The Best Baby Bouncers to Give Parents Some Hands-Free Time
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QUICK SUMMARY
Picture this: You’re holding your newborn when they suddenly start wailing for a bottle. You know you need to get one filled and warmed up ASAP, but also know you can’t just put them on the kitchen floor. What do you do? This was the conundrum I faced many times during the first year of my sons’ lives. It seemed whenever I needed my hands free to quickly eat a meal, go to the bathroom or to tidy up around the house, my sons were awake and ready to play. Enter the baby bouncer, a true-lifesaver for myself and many other parents.
Baby bouncers — bouncy seats, bouncy chairs or bouncy swings, depending on their design — are fabric baby chairs with a harness to keep your little one strapped in safely.
“Bouncers offer hands-free time for parents, can soothe fussy babies and provide engaging stimulation,” says Micah Resnick, M.D., a board-certified pediatrician in Cincinnati, Ohio, with TriHealth and member of the What to Expect Medical Review Board.
Baby bouncers come in handy when your baby is awake and alert (they should never be used for sleep) but you need both hands to do something around the house. Just be careful not to use them as an alternative to holding your little one or giving her the appropriate amount of supervised tummy time.
“All types of baby equipment that keep kids in one place, including rockers and bouncers, should be used in moderation so that infants stay on track developmentally,” says Dr. Resnick. “It’s important for babies to have free time on the floor to learn to roll over and to push up to crawl.”
How we chose the best bouncers
The best bouncer for your baby will depend on your family’s needs, including whether you’re looking for a compact product that can be stored easily, one that’s travel-friendly, and whether you’d like to prioritize features such as a toy bar. We reviewed and selected bouncers based on the following criteria from leading experts, as well as What to Expect community members:
- Secure straps. The bouncer should have adjustable straps, including a strap that goes between the legs, to ensure that baby can be easily and comfortably secured in the seat. “Babies can wiggle their way out if they’re not securely fastened,” says Daniel S. Ganjian, M.D., F.A.A.P., a pediatrician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California.
- Proper incline. A bouncer shouldn’t be inclined too far back or forward, says Dr. Ganjian. If the bouncer is angled too far forward, baby can slump down over the straps; if it’s too far back, baby could slip out from the top. “The seat belt only prevents scooting off from the bottom — not from the top,” says Dr. Ganjian, recommending an angle of about 30 degrees.
- Sturdy base. A solid base that keeps baby from toppling over is a must, says Dr. Ganjian. This can be tricky to determine if you're shopping online, which is why Dr. Ganjian recommends reading reviews and checking out options in a store or at a friend's house. If you’re able to test one, Dr. Ganjian says you should, "try pushing the sides right, left, top and bottom, and see how easy it is for it to flip onto its side."
- Longevity: Most babies will outgrow the upper weight limit on their bouncers by 6 months. If you’re trying to limit the number of baby products you buy, look for a bouncer that can be transformed into a toddler chair to get more life out of your purchase (just make sure to double check the upper weight limit as set by the manufacturer). We included a few bouncers with higher weight limits below that can be used for longer than the typical six months.
- Cost: As with all baby gear, bouncers range in price, but you don’t have to spend a lot to get a quality product. However, some parents are willing to pay more for a bouncy seat with extra features like a removable toy bar, vibrations, sounds, and a rocking or swinging motion. We included bouncers at a variety of price points, and ensured the most expensive options came with features to warrant the higher price tag.
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Best Baby Bouncer Overall
BabyBjörn Bouncer Balance Soft
- Four reclining positions
- Folds flat
- No batteries or power source required
- Turns into a toddler seat
- Extremely well-made and durable
- Sometimes requires manual rocking
- No sound capabilities
- Expensive
- Toy bar costs extra
There’s a reason this baby bouncer comes up on so many “best of” lists: It really is the best. A popular pick within the What to Expect community, BabyBjorn’s sleek, battery-free bouncer is designed to help your baby bounce herself (safely, of course) to develop her balance and motor skills. And because it’s so easy for little ones to self-bounce, it’s excellent for play.
This bouncer was one of our go-to products when my sons were infants, and I have an infinite number of videos saved on my phone of them happily kicking their legs and bouncing away.
All of the materials on this bouncer feel high-quality. It has a fabric seat that’s Oeko-Tex Standard 100-certified and a sturdy metal frame. The fabric is available in either cotton, cotton/jersey or mesh, the latter of which I loved for how airy and breathable it felt. Several What to Expect staff members agree. Sarah Darby, Senior SEO Strategist, thought it was “buttery soft,” while Melissa Bykofsky, Executive Editor, said it was “well made, and great quality.”
Also good: The ergonomic fabric seat supports baby’s back, head and neck. Once your child can sit unassisted, reverse the fabric cover to turn it into a comfy chair — it can hold kids up to 29 pounds, generally around age 2. Both of my sons continued to gravitate towards the bouncer well into toddlerhood; once we converted it into a toddler seat, it became their favorite place to sit and read. The entire seat held up well over time, too, despite being used often. Once my younger son outgrew it, it was in good enough condition that I could pass it down to a friend.
The bouncer folds completely flat, so you can easily carry or store it. “I loved that it could fold because it made it so easy to transport and store in his closet when we weren’t using it,” says Sarah, who brought the bouncer almost every time they left the house. Similarly, Karen Sly, What to Expect’s Finance Director, would collapse it and throw it in the car any time she went to someone else's house.
It’s also super easy to clean: The entire fabric seat slides up over the frame so you can throw it in the washing machine. I have had to clean this thing countless times, and even though I had the light gray color, it never stained. After going through the wash, the seat retains its shape and slides back on effortlessly. Sarah has a similar experience: “I probably washed it once every couple of weeks due to blowouts and it never shrunk and I saw no negative impacts on the fabric.” As for drying the cover, Karne has a hack: “It is technically not supposed to go in the dryer, but I've put it in for 15 minutes to help speed up the process and then lay flat to dry the rest of the way.”
The biggest complaint parents tend to have about the BabyBjörn bouncer is the high price, which doesn’t include the toy bar. But given its high quality, how easy it is to use and clean, and the fact that it’s one of just a few bouncers that can be used for longer than six months, the higher price tag felt worth it to me.
Dimensions: 31 x 15.5 x 22 inches
Product Weight: 4.6 lbs.
Age/Weight Limit: Bouncer, 8 to 20 lbs. until baby can sit up on her own; chair, until 29 lbs.
Power Source: N/A
Toys: Not included, but you can purchase the toy bar separately
Best Affordable Bouncer
Bright Starts Portable Baby Bouncer Soothing Vibrations Infant Seat
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Very portable
- Soothing vibrations
- Includes toys
- Some parents dislike the brighter colors
- Not as well-made as some other bouncers
More than 8,000 five-star reviews don’t lie: The Bright Starts Portable Baby Bouncer does an excellent job soothing and engaging fussy infants.With gentle vibrations and a spinnable toy bar, there’s plenty by way of built-in entertainment with this bouncer. Unlike some other bouncers, the toy bar is included, too.
At just $40, it’s the most affordable product on our list by far. It’s also the lightest, weighing a mere 3.6 pounds. Parents appreciate that the fabric is machine-washable and it’s easy to assemble.
Some parents do note that this bouncer doesn’t feel as well-made or high-quality as others. And if your home aesthetic is more minimalist, the bright colors may not appeal as much as some of the sleeker-looking bouncers on this list.
Dimensions: 20.47 x 17.13 x 22.6 inches
Product Weight: 3.6 lbs.
Age/Weight Limit: 0-6 months orup to 20 lbs.
Power Source: 1 C batteries
Toys: Yes
Best Bouncer for Small Spaces
Maxi-Cosi Kori 2-In-1 Rocker
- One-handed recline
- Sleek design
- Compact and lightweight
- Doesn’t include any toys
The Maxi-Cosi Kori 2-In-1 Rocker is incredibly light and compact. It weighs just over 5 pounds and has a blissfully small footprint, making it a great choice for families who want to conserve space. It folds up nearly flat, so you can slide it under a couch or store it in a closet when your baby isn’t using it.
Much like the BabyBjörn bouncer, a big selling point is that the Maxi-Cosi Kori has multiple modes of use: It can convert from a rocker to a stationary seat (although it has a lower maximum weight than the BabyBjörn does). There are three easy-to-adjust height positions that can be changed with just one hand, a nice feature. Parents rave about the stylish appearance: The four neutral color options and wood detailing simply look luxurious, many reviewers say.
This is one of the few bouncers we reviewed that doesn’t include a toy bar or offer the option to purchase one separately. It also doesn’t have sound or vibration, if those are features you want. Some parents also mention that the Maxi-Cosi Kori isn’t quite as easy for babies to self-bounce in as some other products on this list.
Dimensions: 19.5 x 16.75 x 26.5 inches
Product Weight: 5.5 lbs.
Age/Weight Limit: Up to 20 lbs.
Power Source: N/A
Toys: No
Best Baby Bouncer and Bouncy Swing Combo
Graco DuetSoothe Swing and Rocker
- Two-in-one product
- Great value
- Wider footprint
- Not as portable as some other products
If you can’t decide between a bouncy swing and seat, get both — in the same product. The Graco Duet functions as a swing, with three positions to keep baby happy, plus it has a vibration function, music and nature sounds, as well as an overhead mobile. The seat is also detachable for use as a regular rocker, and it’s light enough to carry around the house.
What to Expect parents appreciate that the Graco DuetSoothe is essentially a two-in-one product. The multiple modes of use mean you have options and can figure out which type of seat your baby finds most comfortable. Some little ones really respond well to the gentle side-by-side movements of a swing, for example, while others like bouncing themselves in a rocker.
Also good? The Graco DuetSoothe uses batteries or you can plug it in, so no fears that you’ll run out of juice during the middle of a meltdown. Both can be used starting at 5.5 pounds, but the swing goes up to 30 pounds and the rocker's weight limit is 25 pounds.
One thing to consider is that unlike some of the sleeker models on this list, the Graco DuetSoothe has a wide footprint that allows it to function as both a rocker and swing. (It’s twice as high and wide as the BabyBjörn, as a comparison.) If you live in a small space or are looking for a portable product, this is probably not the best bouncer for you.
Dimensions: 33 x 34 x 43 inches
Product Weight: 18 lbs.
Age/Weight Limit: Swing, from 5.5 to 30 lbs.; Rocker, from 5.5 to 25 lbs.
Power Source: Wall outlet or 4 D batteries
Toys: Yes
Best Baby Bouncer Seat
Nuna Leaf Grow
- Sleek and attractive
- Doesn’t require batteries or a power source
- Very high weight capacity
- Long-term use
- Expensive
- Requires manual rocking
- Larger footprint
- Not as portable
Looking for a sleek, no-frills bouncer that your family can use for years (yes, years) to come? The Nuna Leaf doesn’t require batteries or electricity to gently calm baby. Rather, the seat bounces or sways for a few minutes with just a push, and can support up to 130 pounds. There’s also a detachable toy bar included with soft toys your baby can reach for during playtime.
At $300, this is the priciest bouncer on our list. But it appeals to many families who are looking for a bouncer that truly offers long-term use. While most bouncers on this list need to be retired when your baby is around 6 months old, this one has a big enough footprint and higher weight capacity to support toddlers and even preschoolers, many of whom love being able to push themselves with their feet. While I don’t own this bouncer personally, my sister-in-law has a Nuna Leaf and I’ve witnessed how popular it’s been among all four of her children — years later, it’s still in excellent shape.
For all its perks, the Nuna Leaf is definitely not portable. It’s on the heavier side with a larger footprint, so it’s an ideal choice for families looking for a child-friendly seat that can occupy a long-term place in their living room.
Dimensions: 17.7 x 28.7 x 28 inches
Product Weight: 15.2 lbs.
Age/Weight Limit: From birth to 130 lbs. when you transition to the toddler seat
Power Source: N/A
Toys: Yes
Best Portable Baby Bouncer
Baby Delight Alpine Deluxe Portable Bouncer
- Affordable
- Sleek design and available in a number of muted colors
- Easy to pack up and travel with
- Some parents say the fabric can shrink in the wash
The Baby Delight Alpine Deluxe Portable Bouncer is often compared to the twice-as-expensive BabyBjörn Bouncer, and there are indeed a number of similarities. Both bouncers have a sleek design, reclined seats made of soft fabric and a machine-washable cover.
It’s worth noting that most What to Expect parents far prefer the BabyBjörn version, which feels like it’s made of higher-quality materials and has a longer lifespan, since you can continue using it as a toddler seat once your baby outgrows the bouncer. But if you’re looking for a similar type of bouncer that’s especially portable, the Baby Delight Alpine Deluxe is an excellent alternative.
Like the BabyBjörn Bouncer, the Baby Delight folds completely flat and weighs less than 5 pounds, but it also comes with its own carrying case. It’s also significantly more affordable and comes with a removable toy bar, whereasBabyBjörn’s is sold separately.
Dimensions: 28 x 18 x 21 inches
Product Weight: 4.5 lbs.
Age/Weight Limit: 0-6 months, up to 20 lbs.
Power Source: N/A
Toys: Toy bar is included
Our Research
We referenced product safety guidelines from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
We spoke to the following pediatricians for additional information about using bouncers safely:
- Micah Resnick, M.D., F.A.A.P., a board-certified pediatrician in Cincinnati, Ohio, with TriHealth and member of the What to Expect Medical Review Board
- Daniel S. Ganjian, M.D., F.A.A.P., a pediatrician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California
Additionally, we consulted several What to Expect staff members, including:
- Sarah Darby, Senior SEO Strategist, mom of a 1-year-old
- Melissa Bykofsky, Executive Editor, mom of a 2-year-old
- Karen Sly, Finance Director, mom of a 3-year-old and 6-month old
As a mom of two and former parenting editor, I’ve also included my experience from testing many of the bouncers on this list.
Finally, we canvassed the What to Expect community boards to learn which bouncers parents felt were easiest to set up and use, as well as most versatile and comfortable for baby.
FAQs
What age should a baby use a bouncer?
Sadly, most baby bouncers have a pretty short lifespan, as most babies will outgrow their bouncer by 6 months. By that time, they start to be more mobile and could potentially roll over with the bouncer attached, which is why you’ll always want to keep your baby-filled bouncer on the floor, never a table, countertop or other raised surface.
Are bouncers worth it?
Many parents appreciate the way a baby bouncer engages and calms a fussy baby with constant movement, and some little ones love their views from these comfy seats. A bouncer can also be useful when you need somewhere to place your newborn for a short period of time while you do other tasks around the house, such as cook dinner or fill a bottle. (Keeping in mind that bouncers are not a safe sleep space and your little one should not sit in one unsupervised.)
However, there’s no denying that bouncers are expensive, ranging in price from $100 to $300. For such a pricey piece of baby gear, many parents find it frustrating that bouncers have such a short window of use. As a comparison, play gyms and activity mats are a much better long-term investment when it comes to entertainment-focused baby gear — many can be used beyond your child’s first birthday.
It’s also worth remembering that even if you do purchase a bouncer, these products are designed to be used for short periods of time and are no substitute for tummy time play. “The AAP advises against allowing babies to spend too much time in these seats, which have been known to contribute to plagiocephaly, also known as flat head syndrome,” says Dr. Resnick. “Torticollis, or one-sided neck tightness, is also associated with overuse of semi-reclining seats like bouncers.”
Ultimately, if you envision yourself using a bouncer and don’t mind spending the money (or plan on putting it on your registry), these products can be handy and enjoyable for your little one. But bouncers are absolutely not a must-have baby item.
What’s the difference between a baby bouncer and rocker?
The biggest difference is the way these products move: Baby bouncers (the BabyBjörn Bouncer, for example) gently bounce up and down using baby’s own movements; a rocker or swing (think the 4Moms MamaRoo Multi-Motion Baby Swing) moves side to side and/or up and down either by baby’s movements or mechanically.
Can a baby sleep in a bouncer?
Babies should never sleep in bouncers, as the inclined seats put your baby at risk for suffocation. In June 2022, the CPSC warned parents of the risks of letting babies fall asleep in the Fisher-Price Infant-to-Toddler and Newborn-to-Toddler Rockers, which have been linked to at least 13 deaths between 2009 and 2021.
If your child falls asleep in a bouncer, swing, rocker, or any other inclined product, move her to a safe sleep environment immediately. And remember that the only safe sleep environments for babies are cribs, bassinets or playards.
What should you consider when buying a bouncer?
Size: You don’t want to get your bouncer home only to find that you’re tripping over it as you cross your living room. If space is an issue, look for one with a smaller footprint. Even better if it can be folded up and stored easily.
Portability: If you want to be able to move your baby bouncer from room to room, you’ll want one that is light and easy to carry. Bouncers that are compact when folded are also more travel-friendly than products that need to be fully disassembled to take to Grandma’s house.
Power source: Bouncers with vibrations or sounds will either run on batteries, electricity or a combination of both. Vibrating baby bouncers are known to be battery guzzlers, which can add to the total cost of the bouncer and increase your carbon footprint.
Ease of cleaning: You’ll be grateful to have a removable, machine-washable seat when baby inevitably spits up or has a diaper leak while strapped to her bouncer.
- WhatToExpect.com, Safe Sleep Tips for Babies, June 2022.
- WhatToExpect.com, Safe vs. Unsafe Baby Sleep Environments: The Ultimate Guide, June 2022.
- WhatToExpect.com, Tummy Time for Baby, March 2022.
- American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe: AAP Policy Explained, July 2022.
- American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Inclined Sleepers, Crib Bumpers & Other Baby Registry Items to Avoid, January 2023.
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Infant Bouncer Seats Business Guidance & Small Entity Compliance Guide, 2023.
- Daniel S. Ganjian, M.D., F.A.A.P., Pediatrician, Santa Monica, CA.
- Micah Resnick, M.D., F.A.A.P., a board-certified pediatrician in Cincinnati, Ohio, with TriHealth and member of the What to Expect Medical Review Board.
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