Many moms believe that a baby bouncer seat is essential baby gear. It can indeed be a comfortable and secure place to keep your baby, but are baby bouncer seats safe for your infant?
Here’s everything you need to know about baby bouncer seats, including their safety, benefits, and how to use them.
What Is a Baby Bouncer Seat?
A baby bouncer seat is also known as a baby jumper, bouncer, or exercise jumper. It is a piece of baby gear that has a seat with springs or elastic. Strap your baby in the seat and watch them play and bounce.
Baby bouncer seats are available in different styles, so it’s better to research baby bouncers and find the best one for your baby and your house. They encourage babies to stand on their toes, move their legs, and start jumping and bouncing.
As one example, stationary bouncer seats come with an external frame with an attached sling seat. The seat allows your baby to rock, bounce, or jump by pushing their legs off the floor.
Some baby bouncer seats come with a sling seat that can be attached to a door frame or hung from the ceiling, though this carries the risk of falling or collision.
Do You Need a Baby Bouncer Seat?
A baby bouncer seat can be a fun and snug place to keep your baby. Moms often get one as a safe place to seat their baby when they want to take a quick break. Baby bouncer seats are typically used in the pre-walking or crawling stages during the first six months.
Only get a baby bouncer seat only after checking your baby’s weight, height, movement, and head control. The baby may topple over or get hurt if they’re not physically ready to use a baby bouncer.
Most babies enjoy jumping, but some may feel uncomfortable or overstimulated in a bouncer seat. Consider your baby’s reaction to the baby bouncer seat before buying one. Parents typically use a baby bouncer seat for a short span of 5 to 6 months.
Make sure you also check the baby bouncer seat age limit while purchasing. Once your baby can sit up, they may not need a jumper or bouncer. Also, the bouncer seat may not be safe once your baby grows and gains more weight. Apart from this, consider your budget and the space for a bouncer seat in your home.
Are Baby Bouncers Safe?
Bouncer seats hold babies in place, allowing them to bounce. This can be hazardous if the baby doesn’t have good head control, though, as they become prone to tipping over. Keep a close eye on your baby when they’re in the bouncer seat.
Each year, about 2,000 babies are injured while playing in baby bouncer seats. There have also been reports of concussions, skull injuries, and death.
Baby bouncer seats may cause serious injury to your baby. Your baby may fall off the seat and get head or body injuries. They may get their fingers trapped in the springs. The seat may bump into furniture or tip over if placed on an elevated surface.
Baby bouncers may also cause developmental delays like delayed walking if used too much. They can cause leg muscle tightness and Achilles tendon injuries in babies, necessitating physiotherapy or surgical treatment.
How to Use a Baby Bouncer
When using a baby bouncer seat, follow the instructions on the label.
Here are some tips to correctly use the baby bouncer seat and protect your baby from injury:
- Place the baby bouncer seat in a stable place, preferably on the floor.
- Avoid keeping the seat on a raised surface like a bed or table, as it may topple. Use a safety harness or restraints to keep your baby secure.
- A stationary bouncer seat is safer than a door frame jumper. Choose a steady bouncer seat that doesn’t have sharp edges and isn’t damaged.
- Heed the baby bouncer seat age and weight limit. Experts commonly recommend a weight limit of 18 to 30 pounds. If your baby crosses the weight limit, the seat may be prone to tipping over. Also, bouncer seats are not meant for toddlers. Stop using them once your baby can sit up without help.
- Keep your baby in a bouncer seat for less than 15 to 20 minutes twice a day. Don’t leave them unattended in a bouncer seat, even for a few minutes.
- Never use a baby bouncer seat as a car seat substitute.
- Don't carry your baby when they’re in a bouncer seat
- Avoid using a baby bouncer seat for sleeping. Babies are at risk of falling or suffocating while sleeping in bouncer seats. Move your baby to their crib or bed if they fall asleep in a bouncer seat.
What Are Some Baby Bouncer Benefits?
Baby bouncer seats can be engaging and stimulating for your infant. They give your baby a comfortable, safe space to play and have fun. They give you some hands-free time to enjoy a break or do other things.
Bouncer seats also give your baby some exercise, helping them move their legs and jump. However, they don’t necessarily improve muscle function or promote walking. They are just a way to keep your baby entertained when you need to put them down.
A bouncer seat can also help stimulate your child’s inner ear, which provides the body a sense of direction and balance.
Where to Buy Baby Bouncers
You can buy baby bouncer seats from baby stores. There are many types of baby bouncers on the market with toys attached to them. Ensure, though, that you do your research and buy a bouncer seat that fits in your budget, suits your baby and your house, and adheres to proper safety standards. The seat must have proper locks or braking mechanisms. Also, make sure you check the seat for sharp edges or damage before you buy it.
Other Considerations
A baby bouncer seat can give your baby an engaging bouncing time. However, don't substitute bouncing time for tummy time on the floor. Let your baby spend more time on the floor than on a bouncer seat. It's a safer space for your baby to learn to sit, stand, or roll. Also, less time in the bouncer seat and more floor time will help them learn to walk faster.
