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Take a break and go hands-free, with little chairs and rockers from Joie, Stokke and more
Once you bring your lovely new baby home from the hospital, you’ll soon find you are having to do a fair amount of things one-handed. When you need two hands free or you simply need a minute to relax, investing in one of the best baby bouncers could make all the difference.
Also known as rockers, they provide a safe and secure environment for your little one to rest, be soothed or even entertained while you get a few things done. There’s a variety of options out there – some can be motion powered with batteries, or provide natural bouncing via the baby’s own expended energy.
That said, not all of them will suit every baby depending on what kind of motion they prefer. Do you want something that plays music, or one that is super silent to soothe your baby? Some parents will want to find something space-saving, as we all know those tiny babies come with a lot of stuff.
Finally, there’s the question of price. You can grab a real bargain or pay top dollar for all the bells and whistles. Ultimately, it comes down to personal choice.
Keep scrolling for our pick of the best baby bouncers that will keep your little one safe and soothed.
We tested all bouncers and rockers with a five-month-old baby who was not yet sitting independently. We tried each bouncer both when our baby was happy to play, and also when they were sleepier and wanting to rest. All bouncers were marked on their features, comfort, value, safety and longevity. We looked at several price ranges and a good spread of battery-operated and natural bouncers, rockers and transition seats.
While baby bouncers offer a place for little ones to rest, relax and be entertained, they shouldn’t be used as a place for your baby to settle in for long periods of time. According to the NHS guide on how to keep your baby or toddler active, “it’s best to use them for no more than 20 minutes at a time.” Furthermore, they aren’t a suitable place for your baby to sleep, according to infant charity The Lullaby Trust, as they aren’t firm or flat, as a baby mattress should be.
Your little one should usually be able to go in a bouncer from birth (with a newborn insert) up to around six months of age, depending on your baby’s development. Some bouncers are designed to grow with your child and will adapt into a chair suitable for children aged up to two or three years.
A bouncer can be very useful. Some babies might not get on with them, but they offer a safe and comfortable spot to place your little one when you need your hands free to tackle chores or just grab something to eat.
Both imitate a rocking movement, but bouncers are set in motion by the baby’s own movements, meaning it rocks gently and naturally. Comparably, many swings require batteries or a power outlet and often have several speed settings.
You’ll want a soft seat in a flexible frame with a buckle harness to keep baby secure. Measure your space before you commit, as they can take up a bit of room. Also, think about portability if you’ll want to take it away with you or on day trips.
We loved the Maxi-Cosi kori rocker, thanks to it’s stylish, lightweight design, three recline positions and soft inlay. For a gentle rocking motion and a really quality product, you also can’t go wrong with the Nuna leaf grow, especially with that 60kg weight limit. Finally, for a simple, natural bouncer with space-saving capabilities, the BabyBjörn bliss bouncer comes in as one of the best.
Want more recommendations? We’ve rounded up the best play mats and the best baby monitors for your little ones