While you always want to hold your baby, it’s just not feasible – or really good for either of you. That is where baby equipment such as a bouncer comes in.
A bouncer is a light weight piece of baby equipment that you can move from room to room so you can always have an eye on your baby, even if you aren’t holding them.
They can come from the most basic model to a model that has all the bells and whistles. We are going to look at some of the most popular top-ranked models to find which suits your needs the most.
Here are the best bouncers we will be looking at:
Our Top Picks
- The Bright Starts has a vibration mode.
- The interactive toy bar is great for active babies.
- The breathable cover is great for air flow.
- The seat pad is removable and machine washable.
- The BabyBjorn is easily portable at less than five pounds.
- This bouncer does not require any batteries, plugs, or chargers.
- The BabyBjorn has adjustable positions to find the right one for your baby.
- The fabric is easy to clean and machine washable.
- The sounds play up to 20 minutes.
- The sound machine has a volume control.
- The overhead mobile is removable and has plush animals.
- The Bright Starts has a vibration mode.
- The interactive toy bar is great for active babies.
- The breathable cover is great for air flow.
- The seat pad is removable and machine washable.
- The BabyBjorn is easily portable at less than five pounds.
- This bouncer does not require any batteries, plugs, or chargers.
- The BabyBjorn has adjustable positions to find the right one for your baby.
- The fabric is easy to clean and machine washable.
- The sounds play up to 20 minutes.
- The sound machine has a volume control.
- The overhead mobile is removable and has plush animals.
*All product links in this article will take you to the latest prices on Amazon.com, scroll down for our in-depth reviews below.
Types of Bouncers
There are several types of baby bouncers available. Let’s go over the most common types.
- Basic Baby Bouncer
A basic baby bouncer is just that – basic. A basic baby bouncer has no bells and whistles. That means that it has no vibrations or motions, no sounds, no lights, and no toys. A basic baby bouncer is for those that are basically looking for just a reclining seat that a baby can make bounce on their own power or you can bounce for them.
The one advantage that basic baby bouncers have is that they are not weighed down by all the extras so they tend to have more bounce in them. Basic bouncers also come in portable models for travel that fold and are easy to tote around.
- Activity Baby Bouncer
If you are looking for bells and whistles, then the activity baby bouncer is where you will find it. An activity bouncer has toy bars, music stations, mobiles, vibrating seats, and more. Activity Bouncers are great for entertaining your baby as well as offering sensory stimulation.
Because of the additional weight of all the gadgets on an activity bouncer, they tend to not bounce as high as a basic bouncer. They also are not as portable as a basic bouncer. That being said, all the gadgets and do-dads that keep your baby entertained tend to make up for that.
Things to Take into Consideration When Purchasing a Bouncer
Besides features and safety, there are a few things that you may want to take into consideration when you are making a purchase for a bouncer.
Seat – The main feature of a bouncer is the seat. So when you look at a bouncer, you want to take note of these things about the seat:
- Make sure that the seat is easy to clean. You want a fabric that you can wipe clean but that you can also throw in the washing machine and dryer.
- Look for a seat that is plush and has a lot of padding around the frame for comfort for your baby.
- It is very important to protect your baby’s head. Look for cushioned head supports. You may also want to look for bouncers that have removable head supports for as your baby grows the head support grows with them.
- Never put your child in a bouncer without buckling them in. To ensure safety, make sure that the bouncer you purchase has a three or five-point harness. This harness keeps your child safe in case they slide down while in the bouncer.
- You want your child to be as comfortable as possible when in the bouncer. For that reason, take the seat incline into consideration. While an infant will like a more reclined position, an older baby may like a more upright position.
Frame – The frame is important because it elevates and supports the bouncer and keeps your baby secure.
- Stay away from bouncers that have plastic frames as they are less sturdy.
- For a more stable bouncer, look for bouncers with wider frames. This makes them less likely to tip or be knocked over.
- To ensure the seat won’t move as it bounces, look for bouncers with non-slip feet.
Features of a Bouncer Seat
If you decide that you want some (or all!) of the bells and whistles on your bouncer, it can be overwhelming looking at some of the features that are available now. Here is a list of some of the features and what they do.
- Toy Bars – Some bouncers, the activity kind, have toy bars. These toy bars sit above the baby and can feature anything from plush toys to rattles to mirrors. The majority of these toy bars are removable so you can use the bouncer with or without this feature.
- Sound and Music – This feature is nice to soothe the savage beast that your little sweetheart can sometimes be. This feature can play anything from nature sounds, lullabies, to white noise. Some of these come with volume control which is a nice feature because otherwise, they could be too loud or too soft for your baby. In addition, sometimes this feature has an auto timer where it shuts off after a certain time frame.
- MP3 Player – Some of the more advanced bouncers have a place where you can connect your MP3 player or other music devices. This is normally on the higher-end bouncers.
- Vibrating Seat – To soothe your baby, some seats have a vibrating motion setting that can go from easy to almost a bounce setting.
- Motion – While some bouncers vibrate, some bouncers have features that make other motions. This is normally on higher-end models.
- AC Adapter – If you don’t want to go broke buying batteries, you may want to look for a bouncer that plugs into the wall. Once again, this feature is mainly on the higher-end bouncers.
- Straps – Safety is the number one concern. Look for bouncers that have at least a three-point harness or better yet a five-point harness.
- Frame – Look for a bouncer with a wide, metal frame that is low to the ground with non-slip feet.
- Seat Cover – Look for a seat cover that is easy to clean and is machine washable and can be dried.
- Seat – Look for a padded seat that reclines in several different positions.
- Price – The price of a bouncer can vary from a drop in the bucket to almost a week’s pay. It all depends on the features that are on the bouncer. Look for what is important to you.
- Portability – Not only do you want a bouncer that is easy to move from room to room but if you are going to travel a lot, you need to take that into consideration.
- Looks – While the looks of a bouncer should not be the number one consideration, you should think about it since this is a piece of equipment that will be front and center in your home for some time to come. Bouncers come in every color and design you can imagine. From cute to elegant and everything in between.
Safety When Using a Bouncer
When it comes to your baby, safety can never take the back burner. Your baby’s safety is and should be your number one concern. Here are some safety guidelines that you should follow when it comes to baby bouncers.
Be mindful of the weight guidelines of the bouncer
Bouncers are designed for your baby to use typically for only several months. Most manufacturers will typically display the recommended height and weight guidelines on the box. If you do not adhere to these guidelines and use a bouncer when your baby is too small or too big, you could be putting your child at risk.
Always use the bouncer on a flat solid surface
Bouncers can tip over if they are not on a flat solid surface. For extra reassurance, make sure that your frame has a non-slip base.
Safety harnesses are a must
There is NEVER a reason not to safely and securely buckle your baby into the safety harness of the bouncer. Even for once a second – that is too long. Accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. Make sure that the harness and straps and pulled tight.
Elevated surfaces are not a place for bouncers
Your baby knows what to do in a bouncer–bounce. So while they do that, they do not need to be on a high surface. That means do not place them on a table or countertop when in a bouncer.
When your baby is in the bouncer, do not move the bouncer
Only move the bouncy seat when the bouncer is empty. With the added weight and the bulk of the bouncer, it would be too easy to have an accident. There have been reports by the U.S Office of the Federal Register (OFR) of deaths when transporting baby’s when in a bouncer.
Babies should not be allowed to sleep in bouncers
Sleeping in bouncers may cause a baby to suffocate. The OFR has multiple reports of positional asphyxia from babies who slept in bouncers. If your baby does fall asleep in the bouncer, make sure that you are with them at all times. When you can, take them to their crib to sleep in a more appropriate place.
There should be a time limit spent in the bouncer
Developing bodies need different things. The skull bones are still in the process of forming so being on a flat surface for a long period of time could lead to plagiocephaly which is a flat head syndrome.
Limit time spent in the bouncer.
Leaving developing bodies in a bouncer for a long period of time is not healthy. Mainly for the skull bones that are still forming. When they are held on a surface that is flat for a long period of time, it could lead to plagiocephaly or “flat head syndrome”. According to Dr. Jay L. Hoecker of the Mayo Clinic, it is important to provide tummy time.
The Certification Seal from the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association is important to look for
This certification seal means that the bouncers have conformed to independent safety standards.
Check for recalls
Just because a product is still on the market that does not mean that it has not been recalled. Before you purchase a bouncer, check the product recall list from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Watch where you place the bouncer
You want to keep your baby safe. Therefore, make sure to place the bouncer where your baby cannot reach things such as cords, heaters, or any other dangerous item. Always keep the baby and bouncer in the same room as you and keep an eye on the baby.
Help Choosing a Baby Bouncer
After all of this information, I’m sure that you are beginning to feel a little overwhelmed. There are so many things to consider and too many things to remember.
Here is a simple, toned-down guide of the most important list of things that you need to consider when picking your favorite. If there is another thing or two that is important to you, just add it to the list. If something on the list is not as important, just remove it. Here is the list:
- Make sure the bouncer is safe and sturdy. The best way to do this is to look for the JPMA Certification on products. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association is a nonprofit association that looks at products that companies voluntarily submit for safety evaluations. The JPMA’s testers look for a non-slip, wide base, a durable frame, and at least a three-point harness when it comes to baby bouncers. While JPMA certification is not a necessity, you should look for what they look for in a product.
- Occupy and soothe a baby. This is the main reason to get a bouncer. You want something that will soothe your baby when they are young and occupy their time and mind as they get older.
- Easy Fabric. Babies are not known for being the tiniest creatures on Earth. That is why you want a cover that is easy to spot clean and can be removed to machine wash and dry.
- Easy to move around. You want to be able to keep an eye on your baby. This means that you will be moving the bouncer from room to room. To make things easier on you, you want a bouncer that is lightweight and easy to move. If you travel a lot, you may want to look for a model that is not only lightweight by folds flat. If you live in a small space you may want it to be easy to store.
- Good bang for your buck. Most bouncers are only useful for a few months unless you plan on using them for multiple children. Some bouncers hold their value and can be resold if they have features that are in high demand and the bouncer is in good condition. You might also be willing to pay more for the features or comforts that are important to you regardless of the future resell or future use regards.
These are the main items to take into consideration. If you want to add or take any line item away, do so at your discretion.
Benefits of a Baby Bouncer
There are many benefits of a baby bouncer. Let’s go over a few of them.
First of all, a baby bouncer can help ease an uneasy stomach. The bounce holds a baby’s head and neck slightly erect, it can help them with relieving gas.
Therefore, a bouncer may be one way – although not medically proven – to help alleviate colic symptoms. Due to the reclined angle of the bouncer, the baby’s airway is opened up better than if they were in a stroller or car seat.
Babies are just learning their world and their surroundings, so that makes them very curious. When they are on the floor crawling, their head is facing the floor and they cannot see what is going on. In a bouncer, they can look around and see the world around them. Most bouncers also have toy bars or other sources of entertainment so the baby is entertained while in the bouncer.
Since most bouncers have a three or five-point harness, your little one will be securely fastened in place while you do little activities by their side such as laundry or even read a book. Both baby and parent will benefit from getting to spend time together. Since you will always have the baby in the same room as you, the baby will be able to hear and see you – and even smell you – which is calming to your baby.
Since the bouncing motion is soothing to a baby, of course, they like it. However, for a parent to make that motion on their own, it is tiring. That is where a bouncer comes in handy.
A bouncer can save a parent’s back, neck, and shoulders while bouncing a baby. Plus, if a parent falls asleep while bouncing a baby, normally the baby wakes up and you have to start all over again.
As a bouncer is generally operated by plug or battery, they can continue the motion for hours without the assistance from the parent.
This being said, the bouncer can help put the baby to sleep. Just remember to move the baby safely to a more appropriate sleeping space such as a crib to sleep.
Best Baby Bouncers
Bright Starts Playful Pinwheels Bouncer
The Bright Starts Bouncer has a seat that cradles your baby in comfort and supports their head and body.
The Playful Pinwheels Bouncer can be used without vibration or with the option of soothing vibrations.
This bouncer has a toy bar that can be easily removed with one hand so you can get to your baby easily.
The Bright Starts Playful Pinwheels Bouncer encourages your baby to play and swat with the interactive toys.
This bouncer is available in two color themes to best suit your needs.
For the safety of your baby, this bouncer has a three-point harness that is adjustable.
To help the seat clean and sanitary, the seat pad is removable and machine washable.
Your baby can enjoy this bouncer from birth until they reach 25 pounds.
The Bright Starts Bouncer legs has non-slip rubber on them.
The breathable material on this bouncer cover is great if your baby gets sweaty as it tends to keep them cooler.
The Bright Starts Bouncer is an affordable bouncer.
Cons: Overall, the Bright Starts Playful Pinwheels Bouncer is a great bouncer for the price. The vibrating mode and the inactive toy bar make this a great choice for babies who need a little stimulation. The breathable seat cover that you can remove and machine wash is just another plus. Add in the fact that this bouncer is affordable and you have a winner. In addition to those features, the great safety features make this bouncer one to take a second glance at.
Baby Delight Go With Me Alpine Deluxe Portable Bouncer
When looking for a bouncer from a name you can trust, look no further than the Fisher-Price Baby’s Geo Meadow Bouncer.
The Fisher-Price Bouncer has a seat that soothes your baby while it entertains them.
The Geo Meadow Bouncer can be used without vibration or with the option of soothing vibrations.
This bouncer has a toy bar that can be easily removed with one hand so you can get to your baby easily.
The toy bar has fun animals to play with such as a spinning monkey, a zebra, and a lion.
For the safety of your baby, this bouncer has a three-point harness that is adjustable.
To help the seat clean and sanitary, the seat pad is removable and machine washable.
Your baby can enjoy this bouncer from birth until they reach 25 pounds.
The Fisher-Price Bouncer legs have non-slip rubber on them.
Cons: The Fisher-Price Baby’s Geo Meadow Bouncer is a good bouncer for a moderate price. The name Fisher-Price has been around for baby products for years and you generally know that when you buy their product, it’s something that they stand by. This Fisher-Price model has great safety features such as non-slip feet, a three-point harness, and a machine washable seat pad for sanitary reasons. With features that you tend to look for in a bouncer, the Geo Meadow Bouncer seems to be a good choice in a bouncer.
BABYBJORN Balance Soft Bouncer
When looking for one of the top models on the market today, you may want to consider the BabyBjorn Balance Soft Bouncer. This simple design has a lot to offer.
This soft bouncer is made of 100 percent cotton. For those who care about the color, this bouncer comes in eight different colors and designs.
The BabyBjorn Balance relies on the natural bouncing of your baby that helps develop motor skills and balance. This bouncer requires no charging, batteries, or plugs.
The soft bouncer is ergonomic and provides proper support to a baby’s back and neck. This bouncer is a JPMA Certified Product.
You can fold this bouncer flat when transporting or for storing. The BabyBjorn bouncer has four positions that are appropriate for both play and rest.
At less than five pounds, this bouncer is easy to move from room to room so you can have your baby anywhere you are.
Since this bouncer turns into a comfortable chair, this bouncer can be used for babies from newborn until two years of age.
Until the baby is old or strong enough to bounce the bouncer themselves, you can do it for them with your hand or foot.
The fabric of the seat is easy to wipe clean. For deeper cleaning, you can remove the seat cover and machine wash it.
For when children get older, you can purchase the BabyBjorn Toy Bar to help develop skills. It fits on this bouncer with ease.
Cons: The BabyBjorn Balance Soft Bouncer has a lot of features that you want in a bouncer. While it may not have toys and vibration, it takes your baby’s overall health and comfort more into consideration. The fact that it is lightweight is another plus. The fact that you don’t need plugs, charges, or batteries – which will save money over time – just make this bouncer that much more attractive. BabyBjorn is another authority in baby products that people have come to be able to trust over the years. This bouncer is no different.
Ingenuity SmartBounce Automatic Ridgedale Bouncer
