The 8 Best Baby Bouncers to Buy in 2018

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When it comes to registering for baby products the list of products goes on and on. While you can skip a bunch of "must-haves" on your list, a baby bouncer is something you should add to your registry. It not only helps soothe baby and gives them stimulating entertainment it also lets mom and dads arms take a break and can help them get to things they need to do with two hands—like washing the dishes.

Before You Buy

With all baby products, you want to make sure you are using them in the recommended way. According to the AAP, bouncers should always be used on the floor, never on a countertop or soft surface like the bed. The restraints provided in the bouncer should always be used and your baby should never be left unattended when in there. Even if you are aware of the weight restrictions on your baby bouncer, you should stop using these (unless you have one of the infant to toddler models below) when your baby can sit up, because once they can sit up they can fall out of the bouncer or tip it over.

As with all car seats, bouncers, and swings, the AAP safe sleep guidelines say that if a baby falls asleep in these products they should be moved to their crib or bassinet for reducing the risk of SIDS. Lastly, once you purchase your product you should register the item with your email so you will be alerted if there are any recalls.

Having a hard time deciding what baby bouncer to purchase? We've broken down the most popular types of bouncers that will suit your lifestyle and make your baby happy. Here, the best baby bouncers.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall: Baby Bjorn Bouncer Balance Soft

When it comes to baby bouncers, one name stands out from the pack and that is the Baby Bjorn. Loved by parents for its ability to soothe cranky babies with its sleek design, this baby bouncer is a must for many parents. What makes this even better and worthy of its high price tag is that it can act as a seat for children up to the age of 2, so its shelf life isn't just a few months.

Once baby is 8 pounds they can use their own movement to bounce this, which helps develop gross motor skills and balance. If you are worried about neck placement you can rest assured because this device is a JPMA certified product so it gives proper support to the body.

Spit up and blowouts will happen, but the cover on this is machine washable so you can ensure it stays clean throughout the course. This can move into four different positions depending on if your baby is resting or playing, and when not in use you can fold it flat so it can be easily transported when you travel or stored away in between having children. Plus, their eight solid color choices will blend in seamlessly to your decor.

Best Budget: Bright Starts Playful Pinwheels Bouncer

If you aren't looking to spend a ton on another baby product that has a short shelf life this bouncer from Bright Starts is a great pick. This bouncer is battery operated (C-battery not included) and vibrates to soothe baby. The bright and colorful design helps keep them engaged while the included toy bar with toys and a mirror will help with coordination and fine motor skills. It has a three-point harness to hold baby safely from newborn to 6 months. When it comes time to wash the cover you can just throw it in the wash. With the affordable price tag, this also makes a great option for grandma's house!

Best High Tech Bouncer: 4moms rockaRoo Classic Infant Seat

This bouncer may almost seem spaceship-like for it is one of the highest tech bouncers out in the baby market. Technically called a seat, it is also sold as a baby bouncer. There are five settings for motions that mimic a car ride, wave, tree swing, rock a bye, and kangaroo. A parent can choose from four built-in sounds or you can connect it to your smartphone to play music or use it over Bluetooth to move the seat. The overhead mobile toys are reversible, and the seat can recline to a rest position and a sit up.

While the most expensive in our roundup this acts as both a bouncer, seat, and swing so it is a 3-in-1 product. It needs to be plugged into and outlet, but no batteries are required. It can hold up to 25 pounds or until they can sit up.

Best Cozy Bouncer: Fisher-Price My Little Snugapuppy Deluxe Bouncer

Most babies prefer to be held, but when tired arms need a break, this battery-operated bouncer is a great substitute as it is one big piece of coziness. As the name implies, the My Little Snugapuppy Deluxe is designed to be snugly for the baby. The seat is deep with a plush seat that has a supportive headrest. The chair has a gentle vibration, and there is a 20-minute music option as well. To entertain the baby, there is a removable mobile with a kitty and puppy.

The bouncer can hold up to 25 pounds, but once baby can sit up independently, it is usually time to graduate them out of this bouncer for fear of tipping over. Two things to note: there is some assembly required so it's best to put this together before baby is born, and it is one of the larger models in the list so if you don't have a lot of space this might not be the best bet for you.

Best Entertaining Bouncer: Baby Einstein™ Neptune Lights & Sea Baby Bouncer

This bouncer is an excellent pick if you're looking for one with all the bells and whistles to get and keep your baby entertained and stimulated. The bright colors on the bouncer alone will have your baby mesmerized. Add on the toy bar which has ocean sounds, dancing lights, and sweet music which is activated by your baby's touch, and your little one will be in heaven.

This runs on batteries (C-sized not included) and has a machine washable seat. It's very easy to assemble and will hold children from newborn to six months (about when they learn how to sit up).

Best for the Long Haul: Fisher-Price Infant-to-Toddler Rocker

A lot of baby toys have a short shelf life, so purchasing everything can cause strain on your wallet and your storage space. This infant-to-toddler rocker acts as a bouncer when they're a baby with the battery operated (D-sized not included) vibrations, and then when baby grows you can remove the toy bar and have your toddler sit here as a rocking chair until they reach 40 pounds!

The toy bar with included toys encourages your infant to reach and bat them, helping them with their fine motor skills. If your baby is fussy, you can turn on the music for some soothing tunes. Since you'll have this baby bouncer for a few years, you'll be happy to know it is machine washable as well.

Best Swing and Bouncer: Graco DuetSoothe Swing and Rocker

If you're debating between buying a baby swing or a bouncer, the Graco Duetsoothe Swing and Rocker is both products in one. With most babies, you don't know what they will like, so with this 2-in-1 product you'll be able to try both a swing and a bouncer, and if they like both it's a win-win.

When functioning as a swing you'll get two different motions either a front to back or a side to side. You also get a vibrating feature and some musical and nature sounds to further calm or entertain baby. All of this can be achieved by either plugging the unit in or using batteries—your choice. When it comes time to get something done in your bedroom you can take the rocker part out of the swing and bring the baby to the bedroom where they can soothe themselves with the rocking motion.

Check out our guide to the best baby swings you can buy today.

Best Design: Charlie Crane Levo Walnut Baby Bouncer

levo-baby-rocker — Courtesy of Smallable

If it is good enough for Joanna Gaines it is good enough for you and your baby. This super stylish bouncer doesn't scream baby and will blend in seamlessly to any room's decor. It is constructed of walnut wood and the cotton cover comes in plenty of neutral designs. When the baby is fussing or just wants to take a ride you'll just rock the bouncer and lull him to sleep. Once baby gets a little more active they'll soon figure out if they pump their legs they'll get this baby bouncer moving as well.

This product ships from the UK so shipping times might be a bit slow. You will have to assemble this yourself but it comes with all of the tools needed. This will hold your child from 7.7 to 19 pounds.