Our Ergobaby expert midwife, babywearing consultant and sleep specialist Katrin Ritter has been getting lots of questions about our baby bouncer, so we have put together a list of the most frequently asked questions, and answers here.
Baby bouncer: The most frequently asked questions
1. What are the benefits of a bouncer?
For most situations a baby carrier is the perfect solution at home to keep your baby close to you and still have your hands free. But, what about when you need to go to the toilet or jump in the shower? Then our bouncer is a practical, safe, ergonomic, and comfortable place for your child to relax and be close to you. Most bouncers can be folded and are lightweight meaning they can be transported from room to room with ease. Our Evolve Bouncer even fits into a handy carry bag to take it with you to friends or family as a familiar place for your little one.
2. What age can you use a bouncer
You can use an ergonomic bouncer like our Ergobaby Evolve 3-in-1 Bouncer with a newborn insert from birth (2.5 kg) until two – three years old (13.2 kg). The Evolve Bouncer grows with your baby – from a newborn recliner to a bouncer to the toddler chair.
3. Which bouncer to use from birth?
Not every bouncer is suitable from birth. Especially for newborns, optimal support of the head is important, as they are not yet able to hold it themselves. Babies can only turn their head to the side by up to 45 degrees in the first few months. That is why the back of the head should always have enough room to turn.
A removable newborn insert is a must if you want to use the bouncer from birth. With the newborn insert of our Ergobaby Evolve Bouncer, your baby’s sensitive head is optimally supported from day one. It is designed so that your baby’s head is not forced into an inclined position with the chin pressed against the chest. Baby can breathe freely, and the insert helps to prevent a flat back of the head. In addition, the newborn insert, and the bouncer without insert (which is removable) provide padding and the correct position so that hips and legs are also supported in a developmentally appropriate way and a similar ergonomic position as in a carrier is achieved.
4. How long can a baby sit in a bouncer?
A bouncer is a safe and cosy place for baby to be when you can’t carry them. Your baby should only spend 10-30 minutes in the bouncer when awake and shouldn’t sleep in it. However, your child can sit in the bouncer several times a day. You can feel reassured that your little one is sitting ergonomically in our bouncer as it provides optimal support to your baby’s back, neck, and head. It even has the AGR (campaign for healthier backs) seal of approval!
Top Tip: We encourage you to vary where your baby spends their time: in your arms, a baby carrier, a stroller, cot and a baby bouncer.
5. Can a baby sleep in a bouncer?
Sleeping in the supine position (on their back) on a firm, breathable mattress is recommended as the safest sleeping position. There is lots of evidence that shows this position significantly reduces the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). Therefore, you should not put your baby in a bouncer to sleep. If your baby does fall asleep – which cannot always be helped, simply move them to their bassinet or cot.
6. Which is better – a bouncer or a swing?
It is up to you and your baby to decide. Both bouncers and swings imitate the rocking motion baby experiences in the womb and when you hold them in your arms. This has a calming effect, and most babies are comforted and satisfied when sitting in a bouncer or baby swing.
The main difference between a baby swing and a baby bouncer is that the bouncer rocks naturally, while many baby swings are electric or battery powered. Below you’ll find a list of the common features of a baby bouncer and a baby swing, as well as the specific benefits of each product.
Common features:
- Rocking motion that comforts your baby.
- Cosy place for your little one to sit close to you.
- Can be used from birth, recommended to use a newborn insert for neck support.
Benefits of a baby swing:
- Often has several speed settings.
- Can often play music.
- Often comes with toys.
Benefits of a baby bouncer:
- No batteries or power outlets required.
- Completely quiet, as there is no motor.
- Lightweight and easy to move around the home.
- Natural rocking that stimulates your baby’s motor skills.
- Compact fold to store away or take with you on journeys.
- Toy bars available that an adult can easily attach and take off, depending on whether they want the baby to relax or be stimulated in the bouncer.
7. Does an electric baby bouncer make sense?
A recent survey in the USA found that more than 70 percent of parents had reservations about placing their newborn in an electric baby bouncer. The deciding factor was the lack of support for the baby’s spine, which is very unstable during the baby’s early development. That is definitely an important point. But there is also the issue of overstimulation. Your baby is exposed to many stimuli in an electric bouncer which they aren’t able to process properly. Especially as newborns. A manual baby bouncer is therefore our recommendation. It needs no plugs, no batteries, and no additional technology. The bouncer is driven solely by your baby’s movements or by a gentle push from you and can be used anywhere.
8. Which bouncer is the best?
We conducted an in-home blind “baby bouncer study” with 110 parents in the USA. For 30 days, the test families tested both the Ergobaby Evolve 3-in-1 Baby Bouncer and the BabyBjörn Bliss Bouncer. The results: 3 out 4 parents preferred the Ergobaby Evolve 3-in-1 Bouncer for newborn support. Compared to the BabyBjörn Bouncer Bliss*. The reasons were, besides being safer and a better fit, the specific ergonomic support, and the easy handling of the Ergobaby Evolve Bouncer.
Our product experts developed our baby bouncer with a paediatric orthopaedist to create an ergonomic, safe, and comfortable product. Our bouncer is the first and only baby bouncer that carries the coveted AGR (campaign for healthier backs) seal. This is thanks to the special newborn insert and the optimal fit. Our Evolve Bouncer has also convinced other parents too. In two different baby bouncer tests, it received a 5-star rating!
We also offer the ErgoPromise – a Limited Lifetime Guarantee of 10 years – on our baby bouncer against manufacturing defects. Just like on our baby carriers.
We hope we have been able to answer all your questions. If not, take a look at our website FAQs and blog search function for more articles.
*Rating from the parents who expressed a preference for the BabyBjörn Baby Bouncer Bliss in an independent study of over 100 parents in the USA.
