A baby bouncer is one of the must-haves items for new parents. It's your "helper" for when you cannot carry your child on your body. A bouncer provides a safe, comfortable seat, while you can keep an eye on them.
In part 2 of our Baby bouncer blog series, we looked at the myths of baby bouncers. If you missed it, you can read it here.
Today, we take a deeper look into what support a baby bouncer offers your little one and what you need to look out for.
Ten things to look for when buying a baby bouncer.
A baby bouncer supports your child's development. However, according to Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V. (AGR: campaign for healthier backs), there are a few requirements that need to be met first.
Use our handy guide below to help identify a ergonomic, safe and comfortable bouncer for your baby. The foundation for your child's back health is established in the first years of life.
Functional and adaptable: Your child needs to sit comfortably in their bouncer. An adjustable seat allows the bouncer meet their growth stages. A removeable ergonomic newborn insert is required for newborns (approx. 2.5 kg) up to about 4 months of age (approx .6.7kg). When your baby starts to develop strong neck and head control and can sit up unaided from around 6 months (approx 9kg), remove the newborn insert. You can then place your baby directly in the seat bouncer. Your little one will have enough room in the seat for movement, growth and fun. You can also use a toy bar to create entertainment. After this development phase, you can use the bouncer as a toddler chair.
Top tip: If your baby's head is tilted downwards, this is a sign that the bouncer offers too little space in the head area. This can affect breathing and in the worst case even hinder it. A good amount of space for your little one’s head can prevent flat head syndrome.
Adaptable sitting and lying position: Depending on the age and stage of your baby, your little one will require different needs to support their growth. AGR recommends a baby bouncer should adapt accordingly to key milestones. A bouncer should offer different developmentally appropriate positions from the lying position for newborns to the sitting position for older babies or toddlers.
Ergobaby Evolve baby bouncer allows three easy-to-adjust positions via a foot pedal. By removing the ergonomic new born insert, the bouncer transforms from a recliner into a baby bouncer and a toddler chair all in one.
Protection against overstimulation: Too much stimuli can overwhelm your baby. That is why it is important that a bouncer safeguards against overstimulation. Choose a bouncer with a rocking function, offering your little one to self-regulate. Battery and plug in powered bouncers are not necessary for self-soothing as your baby controls this themselves with the movements of their arms and legs.
Natural rocking movement: The base of a bouncer frame should have a fixed, static position. Your child does not move back and forth like on a swing. The upper part of the seat frame, the seat fabric, should move. This is achieved through babies' own movement or light nudging from parent. When sat in a bouncer, your babies' head should be in the highest position to prevent reflux or spitting up.
Optimal Climate Regulation : To prevent your baby from overheating, sweating or getting cold, the bouncer seat fabric should be soft and breathable. Pollutant-free materials protects your baby's sensitive skin from toxic substances. The Ergobaby Evolve bouncer has soft, breathable fabric including, double jersey and cotton that are certified according to Oeko-Tex Standard 100.
Safety first: The base of your bouncer should have a stable frame and rubber feet to prevent slipping, even on smooth surfaces. It should not be possible to collapse a baby bouncer by mistake. Make sure to check the safety mechanisms to ensure it prevents the bouncer from closing accidently. For example, the Evolve bouncer has a pedal lock system. This avoids accidental adjustment of the reclining surface angle, and an additional safety lever for complete folding.
Easy to clean: For newborns, hygiene is extremely important to prevent illness. The seat cover should be easy to remove and is 100% machine washable.
Top Tip – Buying a spare seat cover is ideal for when you have one in the wash.