Buying guide for Best baby bouncers
As a parent to an infant, any moment of respite you can get to take a breather or simply eat a meal with both hands feels like a miracle. A baby bouncer can give you a much-needed spot to put your baby down in for a short period of time.
Some baby bouncers have mechanisms to gently bounce babies. Others are powered by babies' wriggle and kick power alone. Lights, sounds and toy bars may add an extra layer of interest to help delight and entertain your little one.
Given that nobody wants to buy a product that might be harmful to their infant, it’s important to take note of our safety tips below as well as manufacturer advice and instructions for the specific model you use.
The BabyBjörn Balance Soft Bouncer is our top choice for its exceptional quality and gorgeous design. Developed with pediatricians to help parents gain peace of mind, it’s a simple bouncer that works well for short periods. If you’re on a budget, we also recommend the Bright Starts Comfy Baby Bouncer. It entertains with a toy bar and soothes the child with gentle music and vibrations.
Expert Tip
Once a baby weighs 20 pounds or can sit up or roll from front to back on their own (whatever comes first), stop using a baby bouncer.
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Best baby bouncers
Thanks to its ergonomic design, this bouncer provides the correct support for your baby's neck, back and head. The fitted fabric seat conforms to the body's contours and comes in four options: cotton, cotton jersey, padded cotton and mesh. The soft cotton jersey and padded cotton options are particularly cozy. The mesh is good for hot weather, and the standard cotton is a great all-rounder.
You can easily adjust the seat between three positions, making it suitable for babies and little kids at various developmental stages. Once babies can toddle around and sit on chairs independently, it can be used as a seat. You can also fold it flat for simple storage.
If you're looking for an affordable bouncer with lots going on, this one checks all the boxes. It has a removable toy bar with two hanging toys for babies to look at and grab. It plays seven relaxing songs, and its vibration mode can help calm fussy babies.
Although it has an automatic vibration mode, babies can also bounce it independently. A secure harness and headrest keep your baby comfortable and supported.
Everyone knows life with babies can get messy, so we love that you can remove the fabric part of this bouncer and toss it in the washing machine.
With the included headrest, this bouncer is suitable for most babies from birth. It has a mobile-style toy bar with two hanging toys for babies to watch. Soothing little ones is easy thanks to the built-in sounds and music and the foot pedal that lets you bounce your baby hands-free.
Harried parents of fussy infants will also be pleased with the vibration mode that soothes and calms some little ones. The fabric parts of the seat are removable and machine-washable, so you don't need to worry about mess. You can choose from a gray herringbone-like print or a leaf pattern.
Working as a bouncer and a rocker, this is a great choice if you aren't yet sure whether your child prefers bouncing or rocking. The rocker mode provides a gentle back-and-forth motion for your baby that might calm them when they’re fussy. In bouncer mode, the chair responds to your baby's movements, which many infants find fun and stimulating. There's also a built-in vibration setting.
The toy bar adds an extra level of interest, and it's removable for those times when you don't want to overstimulate your baby. When not in use, the bouncer folds flat, which makes for easier traveling and storage.
Three adjustable positions make this bouncer suitable for sitting, playing and relaxing. The three-point safety harness keeps infants secure. Babies bounce using their own movements, and no music or vibrations are included – which some buyers prefer. Two hanging toys on the toy bar are there for babies to watch and grab.
This attractive Baby Delight bouncer comes in muted colors, including charcoal, oat and indigo. The fabric cover is removable and machine-washable, which makes cleaning up messes less of a chore. Not only does it fold flat, but it also comes with a bag that's suitable for travel or storage.
Although advertised as a rocker and stationary seat, this two-in-one item from Maxi-Cosi has enough flex to work as a bouncer in stationary mode. The three-position seat gives you options for rest and play, and it's easy to switch positions with just one hand.
The easy-in harness makes securing your baby a breeze, which is great news when you're already multitasking. The seat cover is comfortable, well-padded and removable so you can machine-wash it.
The bouncer is sturdy, and the frame’s wood element gives it a high-end look. Choose from four hues: gray, charcoal, dark blue and blush pink.
Designed for optimal ergonomics, this bouncer supports babies correctly and has three modes for different developmental stages. The newborn mode keeps the chair stationary and reclined and features an insert that securely hugs your baby from head to hips. The infant mode lets older babies bounce themselves, while the toddler mode gives older children a place to sit independently.
The clip harness lets you quickly and easily secure your baby, which is helpful when you’re dealing with a wriggly infant. Although it's cozy, the seat also includes breathable mesh parts that perform well in warm weather. You can remove and wash the fabric part of the bouncer.
There's a lot to love about this baby bouncer beyond its affordable price. It has a toy bar with two hanging toys that entertains babies and nurtures hand-eye coordination. It plays five melodies and three relaxing sounds, and it also has a soothing vibration function.
The three-point harness and adjustable headrest help keep your infant safe and comfortable. You can choose from two patterns: floral or a contemporary zig-zag print. When it’s time to clean, you can remove the fabric part of the seat to wash it or simply spot-clean it with warm water and mild detergent.
A good choice for newborns who can't yet bounce themselves, this seat has two automatic bounce modes that run for up to 30 minutes. This helps calm fussy babies hands-free, giving parents and caregivers a much-needed break.
The toy bar helps keep babies entertained, and it’s removable in case your baby doesn't like it or it’s too stimulating when you want your child to wind down. Eleven sound settings with melodies, nature sounds and white noise are also available.
A secure harness helps keep your baby safe, and a newborn insert is included to help keep the littlest of infants comfortable and properly supported.
EXPERT TIP
Never use the vibration feature to help a baby fall asleep. Babies should NEVER sleep in a baby bouncer or be left in a bouncer unattended.
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Types of baby bouncers
Basic baby bouncer
Basic baby bouncers are the simplest variety available. They’re considered basic because they include no toys, lights, sounds or motion controls. If you’re looking for a plain reclining seat that your baby can bounce in, this could be the right choice for you.
Basic bouncers offer a huge advantage over other options in that they tend to have more “spring.” This is because they’re not bogged down with the weight of additional toys or other equipment. And because they lack external features, they easily fold for travel and are quite portable.
Activity bouncer
Activity bouncers sport the bells and whistles that basic bouncers lack. From toy rails to mobiles to vibrating musical seats, these units provide valuable sensory stimulation as well as absorbing entertainment for your baby.
Under the weight of these additional features, activity bouncers tend to have a bit less spring than their basic counterparts. They’re also bulkier and not as easy to transport and store. However, the features found on an activity bouncer can keep your baby entertained for longer than a basic bouncer.
About the seat
Your baby is growing and developing, so it is important that they are positioned appropriately. Therefore, you want to ensure you get a comfortable seat. Whichever seat you buy, we recommend that you look for one with some or all of the following characteristics:
Easy to clean
Some bouncers come with removable, machine-washable covers. Other covers are made of waterproof fabric that’s easy to wipe down by hand.
Padding
Some manufacturers add padding around the frame of the seat. For most children, this makes the seat more comfortable, which is a plus, of course.
Cushioned head support
This feature helps protect your baby’s neck while they're bouncing. Some head supports are removable so the bouncer can still be used as the child grows stronger.
Harness
Many bouncers feature a three-point harness system. Others incorporate a five-point buckle system for added security. The latter is the type of harness that you will also find on top-quality car and booster seats.
Always buckle your child into their harness when they're in the bouncer. If you don’t, they could slide out of the apparatus and onto the floor, or their nose and mouth could become wedged in such a way that they cannot breathe.
Seat incline
This feature is a must if you want the option of adjusting your baby’s reclining position. And who wouldn’t want to make their baby as cozy as possible? Newborns tend to be more comfortable when they’re reclining, but older babies sometimes like to sit up straight.
Expert tip
Always supervise babies in a baby bouncer.
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About the frame
The frame plays a key role in the functionality of a baby bouncer. It supports and elevates the seat so it’s secure and oh-so-bounceable.
- Frame material is typically metal. However, some generic baby bouncers sport plastic frames. Plastic frames are much less sturdy and, arguably, less safe for your baby. Some high-end options also have wood components in their frames.
- The wider the base, the more stable and supported the bouncer. A wide base makes it more difficult for the bouncer to tip or be knocked over.
- A non-slip base prevents your baby from slowly creeping across the floor while bouncing. You certainly don’t want your baby to “travel” while in the seat, nor do you want skid marks on your wood or tile floor.
- Some baby bouncers are more portable than others. If you want one that folds into a smaller size, consider a basic bouncer with no bells and whistles, but be aware that basic bouncers are not as entertaining as their feature-rich counterparts.
Toys and other features
Baby bouncers come with an array of entertainment options, including the following:
Toy bars
Some activity baby bouncers include toy bars that sit above the baby. Most of these bars come with removable toys, but some have toys that are permanently attached. If you’re thinking of buying the latter, make sure the attached toys would appeal to your baby’s developmental level first.
Music and sound
Do you want your baby to take in a little Mozart as they recline? Some bouncers have a musical switch that allows the child to be serenaded as they play. Other bouncers have a white noise option to help lull the child to sleep.
Note: A baby should never be permitted to sleep in a bouncer, but you can use it to help your baby fall asleep before moving them to a suitable sleeping spot. See our Safety Tip section for more information.
Vibrating or bouncing seat
If you plan to use your bouncer as a sleep aid before transferring your baby to their crib, this is a great feature. Some bouncers include a menu of bounce and vibration settings, from a gentle buzz to a bouncier setting. Babies who easily fall asleep in the car may respond well to this feature.
Vibrating or bouncing seats may also be appropriate for newborns who don’t have the strength to bounce on their own yet.
Expert tip
Babies do not have control over their resting muscles yet, so if a baby falls asleep in a baby bouncer and they are reclined at 30 to 45 degrees, their head can flop forward and stop their breathing.
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Baby bouncer safety tips
Adhere to bouncer weight guidelines
Most bouncers are designed only for the first several months of a baby’s life. Manufacturers typically display their recommended weight and height guidelines right on the box. It’s important that you adhere to them, as a bouncer that’s too big or too small could pose a risk for the child.
Place the bouncer on a solid, flat surface
To minimize the possibility of tipping over, place your bouncer on a solid, flat surface. (A mattress is an example of a non-solid surface.) A frame with a non-slip base provides extra reassurance that your baby won’t tip over.
Use the harness
Don’t forget to snugly strap or buckle your baby into their seat. The harness holds your child in place and helps prevent them from falling out. Search for straps that are both durable and comfortable.
Never place a bouncer on an elevated surface
A baby could easily bounce their way off of a counter or tabletop. Never place your baby up high in their bouncer.
Never lift or move an inhabited bouncer
Though it may be tempting to pick up your baby while they're in the bouncer, don’t do it.
The U.S. Office of the Federal Register (OFR) reports that at least one fatality has occurred because an adult tried to transport an inhabited bouncer. The child fell and died of head trauma.
Never allow your baby to sleep in their bouncer
Sleep can be a dangerous time for infants. Even when restrained in their bouncer, a sleeping baby may move in such a way that causes them to suffocate. The OFR reports multiple cases of positional asphyxia in which a child was left to sleep in a bouncer.
If you choose to use your bouncer as a sleep aid, stay with your child the entire time, and watch them carefully. Once they become sleepy, transport them to a more appropriate sleeping area.
Limit time spent in the bouncer
Leaving your baby in their bouncer for too long isn’t healthy for their developing body. Specifically, the bones in the skull are still forming; holding them against a flat surface for hours at a time could lead to “flat head syndrome,” otherwise known as plagiocephaly.
A good way to lower the risk of plagiocephaly, according to Dr. Jay L. Hoecker of the Mayo Clinic, is to provide the child with supervised tummy time. This supervised time occurs when an awake, alert infant is placed on their stomach to exercise their head, neck and shoulder muscles.
You can also limit the time your baby spends in a bouncer by wearing your baby in a baby carrier on your chest. This removes pressure from their head, allows them to be close to you for bonding and helps develop your baby’s neck muscles.
Note: The CDC offers helpful prevention tips that can help protect your child against Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
FAQ
Q. How much should I expect to pay for a baby bouncer?
A. You could pay anywhere from $20 for a basic bouncer for infants to $200 for an elaborate bouncer. Expect to spend on the higher end of this price range for bouncers with more features — lights, sounds and toys — as well as beautifully designed bouncers.
Q. Are baby bouncers good for babies?
A. Bouncers with lights and sounds provide stimulation for babies that helps with brain development. Toy bars can help develop hand-eye coordination as babies grab for them. Of course, you must make sure to follow safety advice. Using a baby bouncer incorrectly can be dangerous. On rare occasions, infant fatalities have occurred.
Q. How long can a baby stay in a bouncer?
A. While expert opinions vary on the matter, you shouldn't leave a baby in a bouncer for more than one hour at a time. Ideally, time spent continuously in a bouncer shouldn't exceed 20 or 30 minutes.
