibly benefit from this... she has head control, meaning she doesn't "bob" her head anymore and she turns it from side to side without any jerky movements.  So, I think this might be something we will get.  We sit her on the couch with us and she just hangs out, so today I thought "Ahh... what is that thing that teaches the kids how to sit?"  So, I appreciate your responses :)

[ovaz129]

Oh Jem... yeah, 6 weeks seems so young?!  Leighton would have just plopped over at 6 weeks!  hahaha... I am picturing it now :)

[kele1129]

I am going to get Phin one of these this weekend! I have just been waiting to make sure he has the ead control thing down first.

[AmyC311]

Blake sits in hers! For short periods of time...like 10 mins...she likes it though.

[Jem75]

love that you got this on my mind - I put Hayden in her bumbo chair - she LOVED it. I posted a picture on my profile!