Babies Gear and Products The Best Baby Bouncers for Soothing and Multitasking The classic Fisher-Price Baby's Bouncer tops our list to soothe little ones By Ashley Ziegler Ashley Ziegler LinkedIn Ashley Ziegler is a lifestyle writer specializing in motherhood, family health, and consumer products. She has written for Romper, Moms.com, and more. Learn about our editorial process and Katrina Cossey Katrina Cossey Katrina Cossey is a freelance writer covering topics ranging from local and national news as well as writing and researching for parenting content. Learn about our editorial process Updated on June 16, 2022 Fact checked Verywell Family content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Marley Hall Fact checked by Marley Hall LinkedIn Marley Hall is a writer and fact-checker who is certified in clinical and translational research. Her work has been published in medical journals in the field of surgery, and she has received numerous awards for publication in education. Learn about our editorial process Print We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Verywell / Sabrina Jiang Before graduating to gross motor skill-enhancing toys like tricycles and scooters, babies love the feeling of being gently bounced. The calming motion mimics what they were used to in the womb, which ultimately helps soothe them, especially if they’re fussy. (Bonus first-time parent tip: So do swings and teethers!) Reviewed & Approved The Fisher-Price Baby Bouncer can be controlled by baby's natural movement or via a button which also activates soothing vibrations. If you want to splurge, we recommend the BabyBjörn Bouncer Balance Soft. “Parents need ways to keep their baby eye to eye while they do other things,” Molly O’Shea, MD, FAAP, pediatrician at Birmingham Pediatrics in Michigan, explains to Verywell Family. “A bouncy seat is a great way to keep your baby entertained and safe while you either get some alone time or get things done [while still watching them].” When all safety guidelines are followed, these little bouncing seats can do wonders for a crying baby while also engaging them in sensory play and promoting gross and fine motor skill development. We carefully considered design, value, material, ease of cleaning, and any additional features when reviewing products. Here are the best baby bouncers on the market now. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Fisher-Price Baby Bouncer at Amazon Best Tech: Ingenuity Twinkle Tails Bouncer at Buybuy BABY Best Splurge: BabyBjörn Bouncer Balance Soft at Amazon Best Reclining: Ingenuity Boutique Collection Rocking Seat at Amazon Best for Travel: Baby Delight Go with Me Baby Bouncer at Buybuy BABY Best Multi-Function: Summer Infant 2-in-1 Bouncer & Rocker Duo at Amazon Best Soothing: Fisher-Price Sweet Snugapuppy Deluxe Bouncer at Amazon Best Lightweight: Maxi-Cosi 2-in-1 Kori Lightweight Bouncer at Walmart In This Article Expand Our Picks How We Selected What to Look For Why Trust Verywell Family Best Overall: Fisher-Price Baby Bouncer 5 Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros Affordable Adjustable harness Cons No auto-bounce option The Fisher-Price Baby Bouncer tops our list because it's been a game changer for tired parents thanks to its affordability and simple, yet effective, comforting motions. You can allow your baby's natural movement to control it or press a button for the seat to vibrate gently and soothe your kiddo. It’s also equipped with a toy bar that can be grabbed for fun play, a three-point harness for safety, and a removable, washable cover. Plus, the bouncer features non-skid grips on the feet to prevent the bouncer from sliding. Dimensions: 18.9 x 24.02 x 20.08 inches | Product Weight: 5.4 pounds | Age Range: NB and up (until they can roll over) | Weight Limit: 25 pounds | Batteries Required: Yes Best Tech: Ingenuity Twinkle Tails Bouncer Courtesy of Amazon View On Buybuy BABY View On Walmart Pros Engaging light and toy bar Infant support insert Cons Requires frequent battery changes You can choose between two recline positions with this bouncer, allowing it to support your baby’s growth. In addition to bouncing with your baby’s movement, it also vibrates, plays soothing sounds. The light-up bar and hanging toys across the top keep your baby entertained and encourages visual engagement. There is an adjustable three-point harness for safety, a removable head support cushion, and a machine-washable seat cover. Dimensions: 24.5 x 23.5 x 23 inches | Product Weight: 8.8 pounds | Age Range: 0-6 months | Weight Limit: 30 pounds | Batteries Required: Yes The 9 Best Baby Swings of 2022 Best Splurge: BabyBjörn Bouncer Balance Soft Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Buybuy BABY View On Bed Bath & Beyond Pros Body contouring seat Lightweight Cons Expensive With this bouncer, your baby will not only be entertained and soothed but also super comfortable thanks to the soft fabrics and ergonomic design. The seat has three recline positions and is equipped with a three-point harness. Designed to mold to the baby’s body, your baby's head and back will be properly supported as they grow and develop. The seat cover is removable and can be machine-washed, and when the chair isn’t in use it folds down flat for easy storage. Dimensions: 36.5 x 15.6 x 4.4 inches | Product Weight: 1 pounds | Age Range: NB to 2Y | Weight Range: 8-29 pounds | Batteries Required: No The 8 Best Nursery Gliders of 2022 Best Reclining: Ingenuity Boutique Collection Rocking Seat Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Buybuy BABY View On Walmart Pros Various stimulating features Three unique reclining positions Cons Straps do not adjust Your sweetie will be snuggled in comfort thanks to the three reclining positions with this bouncer. It has a five-point safety harness, a removable toy bar, and plays soothing nature sounds and melodies. Once your baby sits up and grows out of the bouncer design, it can be converted to a stationary seat for further use. Also, it has a removable seat cover that can be safely machine-washed and dried. Dimensions: 17.5 x 30.75 x 29.2 inches | Product Weight: 4.1 pounds | Age Range: NB to 12M | Weight Limit: 40 pounds | Batteries Required: Yes Important Safety Note Infant rockers should only be used when a child is awake and alert and under the supervision of an adult or caregiver. They should never be used for sleeping or naps. If a child does fall asleep in a rocker, they should be moved immediately to a safe sleeping location—a flat surface (like a crib, bassinet, or playard) that is free of blankets, toys, or other items. Best for Travel: Baby Delight Go with Me Alpine Deluxe Portable Baby Bouncer Courtesy of baby delight View On Buybuy BABY View On Walmart View On Bed Bath & Beyond Pros Folds flat for easy storage and travel Three reclining positions Cons Manual bouncing only Parents who are on the go can easily bring this bouncer along with them because it folds down flat into a carrying bag for easy storage and transportation. It has a mesh fabric seat, which is great for breathability and comfort, as well as a removable toy bar. The seat has three recline positions, has a three-point safety harness, and has a removable cover that is machine washable. Dimensions: 28 x 18 x 21 inches | Product Weight: 4.5 pounds | Age Range: NB to 6M | Weight Limit: 20 pounds | Batteries Required: No The 7 Best Travel High Chairs for Families on the Go Best Multi-Function: Summer Infant 2-in-1 Bouncer & Rocker Duo Courtesy of Walmart View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros Rocker and bouncer hybrid Folds flat Cons Seat pad isn't attached and may slide With this, you get a bouncer that can be easily switched over to a rocker (both with their own recline position). Baby will be safe and secure thanks to the three-point harness, entertained with the removable toy bar, and soothed with the vibration feature. When it’s not in use, this bouncer/rocker folds down flat for easy storage. Dimensions: 30.71 x 6.3 x 16.73 inches | Product Weight: 5.5 pounds | Age Range: NB to 6M | Weight Limit: 20 pounds | Batteries Required: Yes Important Safety Note Infant rockers should only be used when a child is awake and alert and under the supervision of an adult or caregiver. They should never be used for sleeping or naps. If a child does fall asleep in a rocker, they should be moved immediately to a safe sleeping location—a flat surface (like a crib, bassinet, or playard) that is free of blankets, toys, or other items. Best Soothing: Fisher-Price Sweet Snugapuppy Deluxe Bouncer Courtesy of Fisher Price View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Sears.com Pros Contouring seat Over 20 minutes of music and sounds Cons Frequent battery changes Larger than most bouncers Baby will be nice and cozy in this bouncer that features optional vibration, a seat that contours to its body, and soothing sound options. The vibration and sounds can be adjusted to find the combo that’s just right for your baby, and there’s also a removable toy bar to keep them entertained. The seat bounces along based on your baby’s natural movements, and the three-point harness will ensure they stay snug and safe. Dimensions: 26 x 23 x 26 inches | Product Weight: 7.7 pounds | Age Range: NB to 7M | Weight Limit: 25 pounds | Batteries Required: Yes The 9 Best Baby Activity Centers Best Lightweight: Maxi-Cosi 2-in-1 Kori Lightweight Bouncer Courtesy of Pottery Barn Kids View On Walmart View On Potterybarnkids.com View On Kohls.com Pros Three adjustable heights Doubles as a rocker Folds flat Cons No toy bar attachment Some babies may outgrow quickly Cover should not be tumble dried This baby bouncer has a sleek and simple design, and is easy to use for parents and caregivers that need a way to soothe a crying baby or give their arms a rest. While the design is on the more minimalist side, we like that the seat features two different modes, rocker or stationary, for your baby to enjoy. One thing you can count on is that your baby will likely spontaneously spit up and drool while hanging out in the bouncer so the machine washable cover is a major win in our book. Parents and caregivers will love that this bouncer folds flat for easy storage. And, if you want to raise your little one up to see you better, simply adjust the bouncer’s height with one hand. The bouncer is lightweight, weighing about 5.5 pounds, making it perfect for traveling. Dimensions: 28.5 x 17 x 19 inches | Product Weight: 5.5 pounds | Age Range: Newborn and up | Weight Limit: 20 pounds | Batteries Required: No Final Verdict Depending on what you’re looking for, any one of these bouncers could be a great pick. In general, though, you can’t go wrong with the Fisher-Price Baby's Bouncer or the Baby Bjorn Balance Soft Bouncer. How We Selected the Best Baby Bouncers We chose the best baby bouncers by researching reviews from customers and competitors, and we studied the features of more than 30 products on the market. We considered price, design, features, ease of cleaning, age recommendations, and material when deciding our picks. We also consulted with Molly O’Shea, MD, FAAP, pediatrician at Birmingham Pediatrics in Michigan, for any considerations or product recommendations while reviewing guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics on bouncer safety. What to Look for in a Baby Bouncer Safety Features You want to ensure that the bouncer has safety features including a strap to keep the baby in place (but that isn’t too tight), has a stable base, and is free of any sharp edges or corners that could cause injury. Age and Weight Recommendations Take a peek at the bouncer’s age and weight recommendations, because while they may say they’re safe for newborns, not all newborns weigh the same. You'd want to avoid putting a 5-pound baby in a seat that has a minimum weight of 8 pounds. Functions Some bouncers are pretty basic and straightforward while others can be converted, collapsed, or easily traveled with. Make sure to look at all of the different function options to ensure your purchase meets your individual needs. Frequently Asked Questions When can a baby use a bouncer? The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests parents discontinue the use of baby bouncers when their baby is 20 pounds or can sit up on their own (whichever comes first). Your little one can start using a bouncer as a newborn, but this is only according to the manufacturer's weight limits. Otherwise, some bouncers are designed for older infants instead of newborns, so you’ll want to double-check.Molly O’Shea, MD, FAAP, pediatrician at Birmingham Pediatrics in Michigan, tells Verywell Family that baby bouncers can assist parents and caregivers daily. “They are [a] great way for babies who are awake to spend some time on their own while you get other things done,” she says. Just keep in mind you may want to avoid them if your baby has reflux, and a hard surface will be better for them to lie on, Dr. O’Shea explains. Can a baby sleep in a bouncer? The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends parents move their baby to a safe sleeping space if the baby is drowsy or falls asleep while in the bouncer.“Babies should not sleep in a bouncy seat due to the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. Because bouncy seeds are soft and curved, there's a risk that a baby could turn their head in a way that they would re-breathe their own carbon dioxide which is the way we believe sudden infant death syndrome occurs. Even if you're sitting nearby your baby is still at risk of SIDS,” Dr. O’Shea says. Why Trust Verywell Family Ashley Ziegler is a full-time parenting writer, mom to a 1 and a 4-year-old, and she has personal experience in researching and using baby bouncers. Key considerations she focused on when selecting these products include safety features, effectiveness, functionality, and user reviews. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Track your baby’s most exciting moments with our milestone checklist. Get it free when you sign up for our newsletter. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 4 Sources Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Korioth T, Writer S. Health Alerts: Infant sleep positioners, bouncer seats, and more. Korioth T. Health Alerts: Infant sleep positioners, bouncer seats, and more. AAP News. Korioth T. Health Alerts: Infant sleep positioners, bouncer seats, and more. AAP News. Safe sleep recommendations. AAP.org.