When new mom’s ask us about essential items to include on a registry (or just to buy in that crazy/hazy first few months), one of the first things I tell them is to get a bouncer. If your next question is ‘is a bouncer one of those dangly harness things you hang in a doorway?’, you’re not alone. I had no idea what a bouncer was before Em… or how badly I’d need it.
Think of a bouncer as basically a reclined seat for your new bundle – most have a soft fabric area where the babe rests safely, some toys to bat at as the babe gets older, and a vibration option meant to soothe your little one. They usually look something like this:
There are a couple of reasons that bouncers are high on our new-mom-survival list: 1) tiny babies are exhausting, and you’re going to need a safe place to put them down. I honestly hadn’t thought at all about this, but at some point all of your visitors will leave, you’ll be exhausted after all night feedings, and you’ll need a safe place for your little one to rest that’s not in your arms, 2) they’re less expensive than baby swings (another ‘baby holder’ option). My reco is always to start with a bouncer, especially if you’re tight on budget and/or space. This might be all you need, and you’ll save yourself a bundle. If you want to add a swing to your gear repertoire after getting your bouncer, then you can still go right ahead and do that!
So, bouncers. They’re critical. And the next logical question is which one do I get?! We’re here to help with that too. We’ve broken down our recommendations into four basic categories. The best bouncer for:
1) Longevity
2) Functionality
3)Style
4)Price
Read on!
1) LONGEVITY: you’re looking for a seat that will cradle your newborn comfortably, but will also extend it’s usefulness well into the toddler years…. Well, the Fisher Price Infant-to-Toddler Rocker is for you!
AFFORDABILITY: This seat not only delivers on the longevity front, it also comes in at the bottom end of the price bracket (double win). It retails for just $49.99.
BLUEPRINT: There are a few key reasons that the Fisher Price Rocker is a great option:
- We already mentioned it, but the Rocker can be set in a in various reclining stages to gently rock your newborn, and can just as easily turn into a stationary seat for your 3 year old to read their books in! (weight limit is 40 lbs)
- Because the base of the seat is moulded plastic (the upper parts of the cradle are softer material) the vibration mode is very effective in this seat – I’ll go ahead and tell you that this was the only seat Em could fall asleep in as a babe… the vibration was that awesome.
- Overhead ‘battable’ toys are removeable for when your child outgrows them… or when you get sick of the rattle…
CREATIVITY: The longevity in this design is it’s creativity. There’s no other bouncer that solves a need through toddlerhood – big points here!
2) FUNCTIONALITY: you’re not sure exactly where or how you’ll want to use your bouncer, but you know you want one… well, my friends, you’re looking for the Skip Hop Uplift Bouncer!
AFFORDABILITY: Straight to the details here – the Uplift is a new product with unique design features, and it’s retail price point reflects that. The price point on this one is $169.
BLUEPRINT: Let’s chat about the reasons that the Uplift is a great option for those looking for increased functionality:
- It adjusts to a range of heights. This might not sound like a huge selling feature, but trust us, it is. Imagine you’re sore and exhausted from bringing a person into the world, and you’ve just gotten you’re little one settled in their seat and you’ve gotten comfortable on the couch for one minute. You’re just about to relax, when your little one starts to fuss. With the Uplift, the bouncer can be adjusted to sit exactly at couch, chair, or table height safely (up to 34 inches high), so you can easily tend to your babe (apparently it’s not safe to balance a regular bouncer on a footstool beside the couch…)
- It’s got a tuck-away toy bar for babes who might want a bit of playtime, and it’s has a vibration option included.
- It has a weight capacity of 25 lbs, so it can handle your babe through their infant stage
CREATIVITY: Adjustable height! That’s the name of the game with this product – if you want it, the Uplift is definitely for you!
3) STYLE: you have accepted the idea that you’re going to need a place to store (gently rest?) your babe, but you’re not yet willing to completely yield to the ‘child takeover’ of your home? (there’s no shame in wanting a little style, mama)… the Baby Bjorn Balance is where it’s at!
AFFORDABILITY: I wish I had better news on this front, but it’s true what they say… style comes at a price. This bad boy has been around for a while, with good reason. It’s lovely, and it works, but it will cost you about $249. There’s no way around it.
BLUEPRINT: This bouncer makes our favourite list in the Style category for a few good reasons. Here’s why:
- It’s lovely. It’s got a fantastic design that incorporates function (your babe really will sit comfortably in it) and style.
- It easily encourages a bouncing/rocking motion for your babe
- It has a variety of recline positions based on your babe’s age, and had a weight capacity of 29 pounds
- Once your babe is toddling about, the fabric can be reversed to use as a chair – although there’s a bit of a gap between sitting on their own and walking comfortably where the chair can’t really be used – hence why it doesn’t get the full ‘longevity’ stamp of approval
CREATIVITY: It’s a baby item that looks gooooood. It’s tough to make quality, safe baby gear that looks good, and Baby Bjorn delivers both with this classic.
4) PRICE: you’re looking for a bouncer for your babe to rest safely in, but let’s face it, you don’t want to spend a bundle… the Bright Starts Bouncer is for you!
AFFORDABILITY: This one’s as good as it gets on the affordability spectrum, and it’s really good. The Bright Starts bouncer retails for just $29. That’s right. $29.
BLUEPRINT: In all reality, the basic bouncer design doesn’t need a lot of bells and whistles, and this bouncer delivers on the basics:
- The seat is safe, washable, and comfortable for babes. It covers all the basics, and because it’s light and simple, it’s a great seat to pack in the car for a weekend trip to grandmas!
- It has a vibration option included, and there’s a removable toy bar, with two toys for little hands to bat at
- It has a weight limit of 20 lbs – making it able to accommodate almost all babes up until they can sit on their own
CREATIVITY: You know what’s creative about this one? The fact that Bright Starts has found a way to build a safe, comfortable space for babes for under $30. Pretty freaking impressive.
Here’s hoping you’ve now officially checked ‘Bouncer’ off your to-do list! So what’s next?
Click here to check out our Playard Gear Guide!
xo
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