A baby bouncer is an essential part of your baby's wardrobe. Especially for the first few months, when your little one isn't yet comfortable lying or sitting on their tummy, but wants to see more. This way, your little one can keep a close eye on you while you're cooking or busy with your other child. But what should you consider when choosing a baby bouncer, and how long should you actually use it? We'll explain it all in this blog post.
What is a rocking chair?
A bouncer is essentially your baby's very first chair. A bouncer can rock or bounce and provides a safe environment for your baby. Your baby can sit comfortably in a bouncer, play, and explore freely. A bouncer is very convenient if you want to keep your hands free to do other things while your little one is still safely close to you.
There are regular bouncers and electric bouncers that run on batteries. There are also rocking chairs, which don't move up and down but rock back and forth. Because this is often difficult for your baby's motor skills, these are often electric as well.
How long can a baby sit in a bouncer?
Experts advise against leaving a baby in a bouncer for more than one hour at a time . The maximum total time per day is two hours , including the time your child spends in a car seat or stroller. Sitting for too long is detrimental to the development of the back and motor skills.
From what age can you use a baby bouncer?
Most ergonomic baby bouncers are suitable for babies from birth (from approximately 2.5 kg). For newborns, it's crucial to choose a model with an adjustable, lie-flat position and good head and neck support.
Can my baby sleep in a baby bouncer?
No, a baby should not sleep in a bouncer. A bouncer is not a safe place for a baby to sleep; the safest place for a baby to sleep is a crib or bassinet. It's important to move your baby as soon as they fall asleep.
Is a bouncer safe?
Yes, a bouncer is safe to use. However, a bouncer isn't strictly necessary for your baby's development. It's especially nice for your baby to see and explore the world around them. For you as a mother or father, a bouncer is primarily a very convenient way to keep your hands free to do things like cooking, doing laundry, or vacuuming. But what about the safety of a bouncer?
- Time. It's important that your child doesn't spend too much time in their car seat. Spending too long in a sitting position is detrimental to their development. SafetyNL The Dutch Baby & Toddler Association advises against placing a baby in a bouncer for more than one hour at a time, with a maximum of two hours per day. This includes the time your child spends in a car seat or stroller. Place your baby in a playpen or on a playpen mat as much as possible, especially during the first few weeks, so they have plenty of room to move and explore.
- High surfaces. It's important to avoid dangerous situations by not placing the bouncer on surfaces that are too high. The bouncer's up-and-down motion can cause the bouncer to shift and fall.
- Soft surfaces. Do not place the seat on surfaces that are too soft, to prevent suffocation.
- Curtains and cables. It's also important not to place a bouncer next to your curtains or loose cables. Your baby could grab onto the curtains or cables, causing the bouncer to tip over.
- Sun. Don't place a bouncer too close to a heat source, such as a heater or fireplace, or in direct sunlight. Your baby could become too warm and overheated.
- Harness. Make sure you always wear the harness and never leave your baby unattended in the car seat.
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Interested in a bouncer ?
| Product | Features | Suitable from (Weight) | Rental price per month (From) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Babybjörn Rocking Chair | Natural rocking (no batteries), ergonomic shape, 3 positions. | 3.5 kg (from birth) | €9.95 |
| Maxi-Cosi Dove Pro | Lightweight, easy to fold, iconic design. | From birth | €13.95 |
| Quax Rocking Bouncer | Modern design (ash wood frame), thick padded teddy fabric cushion. | From birth | €12.95 |
| Nuna Leaf Grow | Rocking motion lasts 2+ minutes after one push, grows up to 60 kg. | From birth | €14.50 |
| Stokke Bouncer | Multifunctional: can be used as a Newborn Set on the Stokke Steps high chair. | From birth | €19.95 |
