We got a Bumbo as a shower gift.  My son loves it.  He has been sitting in it since he was 1 1/2 months old as he was able to hold his head up.  I have to take him out of it at times because he loves to sit in it so much.  He loves to play with all types of toys in it and it has help to extend the life of some toys, such as the Fisher Price Jungle Gym since he no longer wants to lie on the floor and bat at the animals.  He can now sit and do it, which gives him a different view point. The plastic is not too hard, but just enough to provide the appropriate support for babies. It is a great tool to teach a child how to sit on his or her own.  There are three things every parent needs--a Baby Bjorn, a Miracle Blanket and this.