For babies who need a little help falling asleep, a bouncer seat that vibrates can be invaluable because it imitates a lulling car ride. (Keep in mind, however, that the safest place for a baby to sleep is on his back in a crib on a firm mattress. See our full Cribs report.) A bouncer seat generally consists of a lightweight frame made from metal wire, tubular metal, or heavy-gauge plastic, though the Svan Bouncer by Svan/Scandinavian Child ($120) has a frame made from bent birchwood. (Note: We did not test this product.) Covered with a soft, removable, washable pad that conforms to a baby's shape, bouncer seats are somewhat springy and bounce or rock when your baby moves to keep him relaxed and amused. The fabric seat is rounded to support a baby's still-fragile spine, and a semi-upright tilt gives him a view of the surroundings. Many parents report that their babies love to nap in a bouncer seat. The sitting angle also appears to be more comfortable for some babies than lying in a flat crib after they've had a big meal.
Most models have a detachable, bent-wire play bar (sometimes covered with padding) or an overhead mobile of toys for your
baby to kick, bat, and chew. Some models have a set of colorful lights and sound effects that respond to a baby's movements
and/or vibrate at two or three speeds to lull the baby to sleep. Some simulate nature sounds or a heartbeat or play computer-chip-generated
classical music. Others transform your child's smallest movements or your fancy footwork (they have a foot-bounce you step
on to activate bouncing) into a soothing rocking motion, sans batteries. The latest versions on the market, such as the Graco
Travel Lite Folding Bouncer ($39.99), fold compactly for travel.
SHOPPING SECRETS
Buy either a bouncer seat or a swing. Don't buy both, especially if space or budget is a consideration. Many parents report that it's overkill since both provide a secure and soothing place for your baby to relax and stay occupied while you get some hands-free time to catch up on things around the house. If your baby doesn't like the motion of a swing (some don't), go with a bouncer. If your baby seems to need more motion than a bouncer provides, opt for a swing. If space is an issue or you'll be traveling often, a travel swing or a bouncer is a good option since they both take up much less floor space than a traditional infant swing.
Do test rides. If you can, try your baby out in a friend or relative's swing and bouncer or test store models, if possible, to gauge what your baby prefers.
Keep this product's short life span in mind. Your baby will probably use a bouncer for only five or six months—tops. Once he can sit up unassisted, he'll likely move
on to more interesting things, like playing and rolling. With that in mind, an inexpensive, lightweight model (provided it's
stable), such as the Cover 'n Play Bouncer by Fisher-Price ($20), may serve you as well as a top-end design like the Maclaren
Activity Baby Rocker ($80). (Note: We did not test these models.) In general, more money will get you a seat that's made to
last (from durable wood, such as the Svan Bouncer) and one that may be decked out with toys, reclining and vibrating features,
realistic (not tinny) music, plush fabric, and the ability to rock as well as bounce. Still, more isn't always better. Parents
report product satisfaction at both ends of the price spectrum.
WHAT'S AVAILABLE
The major brands of bouncer seats, in alphabetical order, are: Baby Björn (www.babybjorn.com), Combi International (www.combi-intl.com), Delta Enterprise (www.deltaenterprise.com), Fisher-Price (www.fisher-price.com), Graco (www.gracobaby.com), Kolcraft (www.kolcraft.com), Maclaren (www.maclarenbaby.com), Safety 1st (www.safetyfirst.com), Svan (www.svanusa.com), and Summer Infant (www.summerinfant.com). Prices range from $20 to $120. Many require AA, D and/or C batteries (not included).
RECOMMENDATIONS
Make safety your primary concern. You'll want a bouncer seat with a base or rear support that's wider than the seat itself for steadiness. Test the stability of models in the store. When you press down on a bouncer from different positions, it shouldn't tip sideways. When you rock it front to back, it should stay in place. The bottom of the base should have rubber pads or other nonskid surfaces that really work.
If you're buying a seat with toys attached to a toy bar, squeeze and tug them to make sure they won't break off. The bar should
stay in place when you bat at it.
Of all the brands of bouncy seats on the market, seven have been certified by The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) as meeting the safety standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials. These include Delta Enterprise, Dorel Juvenile Group (Safety 1st), Fisher-Price, Graco, Kolcraft, Svan/Scandinavian Child (Svan chair), and Summer Infant. The industry's voluntary standard covers structural integrity as well as stability, restraint system, slip resistance, and safety instructions, which should be on some form of permanent label or stamped directly on the product. As is the case with all products for children, bouncers are also covered by the federal safety standards for small parts, lead paint, and hazardous sharp points and edges.
Some models of infant bouncer seats have been recalled in recent years. Problems have included seats with an unstable base, kickstands that may not hold the seat stationary, toys or parts that may break off from the toy bar, and toy bars that suddenly come loose, causing cuts and bruises. (Check CPSC.gov for recall listings.)
