Infant bouncers and infant swings
An infant bouncer is a cozy spot for babies who can't sit up yet. Infant bouncers come in many varieties, from the standard bouncer to the luxury infant bouncer with vibration and music functions. Here you'll learn what to look for when buying and using an infant bouncer.
When parents are expecting a baby, an infant bouncer is often one of the first purchases. In an infant bouncer (also called a baby lounger, rocking lounger, or bouncer seat), the baby can be gently rocked thanks to the rounded frame. Thanks to a locking function, the infant bouncer can also be converted into a stable baby lounger. In some models, it's not the whole infant bouncer that rocks, but only the seat/lying surface that can be set in motion (for example, with Babybjörn infant bouncers). The recline angle can also be adjusted multiple times on bouncers. An integrated harness system in the form of a 3-point harness (attachment points at the hips and crotch) or a 5-point harness (with 2 additional attachment points at the shoulders) keeps your baby securely in the bouncer, so even very active children can't fall out of the infant bouncer.
Thanks to two carrying handles, you can safely carry your baby in the bouncer to another room. If you don't need the infant bouncer right now, or want to transport it in the car for an upcoming visit to grandma's, for example, the bouncer can usually be folded flat in most cases.
What are the differences between infant bouncers?
There's a huge selection of bouncers in various colors! The different infant bouncers differ mainly in design and features. The standard equipment of an infant bouncer usually includes the bouncing function, an adjustable backrest, carrying straps, and at least one 3-point harness. These are also the most affordable bouncers. After that, the rule is: the more features and functions, the more expensive the infant bouncer becomes. A play bar with fabric figures for grasping practice, a seat reducer or headrest for newborns, vibration, or a music function are sought-after extra features. Of course, material quality also plays a role in the price. If the frame is partly made of wood, the price is naturally higher than for a bouncer with a frame made of inexpensive tubular steel.
Do I really need an infant bouncer?
An infant bouncer isn't necessarily a "must-have." But if your baby is often restless or anxious, an infant bouncer can have a calming and relaxing effect thanks to the bouncing motion, an integrated vibration function, or music — and your baby will have lots of fun with it too!
However, many parents also appreciate the option of feeding their child in the infant bouncer as long as they can't yet sit in a high chair. Even when one parent is home alone with the baby doing housework, cooking, or showering, an infant bouncer is a comfortable, safe spot for the baby to lie down. This way, the baby can always keep an eye on mom and dad — and enjoys taking in everything going on around them.
From what age can the infant bouncer be used?
Most bouncers are approved by manufacturers from birth. Seat reducers with a headrest give newborns secure support in the bouncer. However, it's better to wait until your baby is about 3 months old to use the infant bouncer — that way babies also get more out of it once they can better take in their surroundings.
What should you keep in mind with infant bouncers?
When buying an infant bouncer, make sure it's sturdily made. The cover should be removable so the bouncer can be hygienically cleaned after spills.
The most important thing, however, is proper use. Please always make sure the infant bouncer is standing securely! It should always be placed on the floor, never on a table or chair, since a baby kicking vigorously can easily cause the infant bouncer to slip. So please don't leave your child unattended in the infant bouncer. Always buckle your baby in with the integrated harness system to prevent a fall from kicking or twisting movements.
To protect your baby's delicate spine and not restrict their urge to move for too long, your child shouldn't lie in the infant bouncer for more than about half an hour. Infant bouncers aren't suitable for "long-term parking" — nor for extended sleeping! As long as your baby can't sit up on their own, they also shouldn't sit upright in the bouncer for long periods. Also make sure that, especially for newborns, the recline angle is set as flat as possible. Infant bouncers that allow for a completely flat lying surface are ideal for this.
Up to what age are infant bouncers suitable?
Once your child can sit up on their own (from about 7 months), they should no longer lie in the infant bouncer. But above all, pay attention to the maximum permitted weight for the child's use. Depending on the model, this is around 9-18 kg (20-40 lbs).
