Baby bouncers have evolved from large, hefty contraptions with poles, straps, fabric fasteners, and snaps to a wide range of modern styles for babies of all ages.
With models for sitting or standing, lounging or leaping, and with accessories that include visually stimulating mobiles or electronic learning and entertainment, it can be hard to decide which bouncer is best for your baby.
We’ve made it easy for you by explaining the differences between each type of baby bouncer, outlining their purposes, and providing a list of features to look for.
Having tested many models ourselves and after asking trusted parents for honest reviews, we’ve created a list of our recommendations for the best baby bouncers currently on the market. We’ve spent hours researching the pros and cons of each model so you can save your precious time to spend with your bouncy baby.
- Springs are guarded by covers
- 3 different height positions
- Folds up for storage
- Multiple motion settings
- Comfortable seat pad & cushions
- Easy storage
- Affordable
- Doesn’t require batteries
- Develops motor skills & hand-eye coordination
- Boosts your baby’s brain power
- Extra leg room
- 360-degree swivel feature
- Highly portable
- No complicated assembly required
- Lightweight design
- Removable, machine washable cover
- Delightfully spinnable toys
- Comfortable, soft seat
- Machine-washable pad
- Folds flat for easy storage
- One-hand recline
Product Reviews
Here are the top baby bouncers currently on the market.
BabyBjörn Baby Bouncer Balance
Best Overall Baby Bouncer
This bouncer from BabyBjörn doesn’t rely on any artificial power to work — it only amplifies your baby’s bouncing motions. It can be a great place for babies to chill out, and the lack of lights and sounds makes it especially peaceful for tired moms who just want a quiet break.
It’s certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association, which means it’s a safe option for your baby. It also offers excellent neck and head support, and you can adjust it into four different positions, which makes it a great choice for little ones suffering from reflux.
If you’re looking for a portable bouncer, you’ll be glad to hear this one folds flat so you can pop it in the trunk or store it in a closet when not in use.
The best part of this baby bouncer is that you can use it for a long time — from newborn to two years old — as it converts to a toddler chair once your baby is too old to bounce in it.
Pros
- You can use it for rest and play.
- Weighing less than five pounds, it’s easy to carry around the house.
- The adjustable positions make it a great pick for babies with acid reflux.
- It converts from infant seat to toddler chair.
Cons
- It’s on the expensive side.
- Doesn’t come with any extras or toys.
Our Ratings
Fisher-Price Rainforest Jumperoo
Best Bouncer Chair
This bouncer isn’t made for newborns, but it might be one of the best purchases you make if you have an older baby. It’s basically an all-in-one playground for your child.
To use it, your baby must be between two developmental milestones — they need to be able to hold up their own head, but they shouldn’t be able to walk yet.
This cute model is also a baby jumper that lets your child bounce and jump using only the power of their little legs. When they bounce, the Jumperoo rewards their effort with noise, music, and lights.
There are also plenty of extras your child will appreciate, including an overhead toy bar and a musical piano.
The wide base goes in a complete circle around your baby’s feet, which means this unit won’t tip over, even if they jump like crazy (which they will).
Pros
- Fabric covers guard the springs and protect your baby’s fingers.
- It adjusts to three height positions.
- The seat rotates 360 degrees for extra fun.
- It disassembles for storage, saving space.
Cons
- Requires batteries for lights and sounds.
- The maximum weight limit is 25 pounds.
Our Ratings
Fisher-Price Meadow Baby Bouncer
Best Seated Bouncer
This model from Fisher-Price has a vibration mode you can use to help calm an upset baby. It has a removable bar with animal toys, providing extra entertainment for your bouncy baby.
The seat is padded, so your little one will sit comfortably, and if they have a spit-up incident or a diaper blow-out, it’s removable and machine washable.
The non-skid feet prevent even the most exuberant bouncers from jumping themselves into trouble. The washable seat has a three-point restraint, which means there aren’t any uncomfortable shoulder harnesses. While it doesn’t have reclining positions, it does lean back pretty far, so your baby should be able to take a nap once they’re all bounced out.
Pros
- Affordable for all budgets.
- The toys on the toy bar are brightly colored to attract your baby’s attention.
- It holds babies that weigh from 5 to 25 pounds.
Cons
- It doesn’t fold up once assembled.
- It runs on battery power, so you’ll need to buy replacement batteries often.
Our Ratings
Fisher-Price Snugapuppy Dreams Cradle 'n Swing
Best Nap Time Bouncer
Moms know bouncing and rocking a baby is one of the best ways to help them fall asleep. Although it differs from most bouncers, this dreamy baby swing was designed to mimic your own soothing motions while giving your arms some relief. All it takes is a simple switch of the settings to help your baby drift off to dreamland.
With multiple motion settings, your baby can swing from side to side or front to back with two recline positions and six speeds.
We also really appreciate the music settings. You can choose from 16 different songs and nature sounds to relax and entertain your little one.
This means you don’t have to go crazy as a mom listening to the same tune over and over again. Plus, you can utilize different sounds for different situations.
Other features include a deluxe plush washable seat and a plush floating animal mobile.
Pros
- Multiple motion settings help rock baby to sleep.
- Comfortable seat pad and support cushions are easy to remove and wash.
- Frame folds for easy storage.
Cons
- Depending on the setting, the motor can get noisy.
Our Ratings
Evenflo Exersaucer Bounce and Learn
Best Baby Bouncer for a Heavy Baby
If your doctors gasped in surprise when they weighed your baby, then you are probably finding that your arms and back muscles are tiring quickly. Luckily, this bouncer can handle babies weighing from 7 to 30 pounds.
It does more than just entertain and soothe your baby; it also helps them develop their motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
The seat swivels all the way around, so your baby will always be able to face the direction they want to.
With no electronics included, this model doesn’t require batteries, which you’ll appreciate if you hate constantly spending money to replace them. Those who dislike flashing lights and noise will like the simplicity of foregoing the extra bells and whistles.
A newborn won’t be able to use this seat since they need to support their upper body to stand in it.
Pros
- It’s affordable.
- It doesn’t require batteries — or make a racket!
- There are enough toys to keep your child entertained.
Cons
- Vigorous jumping can cause babies to hit their heads on the sliding toy bar.
- Even without electronic sounds, bouncing causes the seat to make a lot of noise.
Our Ratings
Baby Einstein Neptune's Ocean Discovery Jumper
Best Playtime Bouncer
Do you struggle with the idea of strapping your baby into a bouncer and leaving them feeling bored? With this bright and colorful baby bouncer, your baby will discover and learn while they bounce.
It has all the features you could want in a baby bouncer, including a free-standing design and four height settings. However, the fun and educational activities are what really stand out. Turn playtime into an engaging learning experience!
This baby bouncer comes with 15 activities in three languages. With a bright nautical design, your baby can swivel and learn numbers and colors while developing fine motor skills with multiple ocean-themed toys. Plus, your baby can jump, jump, jump!
If your little one is full of energy and curiosity, this baby bouncer is a great choice to keep them engaged. And with your hands free, you can rediscover your own hobbies and passions while your baby plays.
Pros
- The 15 activities and toys will boost your baby’s brainpower and keep them engaged.
- Extra legroom allows for lots of jumping and stretching.
- 360-degree swivel feature lets your little one move about freely.
Cons
- Lots of parts can create lots of hazards. Make sure your baby can’t pull anything off!
- Batteries are required to keep playtime going.
Our Ratings
Fisher-Price Deluxe Bouncer
Best Bouncer for Newborns
The Fisher-Price Snugabunny Deluxe Bouncer is a good pick for parents of newborns because it reclines far enough that it can be used the day you come home from the hospital. Your baby can continue to use it until they weigh 25 pounds.
It also has a removable body insert that’s great for the tiniest of babies. As they grow, you can take out the insert, resulting in less support but more room.
The eight songs and nature sounds are battery-powered, but parents can control the volume. The toy bar is removable if you don’t want it distracting your baby from their exercise.
Finally, even babies with sensitive skin will find the material soft and soothing.
Pros
- The volume control for the music is a nice touch.
- It reclines enough to use for newborns.
- The toy bar can be removed.
Cons
- It runs on batteries, which can get expensive to replace.
- Heavier babies sink pretty low in this model, limiting their view of the room.
Our Ratings
Baby Delight Aura Bouncer
Best Portable Baby Bouncer
If you need a bouncer that’s easy to carry with you on a trip and can be used inside or outside, this one fits the bill. It’s light enough that you’ll barely notice the extra weight.
Mechanically challenged moms will love that this baby bouncer comes assembled.
It folds flat at the push of a button, and the handy carrying bag keeps it clean and protected while traveling.
Though it’s light and portable, it’s still strong enough to support up to 20 pounds. It doesn’t play music or use artificial movements, but that means it doesn’t need any batteries. However, it has a removable toy bar with two plush toys to provide delightful entertainment for your child.
Pros
- It’s highly portable, lightweight, and foldable.
- No complicated assembly required.
- Removable and washable cover.
- Provides two reclining positions.
Cons
- The movements are jerky, not smooth.
Our Ratings
Bright Starts Playful Pinwheels Bouncer
Best Baby Bouncer for Small Spaces
The Bright Starts Playful Pinwheels Bouncer isn’t overly large and won’t clutter up your home. It can hold up to 25 pounds, and while it doesn’t fold up for storage, it is easy to put together and take apart.
Plus, if you want to move it from room to room, it only weighs five pounds, so it’s easy to move when you’re tired of looking at it.
Despite being a smaller, affordable model, it still has enough extras — like vibrations — to keep baby content when they’re getting cranky.
A toy bar is included and can be taken off the bouncer with one hand, which is nice when you’re trying to pick your baby up, and you don’t want to bump them on the way out.
The seat is comfortable, soft, and colorful enough to keep your baby entertained.
Pros
- The cover is removable and machine washable for quick clean up.
- The legs are covered in safe, non-slip rubber.
- The cover is made of a breathable material which is convenient in hot climates.
Cons
- It requires a battery for the vibrations.
- This should only be used by babies with strong neck control.
Our Ratings
Maxi-Cosi Kori 2-in-1 Rocker
Best Baby Bouncer and Swing Combo
This baby bouncer and rocker combo is a great way to keep your baby happy. You can easily switch it to become a rocker when they don’t seem to be enjoying the bouncing mode anymore.
It comes with eight colors to choose from so that it would easily match with your house’s design. When you use the bouncer mode, you can adjust the incline depending on what your baby prefers. Overall, this is a very versatile product that you can customize to your baby’s needs.
And parents will love that it folds flat for easy storage anywhere.
Pros
- Machine-washable pad.
- 2-in-1 bouncer and rocker.
- Folds flat for easy storage.
- Eight colors to choose from.
- No batteries required.
Cons
- It has a 50-pound weight limit, so you don’t get many months of use out of it.
- Manual rocker so it would need constant attention.
Our Ratings
Evenflo ExerSaucer Door Jumper
Best Budget Baby Bouncer
If you want a traditional upright jumper, the Evenflo Exersaucer Door Jumper is great value for the price. Your baby will have hours of fun jumping in this seat.
It attaches to any doorframe less than six inches thick.
The springs are fully covered with fabric so your baby won’t pinch their fingers when jumping. The seat surrounds your baby, which protects them during vigorous jumping, and you can shorten the adjustable straps as your baby grows. Finally, the seat pad can be easily removed and cleaned.
This works for babies up to 24 pounds, but before they can use it safely, your baby must have enough upper body strength to support them when upright.
Pros
- Soft fabric protects baby’s fingers.
- It’s easy to clean.
- You can take it with you on vacation or to a caregiver’s house.
Cons
- Not suitable for young babies.
- Springs are loud when baby is jumping.
- Doesn’t fit doorframes with extra molding.
Our Ratings
Bright Starts Playful Pond Activity Jumper & Table
Best Baby Bouncer for Twins
These inexpensive baby bouncers are great for twins. Your babies will love watching each other as they bounce in these entertaining jumpers. They may start having competitions to see who can bounce the highest! Plus, these bouncers are affordable enough that you’ll be able to buy two without taking out a loan.
The surrounding activity center includes a dozen toys, and you can change the seat’s height to grow with your babies.
There are three adjustable positions, and your little ones can turn their seats around 360 degrees. If there are any accidents or spills, the seat pad is easy to remove, wash, and reattach.
Pros
- This doesn’t take batteries.
- It can hold up to 24.25 pounds.
- The toys will keep kids entertained for a while.
Cons
- Not for newborns.
- The seat doesn’t have cushioning.
Our Ratings
When Can Baby Use a Bouncer?
You don’t have to wait until your baby is capable of walking or furniture cruising before using a bouncer. But unlike a baby swing, it’s not something you can use as soon as they are born either.
Take Note
Before using a baby bouncer, your baby should have a strong enough neck to support the weight of their head.
However, a few models are more recumbent, so your baby is reclined, much as they would be in a baby swing. If you have this style of bouncer, you can use it with a newborn because it gives them the head and neck support they need. But you should always supervise your baby in their bouncer to ensure nothing goes wrong.
Types of Baby Bouncers
There are three basic types of bouncers.
Reclining Bouncers
This is best for newborns and young babies that don’t have head control. Head support is crucial for a newborn, as your doctor will tell you before you leave the hospital. If you don’t properly support a newborn’s head, it can lead to brain damage, suffocation, and neurological concerns (2). With a reclining bouncer, your baby will be fully supported by their seat, and their feet will never even touch the floor.
If you’re looking for a bouncer you can use as a safe and comfortable place to set your baby down for a short period, you should opt for a reclining model since you can usually use it from the day you bring your baby home. However, once your baby is able to sit upright, they will be less interested in sitting in a reclining seat, and you may need to purchase a different style of bouncer to keep them entertained.
Upright Bouncers
An upright bouncer supports your baby in a standing position while allowing them to bounce or jump. These should only be used when babies have the upper body strength to prevent their head and neck from flopping around while they bounce.
If you want your baby to work on developing their gross motor skills, an upright baby bouncer is your best bet, provided your baby is old enough to sit up and use it correctly.
Doorway Bouncers
Doorway bouncers hang from any supportive doorframe in your house. Some models are very basic and include only a fabric support around your baby so they can stand and jump uninhibited, while others include a cushy seat, a surrounding tray, and a variety of entertaining toys.
If you have limited space, a doorway bouncer could be the best option for you. They’re easy to set up and take down when you don’t want to turn your home into an obstacle course. Just be aware that if you have odd-shaped or thick doorways, these may not work for you.
How to Choose a Baby Bouncer
Here are some features you may wish to consider when choosing the best bouncer for your baby:
- A wide frame: To ensure it won’t tip over, you’ll want to find a bouncer that has a wide, well-made frame that fully supports your baby’s weight as they bounce.
- A removable, washable seat cover: Babies are famous for their ability to make a mess. To help keep the chaos at bay, choose a seat with a fabric cover so you can stick it in the washing machine for a thorough cleaning.
- Additional vibration: Many bouncers use the power of a baby’s kicks to get going, but others include a motor for additional movement or vibration. That can come in handy if you need a rest from soothing a colicky baby.
- Electronics: In addition to vibration, some bouncers include lights and sounds for entertainment. However, these models will require the additional ongoing purchase of batteries to keep them operating.
- Price: Simple bouncers don’t have to cost a week’s pay. You can find low-end models that do the job for a reasonable price. If you want the extras or a motorized version, though, be prepared to shell out a little more.
- Portability: If you plan to do a lot of traveling, look for a bouncer that you can easily fold so you can take it with you.
- Extras: Some baby bouncers play music to soothe your baby, and some come with mobiles or toys to keep your baby distracted and entertained while you rest your feet for a few minutes.
How to Safely Use a Baby Bouncer
Safety First
Your bouncer should include a safety strap of some sort to keep your baby in place.
The best baby bouncers will have gripping feet to keep them from sliding around when in use. If you have wood or laminate flooring and your bouncer doesn’t have non-slip feet, your baby could end up scooting all over the floor. If there are stairs nearby, that could spell serious danger for your baby.
After all the jumping, your baby may get tired, and before long, you might find them falling asleep. However, a bouncer is not a flat, firm surface, which means it’s not an approved safe sleeping space for your baby. Although it may be a great spot for your baby to drift off to sleep, once asleep, you need to move your baby to their crib right away (3).
Once your little one begins using the bouncer, keep a close eye on their weight to ensure it’s still within the weight limit guidelines. Different models vary greatly in how much weight they’ll hold; while one may carry up to 25 pounds, another can handle only 20.
Babies should never be left unattended in a bouncer.
How Long Can Baby Stay in a Bouncer?
Remember
If your baby’s activity level begins to drop and they get restless, it’s time to pick them up for a cuddle instead.
