What exactly is a baby bouncer? At its most basic, a baby bouncer (sometimes referred to as a jumpers) is just a light, plastic frame with soft padded fabric for your baby to sit on to support his/her body. From there, most baby bouncer (a.k.a swing sets, bounce houses, and various other names) boast extra features, such as: harnesses to help the baby move around securely and comfortably, cup holders to hold bottles securely, separate foot rests for babies of different sizes, pockets for feeding bags, built-in fans to help keep the baby asleep and soft, comfortable car seats, music players, sun shades and more. Basically, any bouncer you can find in a department store or supermarket is likely to be made by a baby bouncer company. (There are also some outdoor baby bouncer models available.)
But how do you choose a baby bouncer for your child? First of all, look for a bouncer that is the right size for your little one. Babies grow quickly; therefore, there is not always a perfect baby bouncer for every child. Also, keep in mind that many baby bouncer manufacturers have smaller designs for children under the age of three or four, which tend to be more sturdy and durable than older models. If you do purchase a larger bouncer for your child later on, make sure you get a fabric that is very absorbent – so that your child doesn't get soaked and become entangled in the fabric.
Before you even start shopping for baby bouncer, it's important to know what to look for in safety and quality when buying a newborn baby bouncer. So, let's take a look at a few things that you should consider before buying a newborn bouncer. The first thing you should look for is a bounce that is made of a very safe material. There are many different materials available for this purpose, but none are completely safe for babies. A word of caution: do not let your kids play with any bouncing equipment that contains vinyl or PVC pipes (these are very dangerous).
The next thing to look for when shopping for a baby bouncer would be a battery-operated or robotic rocker. While some people think that these type of bouncers are fun, they are not safe and pose a huge risk of injury if used incorrectly. For example, these devices should only be used with a battery, so you don't have to worry about running out of batteries as you set the machine up and watch your baby.
Another important consideration in selecting the best baby bouncer would be the kind of frame used. Most baby bouncer machines come in two different types: the free-standing models, which usually come as a stand-alone unit; or, they are mounted on a table or platform and connected to an electrical outlet. As you can imagine, the safety risks associated with free-standing units are much greater, since children could easily jump on and hurt themselves. A table-top unit, on the other hand, is much safer since the device is securely mounted and cannot be moved by children.
The third factor to consider is whether to purchase a fabric seat or a foam seat. Although foams tend to be more comfortable, they also take up more space, meaning that you will have to space out your baby's play area. Fabric seats, however, allow the baby to move around easily and sit comfortably, regardless of how deep they are seated. You should also keep in mind that most fabric seats are washable, whereas foams are not.
Your final decision may be based on price, but it shouldn't be. Baby bouncer machines generally come as a set, complete with the fabric seat and safety bar. If you purchase separately, be sure to purchase a fabric cover for the seat and the frame, which can cost even more money. Buying all three together, as they usually are, will save you money and make your life easier at closing the deal at the end of the day.
Overall, these three items are essential to help reduce the incidence of SIDS or sudden infant death syndrome. Be sure to thoroughly research your choice before purchasing, however. Some parents say that a foam or fabric seat is safer than a rocker, while others say that they feel more comfortable using a bouncer. Ultimately, what you decide is up to you!