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10 of the best baby bouncers 2024
WHAT IS A BABY BOUNCER?
A baby bouncer, also sometimes called a rocker or swing, is a seat designed for a baby. It has some form of movement, which is either bouncing, rocking, swinging or vibrations.
DO YOU NEED A BOUNCER?
It’s a nice-to-have rather than an essential. They are very useful for having somewhere safe to put your baby down and many babies enjoy being more upright, rather than flat. Some have additional features which can stimulate and entertain.
When can you start using a baby bouncer?
Many are designed to be used from newborn, but this should always be closely supervised. Some have a minimum weight requirement so do check that first.
CAN A BABY SLEEP IN A BOUNCER?
It is not safe for a baby to sleep in a bouncer, even for naps, unless it has a flat recline. Babies should always sleep on a firm, flat surface. If they slept in a bouncer, their head could drop forward and obstruct their airways.
How long can a baby spend in a bouncer?
The NHS recommend that they are used for a maximum of 20 minutes at a time. This is because it may delay a child’s ability to sit up on their own. Prolonged use could also lead to flat head syndrome.
FEATURES TO LOOK OUT FOR WHEN CHOOSING A BOUNCER
Manual or motorised: Some bouncers are battery-operated or mains powered. These tend to be the fancier option with additional features. Manual bouncers are either moved by the adult or by a baby’s natural movements. A baby’s kicking will give it momentum and this also helps them develop the muscles needed for crawling.
Type of movement: This can be bouncing, rocking, swinging/swaying or vibrations. The Mamaroo (see below) can also imitate the sensations of a car ride.
Stationary mode: This will lock the chair into a fixed position so that it can’t be moved.
Recline: Various reclines will help you find a position that is comfortable for your child and suitable for their current age. If it reclines flat it could be suitable for supervised naps.
Adjustable height: Some, like the Babymoov Swoon Air (see below) can be raised up, which is great for communicating at eye level or keeping them away from pets or other children.
Newborn insert: These can make larger bouncers more suitable for newborns.
Longevity: Some can convert into toddler chairs.
Storage: If you have a smaller home or want something portable that you can travel with, look for a bouncer with a compact fold.
Toy bars: These are designed to stimulate and entertain a child.
Machine washable fabrics: To easily keep it clean.
Music: Lullabies, melodies and nature sounds may soothe your baby.
Retractable sun canopy: For outside use.
THE BEST BABY BOUNCERS
This list has been narrowed down to the very best with thorough research and the following considered:
Consumer reviews
Best-seller lists
Recommendations from industry experts
Award-winning products
Personal experience and the products loved by other parents.
The list is updated annually. It was last updated on 26 January 2024.
If you buy through a link, I may earn a small affiliate commission. 5% of profits are donated to UK Baby Banks to help parents in need of essentials.
1. Graco All Ways Soother
This has 16 soothing motions including 8 different swing patterns.
The motion speeds are adjustable.
The seat can be removed from the motorised unit.
Can be used from birth until 9kg (around 9 months).
Five-point harness.
The seat has three reclines.
Toy bar with toys.
Soothing music.
2. BABYBJÖRN Bouncer Bliss
Gentle, natural bouncing from this very popular ergonomic chair.
Fold down flat.
Three reclines.
Can be converted into a small toddler chair.
Can be used from 3.5kg to 13kg (usually from newborn until around two years old.)
Machine washable fabrics.
Available in cotton, mesh and jersey fabrics and a variety of colours.
3. Red Kite Bambino Bouncer
A great value bouncer.
Three-point harness.
Can be used from birth until 9kg.
4. Ingenuinty soothing bouncer
A comfy, cradling chair with vibrations and eight melodies with volume control.
Plush cushioned footrest, side supports, and a removable cushion to support a baby’s head.
Detachable toy bar with two plush toys.
Suitable from birth until 9kg.
Removable and machine washable covers.
Three-point safety harness.
5. Maxi-Cosi Kori 2-in-1 Baby Rocker
A very nice-looking manual bouncer with a cosy newborn inlay.
Can be kept stationary or rocked.
Three different recline positions and it can be reclined with one hand.
It’s easily transportable as it’s lightweight and has a compact fold.
Suitable from birth until 9kgs (around six months).
Removable, machine-washable fabric.
6. Tiny Love 3-in-1 Rocker Napper
The sides of this rocker can be raised for protection from pets, for example.
Three recline positions, including flat for naps.
Soothing rocking movement.
Adjustable toy arm.
Five engaging and four soothing songs.
Suitable from birth until 9kg (around six months).
Battery operated.
7. Bababing! Ellie Float bouncer
A very lightweight manual bouncer.
There is a toy bar with two hanging elephants.
The covers are removable and machine washable.
Suitable from birth until 9kg.
Three-point safety harness.
Non-slip base.
8. Babymoov Swoon Air
A bouncer with an adjustable height so that your baby can be at eye level.
The seat can spin 360˚ and also be locked.
Three backrest tilts and two seat positions.
Detachable toy bar with 3 sensory toys.
Five-point harness.
Comes with a soft newborn insert.
The insert and seat cover are machine washable at 30˚C.
9. 4Moms MamaRoo 5.0 Multi-Motion Baby Swing
This replicates a parent’s natural rocking and swaying motions and also the sensations of a car ride.
There are five motions, five speeds, and four soothing sounds including two melodies, nature sounds and brown noise.
It can be controlled from your smart device where you can stream your own music and adjust the motion or speed.
It can also be connected to Google Home and Amazon Alexa.
Suitable from birth until 9kg.
Stimulating toys hang overhead.
Multiple recline positions.
Five-point harness.
Machine washable fabrics.
Mains powered.
10. Nuna Leaf grow
This manual chair with a quiet and smooth side-to-side movement has a very long lifespan as it can be used from birth until 60kg.
The movement can last for up to 2 minutes with one gentle push.
The base can also be locked.
There is a three-point harness for children up to 9kg and a cosy organic insert.
Three recline positions.
Toy bar.
Machine washable fabrics.
The chair can be detached from the base for storage.
MORE OF THE BEST:
Activity gyms • extra large muslins • dummies • baby books and apps • baby nests • cot mobiles • baby carriers • car seats • prams
FROM THE BLOG
These 15 toys are all popular for a reason. Babies between the ages of six and twelve months love them. And they don’t drive their parents insane. Any ones that make noise have an off switch and many also a volume control. If you are looking to save money, there is only one item included that is anywhere near the £100 mark. Ten of the toys are under £20 and five are under £10.