Finding The Best Baby Bouncer
Babies grow up so fast, but many babies have had their lives cut tragically short by unsafe or inappropriate care. While the number of infants who have suffered fatal injuries from baby bouncers is, no doubt, small, it's still essential to choose one that offers proper support and comfort. It's hard to decide on the most important factor, given how important comfort, entertainment, and ease of use are. The bouncer has to keep the parents happy, the baby entertained, and everyone safer for using it. A baby bouncer, when built correctly, can be a safe and entertaining place for your 0 to 12-month-old baby to sit and be left alone while you run around the house doing your daily chores.
With a properly designed and built baby bouncer, the baby can stay strapped in and entertained while the baby's parents work around the house to get things done. With a shoddy baby bouncer, it's hard to leave the baby alone; you're always worried about whether or not your young one is actually safe or if the bouncer has collapsed in on itself and caused them some injury! When you begin looking for a baby bouncer, it's important to understand that every family will have their own needs and concerns. While there is no "one best baby bouncer," we've managed to narrow down the list by considering a handful of more general factors.
1Why Own A Quality Baby Bouncer?
Many people consider baby bouncers a luxury item that can be left aside. But that is not the case! There are many benefits for both you and your littlest one if you have a quality baby bouncer.
Baby Bouncers Keep Your Child Safe
There's a feeling that's unlike any other when you get to do everyday tasks without having your infant attached to your hip constantly. A quality baby bouncer will have multiple safety straps and proper balance. This will allow you to leave your infant safe and comfortable while you go about your daily tasks.
Help Keep Your Hands Free
There are many tasks you have to complete throughout the day. And having an infant often means performing them with one hand. A high-quality, well-made baby bouncer can keep your infant securely in place and entertained while you actually manage to get things done!
They Keep The Baby Calm
Sometimes, your baby is going to cry, and there's nothing you can do about it, no matter how hard you try or how much you want him to stop. A baby bouncer is a great place to leave them and know that there will be things to entertain them when they finally quiet down. You can't keep them from crying, but you can put them down somewhere safe and not worry about dealing with it for a while!
They're Easily Portable
Unless you get a baby bouncer that's completely decked out with technological features, baby bouncers are lightweight and compact. Bulkier accessories are nearly useless when you're on the go; lighter accessories are accessories you can use no matter where you need to be! If you're going out to the park, or a coffee shop, or a restaurant, you can merely strap your baby into the bouncer and do what you need to do. That said, it pays to remember that a cheap, low-quality bouncer will only annoy you, if not actually harm your child.
2The Top Features To Think About
The first thing to do is to start considering your baby bouncer as an investment. This is not just a tool. Many brands and models offer long-term features that might be useful as your baby ages but fewer short-term features.
The Bouncer Size
Take a moment to consider the size you need since not every baby bouncer will fit every baby. Never fudge the size. This is about the protection and safety of your child!
The Safety Straps
Some baby bouncers have an abundance of straps. But not every baby needs to be harnessed in tightly. Some children have sensitivities to certain textures and feelings, and others just may not like being strapped in tightly.
The Bouncer Frame
The frame of the bouncer needs to ergonomically fit the shape of your baby to keep your baby as safe and secure as possible. It needs to be shaped to encourage good spinal health. It should also be flexible enough to shift as your baby shifts and grows.
Plug-In Or Battery-Operated Bouncer
When looking into an automatic bouncer, you often have a fairly wide selection of both plug-in and battery-powered bouncers. You can choose between a battery-powered baby bouncer or an electric baby bouncer. Whatever you choose, you'll likely find both with the features that you need.
Motion Simulation Function
Not all bouncers are automatic. There are plenty of manual bouncers out on the market. Sometimes, a child simply doesn't need constant vibration and a never-ending bounce; all they need is a comfortable place to lie back and rest for a bit.
Removable Seat Cover
If a baby bouncer doesn't have a removable seat cover, then you may as well move on to the next model and find one that actually cares about how much your time is worth. Babies are messy creatures. You'll need to be able to keep the bouncer clean without having to expend tons of energy.
The Level Of Comfort
It almost goes without saying, but if your baby isn't comfortable while sitting in their bouncer, then they won't be thrilled when they get strapped in. Remember to get a size that's appropriate for the size of your baby. This will increase the comfort level and overall head, neck, and spine support.
Entertainment Toys And Features
Lastly, you should consider what kind of toys and activity features the bouncer possesses since these are the things that will allow you to leave your baby alone. Some babies require calm and quiet, so you wouldn't want to get them super loud squeaky toys! So consider what your child needs regarding entertainment with the use of the bouncer if you want it to be functional as a baby calming device!
3Our Choices For The Best Baby Bouncers
Many people find it difficult to choose the best baby bouncers and swings because there are a lot of options out there. The research that we did can help to point you in the right direction. You can choose from a more narrow set of categories and find the one that is best for your family.
The Take-Along Bouncer From Tiny Love
If you are looking for something simple without sacrificing quality, you will love the Tiny Love Take-Along Bouncer. You can assemble it effortlessly because of its simple design and move it from one area to another; it allows your baby to enjoy a comfortable and safe experience, regardless of whether they are relaxing or playing. If you have been looking at different products and have had a difficult time finding the one that is right for you, you may agree with many other families who appreciate what the Tiny Love Take-Along Bouncer brings to the table. It is excellent for warmer weather areas of the world because it is made from breathable, lightweight material and folds up conveniently so you can take it on the go, not to mention the fact that you don't need electricity or batteries to operate it, so the design is really simplistic.
For those who want to give their baby a supportive and comfortable bouncer for under $80 but have a smaller home, the Tiny Love Take-Along Bouncer is a perfect choice. The only difficulty you may run into with this bouncer is that your baby may not be able to be in it safely after six months because it only fits babies up to 20 pounds. Because of the absence of music and colorful blinking lights, you will find the simple design of this baby bouncer to be quite refreshing. Perhaps the thing you will appreciate most about it is the support and comfort that it provides your baby, allowing them to relax while you get some things done or just spend some time playing with the child, and that is what we really want from such a device.
Bouncer Balance Soft From BabyBjorn
If you are looking for baby products that are of the highest quality and provide extreme comfort, you will appreciate what BabyBjorn has in store for your baby. One of their more popular products, the Bouncer Balance Soft offers ergonomic support and a comfortable fit for children from the time they are newly born until they are months older. If you want to enjoy this bouncer for your child, you may have to spend a little more for it because it costs approximately $160, but the price is well worth it. When you look at the reviews, you will see that you are paying for quality, and if you plan on using it for any more babies that happen to come along, this bouncer is going to go the distance.
You will need to entertain the child with other toys because the BjornBaby toy bar accessory is not included with this baby bouncer. You will love the softness and comfortable feel of the material used on this bouncer, and even if your child chews on it, you can throw it in the washing machine easily because it slips off in a snap. You will find it beneficial to purchase a backup cover so your baby can continue to use the Bouncer Balance Soft when you aren't able to do laundry that day.
Many people want options from their bouncers, including vibrations, rocking, and soft music, but this bouncer from BabyBjorn is a simplistic model and does not have those options. It does fit in well with the decor of most homes because it is made from neutral tones, so it doesn't stand out in a similar way to other models. When you want a bouncer that doesn't stimulate the baby too much or cause distractions in the home, this is a great choice to make, and many parents would agree.
Cuddle Bug Bouncer From Sassy
If you are looking for a budget baby bouncer that is fun and friendly, you will appreciate what the Sassy Cuddle Bug Bouncer has to offer. Thanks to the bright colors and learning toys included, it would fit into the category of an activity bouncer; however, it still contains enough comfort and safety features to be an excellent choice for a regular bouncer. You will appreciate the soft wings and body pillow in the Sassy Cuddle Bug Bouncer, and it helps young babies to feel comfortable and secure when they are in it. It also provides a level of comfort for you because you know that your baby is secure and will not fall out, so you can go ahead and get some chores done while they are in the bouncer.
We rate it 4.2 out of five stars. If you like to travel with your bouncer, you might have an issue with the lack of portability with the Cuddle Bug; when you consider how budget-friendly this bouncer is, however, it is easy to keep one at home and get another unit to take on the road. The Cuddle Bug Bouncer is more than just a device that holds the baby, and the vibration and lullabies are not even the top features. You will pay slightly more (around $100) for the purple color, but if you want to save some cash, just get the yellow option for about $40. When you want something that is safe and secure without breaking the bank, you can get the Sassy Cuddle Bug Bouncer to care for your little one, and it will keep both you and the baby satisfied.
We Rate It 4.2 Out Of Five Stars
If you like to travel with your bouncer, you might have an issue with the lack of portability with the Cuddle Bug. When you consider how budget-friendly this bouncer is, however, it is easy to keep one at home and get another unit to take on the road. The Cuddle Bug Bouncer is more than just a device that holds the baby, and the vibration and lullabies are not even the top features. You will pay slightly more (around $100) for the purple color, but if you want to save some cash, just get the yellow option for about $40. When you want something that is safe and secure without breaking the bank, you can get the Sassy Cuddle Bug Bouncer to care for your little one, and it will keep both you and the baby satisfied.
Graco DuetConnect Swing And Bouncer
If you are a parent that desires more than just one feature from baby toys and accessories, you won't have to look further than the DuetConnect Swing And Bouncer from Graco. Graco is a leading manufacturer of baby products, which means that you are assured of getting the best as long as you are ready to spend extra just to get the higher quality for one of the top-rated models of baby bouncers. It costs only $110, which might appear expensive at first, but when you consider the fact that it is a dual functioning product, it is definitely worth investing in.
Our rating is 4.1 out of five stars. The Graco DuetConnect Swing And Bouncer can be easily converted from a swing to a bouncer by removing the seat, so if your child cannot be calmed by bouncing only, then the swing may be just what you need. However, it is important to note that the swing only moves from side to side, which means that you need to look elsewhere if a front to back swinger is what you need. The ability to power up the Graco DuetConnect Swing And Bouncer with either batteries or electricity so that you never have to be without it is one of its best features.
It is what makes it stand out when compared to other products that only offer a single source of power, which means that you always need to stay close to a power outlet or keep batteries on hand. If you are looking for a bouncer that gives you the freedom to travel and has flexibility, this model should be one of your top choices. You can easily personalize this baby swing and bouncer with the over ten different lullabies, five nature sounds, two vibrating speeds, and three soft toys to keep your baby entertained. A five-point harness is included to ensure that your child enjoys one of the safest and most secure baby bouncers in the market.
Fisher-Price My Little Snugabunny Bouncer
When looking for the best brand in baby products and items made from the most comfortable and softest materials, you don't need to search beyond Fisher-Price. The My Little Snugabunny Bouncer from Fisher-Price is one of the most popular accessories from the brand, and it is not hard to see how babies love being comforted in the bouncer. It costs just below $60 and is surprisingly affordable when compared to other models, especially when you take into consideration the Fisher-Price brand's quality.
Our rating is 4.5 out of five stars. It is not only a very comfortable bouncer for babies, but it offers a lot to keep them entertained, too, so that you are able to get on with the rest of your day if you so wish. Featuring soothing vibrations, eight different lullabies and nature sounds, and developmentally-appropriate toys for them to enjoy, your child can spend hours every day in the My Little Snugabunny without actually making noise. The only major downside is that it is battery-powered only and tends to chew through the batteries faster compared to other brands because of the sounds and vibrations.
Fisher-Price has, however, tried to compensate for this using an auto-off feature that turns off vibrations after a while if you leave it on. It means that you will never be wasting the batteries and should thus get a bit more use out of them. One of the best things about the bouncer is that it suits babies, from newborns to children of certain height and weight. A comfortable and ergonomically-appropriate newborn insert has been provided that you can remove once your child is no longer in need of the support, which makes it particularly amazing for the unique needs of your newest or smallest family members.
Verdict On The Product
Buying a baby bouncer is not a light decision to make since it is a must-have accessory for any new parent. It is one of the most important investments that you will ever make. With parents increasingly focusing on safety and comfort, this new range of baby bouncers ticks all the boxes to offer your baby security and somewhere fun to play and relax.
The BabyBjorn Bouncer Balance Soft is a clear winner when it comes to the search for a basic baby bouncer capable of providing support and comfort for your child. It not only offers the best ergonomic support for your child, but it also features a simplistic design. The Tiny Love bouncer might be a more affordable option and comes in a close second, but the BabyBjorn bouncer has a whole lot more to offer.
Parents looking for entertainment and developmentally-suitable activities and toys for their children combined with the support a bouncer provides should consider going for the Sassy Cuddle Bug Bouncer. This lovely design features vibrations, bright and playful colors, fun activities for babies, as well as lullabies for keeping your baby entertained. The best thing is that it is also one of the most affordable baby bouncer options, which means that you don’t need to spend a fortune on quality.
The Graco DuetConnect Swing And Bouncer is the best option when shopping for a bouncer and swing combination. It is a stunning accessory that features a seat that transforms into a bouncer to ensure that your child gets the best of both worlds. It might cost slightly more, but when you think about what you will be getting for two products in one, it actually offers exceptional value.
Depending on the needs of your family and what you desire for your baby, any of these baby bouncer choices would be a great option and will make you wish that there was a baby bouncer for adults you could buy. Whether you are looking for a simplistic design, something to keep your child entertained and happy, or a dual function bouncer and swing, several quality options are available for you to consider. Your child will not only love them, but they will free up some time so that you are able to get on with your own life or simply make it easy.
A calm, happy baby is priceless. And if you can catch a few hands-free minutes at some point in the day, even better! These are two of the reasons that many parents turn to baby rockers and the like.
But, as with all baby products, you need to know what you’re buying, how to use it safely, and what to take into account when making your choice. That’s what we’re here for.
In this article, we’ll go over the differences between baby rockers, baby bouncers, and baby swings. Then we’ll cover the most important topic: baby rocker safety.
Last but not least, we’ll also provide a few questions to ask yourself when you’re shopping for a baby rocker.
With all of the baby products on the market, it can be hard to figure out what’s what. If you want to get a baby rocker but are confused about the differences between rockers and other items, here’s a brief rundown.
Source: target.com
A baby rocker is similar to the rocking chair you might have on your front porch, except it’s for little ones! Your baby reclines in the rocker, and the curved base provides a gentle rocking motion when you give it a push.
This item does exactly what it sounds like — it bounces your baby.
Unlike a rocker, the base of a baby bouncer is flat, but the seat is designed to bounce up and down with a slight touch or simply when your baby kicks and moves.
There are also battery-powered bouncers that keep the bounce going for you.
A baby swing consists of a little chair that swings back and forth with a push or with an automated swinging motion. You can find both battery-powered and plug-in swings.
First, it’s important to note that while rockers, bouncers, and swings are nice to have, they aren’t must-haves. That category belongs to diapers, wipes, car seats, cribs, and the like.
While children can (and do) survive without them, rockers are convenient baby gear that offers a protected spot for a baby to stay put while mom or dad goes hands-free.
Anyone who’s ever looked after a baby can tell you how difficult it is to get a few minutes to do everyday things — like take a shower, get dressed, or even read a book — without your little one demanding attention.
Rockers make it easier to get a break from holding your baby all the time. Whether you’re cooking, doing some household chores, or just trying to relax (something all parents of newborns need!), having a safe spot to place your little one can come in handy.
Baby rockers are also great entertainment for babies. The repetitive motion and the music or toys usually attached to the chairs can be lots of fun. If you’ve ever seen a big grin as a baby rocks back and forth, you’ll know exactly what we’re talking about!
In addition, rockers are great for children because:
Baby rockers can also help fussy babies calm down.
So, while rockers aren’t a necessity, they can be very valuable for both parent and child if you do have a budget for them.
Whether you decide to purchase a rocker, bouncer, or swing, it’s important to note that these are all best for babies from birth to six months old or until they can sit up by themselves.
All babies are unique and will naturally develop differently. That’s why it’s also helpful to check the age and weight specifications on the label to ensure that you’re using the right item for your child.
With that in mind, if you’re hoping to place your newborn in a rocker, you’ll want to pay close attention to them while they’re in it. That’s because newborns sleep a lot (14-17 hours a day) and the rocker position can increase the risk of suffocation, among other concerns.
Keep reading for more information on rocker safety.
Keeping your little one safe is your number one priority! That means there are a few things to think about when using a baby rocker.
We’ll go over those safety considerations before giving you tips to choose the perfect rocker for your little one.
We know — lots of baby rockers are marketed as a comfy, soothing place for your little one to nap. But the truth is they’re not the safest place for your baby to sleep.
The Delaware Healthy Mother and Infant Consortium says this:
“... rocker chairs are a popular item for new parents. Shop online or in stores and you will see the product with a picture of a peaceful, happy baby. These products claim to soothe your baby. They are usually soft and cushiony to keep your baby comfortable and happy. While this sounds like every parent’s dream, products like this are not safe for a sleeping baby.”
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, baby sleep safety means that they sleep on their backs on a firm surface without anything else in their crib (no pillows, blankets, crib bumpers, etc.).
Baby rockers simply don’t make the cut.
The main concerns are that your little one could get tangled in the straps or that their head might fall forward, increasing the risk of suffocation.
The bottom line is this: Don’t use your baby rocker as a place for your infant to sleep. If you do catch them dozing off, move them to their crib, which should be empty other than a crib mattress and a fitted sheet.
For the most peace of mind, opt for a breathable crib mattress, such as Newton Baby’s. Made with our Wovenaire® Core, this mattress is more breathable than leading organic mattresses.
At Newton, we also believe in safe sleep practices. Whether your little one is snoozing at night or taking a short nap in their crib, be sure to:
The above precautions will help keep your little one safe while sleeping. They will also help reduce the chance of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), which is usually associated with sleep.
When you’re using a rocker or bouncer, it’s tempting to set it on the kitchen counter or table so your baby is on your level where you can keep an eye on them.
However, this isn’t safe. Never put a baby rocker on an elevated surface.
Similarly, make sure the rocker is on a hard surface so that it doesn’t tip over. Placing it on the couch or your bed, for example, is a no-go.
Another tip to avoid an unwanted accident: don’t move the baby rocker from one place to another while your little one is in it.
If you need to switch rooms, take your baby out before transferring the rocker.
A baby rocker is a great way to keep your little one soothed and happy, but that doesn’t mean you can leave them alone. Adult supervision is in order!
Keep an eye on your baby whenever they’re relaxing in the rocker.
Your baby rocker comes with straps for a reason! Strap your baby in to keep them safely in the rocker, and always check to be sure the straps are just right — not too loose and not too snug.
You might want your baby to stay tiny forever, but at some point, they will outgrow their rocker. And that moment might not be far away!
You’ll need to stop using the rocker once your baby exceeds the weight limit (check the packaging for this information) or learns to sit.
Newborns don’t have the muscle development to hold their heads up properly (this is what tummy time is for!), which means sitting up isn’t a good option. Instead, they should always be reclined when you put them in a bouncer or baby rocker.
Trisha Korioth writes for the American Academy of Pediatrics and says, “Infants under age 4 months should be seated in the most reclined swing position to avoid slumping over and suffocating.”
The minute you find out you’re expecting, you probably want to start shopping for all the baby items you’ll need for your little one. And, as you may already know, the list can really add up!
So, if a hand-me-down comes your way from a close friend or family member, this is often welcomed as it can help you save a little cash.
While second-hand items are great for extending your budget, they may not always be the best choice because it can be more challenging to know their safety features and ratings.
To be clear, there's no problem with previously used baby rockers. Just make sure that they have all the necessary parts and meet the current safety standards.
Before placing your little one in the rocker, check for any rough edges that may harm them and that the harness is still working correctly. This basic safety check will give you peace of mind when you place your baby inside.
And, if you're unsure about the chair's safety for any reason, you can use a baby doll to test it out first!
Keeping all of those safety tips in mind, it’s time to choose a baby rocker for your nursery! Here are a few factors to consider for one that’s safe, fun, and works for your home and family.
We’ll go ahead and answer this question for you: not very long. As we mentioned above, you’ll need to stop using your baby rocker when your little one can sit up. In other words, a few months.
While you should still choose a high-quality baby rocker, keep in mind that this isn’t a long-term investment.
Decide whether or not you want a baby rocker with gadgets like toys, lights, and music. There’s a wide variety of rockers, bouncers, and swings, so you have plenty to choose from!
Some rockers are sleek and straightforward and require nothing more than a soft push to get your baby rocking. Other rockers, bouncers, and swings use batteries or a plug to play music, vibrate, swing, rock, or light up.
What kind you choose is entirely up to you.
Before adding your favorite baby rocker to your online shopping cart, make sure you have enough room for it in the nursery (or wherever you’ll be using it).
If you’re working with a small space, take that into account when choosing furniture and baby items.
If you’re on the go a lot and your baby will be along for the ride, think about if you’ll travel with your baby rocker. If so, take that into account when shopping around. You can find one that is light and foldable.
There’s no doubt that babies are perfect and precious, but they can also be quite messy! As with all baby items, your rocker should be easy to clean.
At Newton Baby, we’ve made easy-to-clean a priority for all of our products. That’s why our Crib Mattress Cover is removable and 100% washable. But it’s not only that. Our Crib Mattress itself is washable from cover to core.
Bye-bye, mold, bacteria, and allergens!
When thinking of cozy baby rockers, you might assume that more cushioning is better for your little one’s comfort. But this is a false assumption and could actually endanger your baby.
To be on the safe side, search for a seat that is comfortable yet not excessively cushioned. You don’t want your child to turn their head and be in danger of suffocating from excess cushioning covering their face.
Any product intended to be used for or by children needs to adhere to strict safety measures. If you live in the U.S., Canada, or Mexico, look for the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) certification for any product you buy, including baby rockers.
The JPMA sample tests their certified products annually or after a material change at an independent laboratory to guarantee it meets the highest safety requirements.
If you have a specific baby rocker you’ve been eyeing, you can either check for certification from the brand or look on the JPMA website. If there’s a lack of transparency from a manufacturer, then this should be a red flag.
On sunny days when the weather conditions are just right, you may want to take your little one outside. But just because you're in the mood for some sun doesn't mean that your baby should be exposed to its harmful rays. This is where sun shading comes in handy.
Opt for baby rockers that come with sun shading because they are ideal for those hot summer days. It's important to note, though, that you might not need this accessory if you aren’t planning on being outside a lot or traveling for the first six months of your baby’s life.
Also, if your little one is too old to use their baby rocker by the time it is summer in your state, then this piece may not be necessary.
No matter how much time your baby will spend in the sun, always protect their delicate skin with sunscreen that's specifically designed with them in mind.
Different entertainment features can help your little one enjoy their time in a baby rocker.
Music is a standard feature for most baby rockers and can stimulate your baby’s brain and keep them entertained. You may have to hear the same songs over and over again, but your little one will love hearing the tunes.
Vibrating seats are also a great option. The gentle vibrations can calm infants and create a peaceful environment. Keep in mind these aren’t found in all models, so you may have to pay a bit more if you're searching for this particular feature.
Like vibrating, lights are also not found on most traditional rockers, and the ones that do come with them are usually more expensive. But little ones love to watch the different patterns and colors of light!
Remember that according to sleep safety guidelines, a baby rocker isn’t the safest place for your little one to snooze. Always put your baby to sleep on their back on a firm sleep surface — ideally, Newton Baby’s Crib Mattress — without anything else in their crib.
But a baby rocker can come in handy if you’re using it to calm and soothe your baby or give yourself a little hands-free time! When choosing a rocker, take into consideration the questions we listed and, most of all, the safety tips.
Then sit back and relax as your little one happily rocks away!