Skip to main content What play equipment is suitable for your baby’s age and stage? Be confident that you’re buying age-appropriate play equipment for your baby, from birth to toddlerhood, with our guides. Deciding what play equipment is suitable for your baby’s age can be confusing. From baby rockers, bouncers, swing chairs, playmats, play gyms and play nests, to door bouncers, walkers, activity play tables, activity centres, ride-ons and push alongs, there's a lot to wade through! Firstly, you want to make sure it’s safe for your baby's age and ability. For example, many baby bouncers should stop being used once your baby is able to sit up unaided, and door bouncers require your baby to be able hold up their own head and neck.While safety is one thing, your baby’s enjoyment and development is also a factor in choosing play equipment. Your baby will get more from an age appropriate product than an item that’s either too simple for their development level, which they’ll quickly get bored of, or too far beyond their skill level, which will see them feel frustrated.
Another consideration is how the play equipment can help you! A baby rocker or bouncer is an ideal solution for keeping your newborn baby safe and content when awake and give you some hands-free time to get things done – be it household chores or even just a trip to the toilet or shower! To save yourself time and take the guesswork out of deciding what to buy, check out our age-based guides to play equipment: Baby play equipment suitable from birth Baby play equipment suitable from 3 months Baby play equipment suitable from 6 months Baby play equipment suitable from 12 months Baby play equipment suitable from 18 months Win £100 of Amazon vouchers courtesy of Legal & General Popular in Product Reviews & Shopping Latest on Made For Mums Product Reviews & ShoppingThe baby bouncer, a controversial piece of equipment, is both praised for its use in improving children's development and criticized for the potential harm it may cause. It is every parent's responsibility to do research and, most importantly, use your best judgment when choosing equipment like baby bouncers to provide your baby with the safest, most beneficial and fun opportunities possible.
Baby bouncers are padded seats that are low to the ground and have a safety strap to secure your baby as she sits in the bouncer. They have an ergonomic design and support and protect the spine, neck and head of your baby. Toddler bouncers are the next level up, designed to let your child stand and bounce with a support harness. These bouncers help strengthen, stretch and build a baby's legs in preparation for crawling and walking. It gives her a sense of balance without the risk of falling. An added bonus is that the movement and exercise can be stimulating for your baby's mind and can provide her with plenty of entertainment. A study published in “Child: Care, Health and Development” examined the motor development of 43 infants allowed to use play-assist equipment. The study suggested that infants who had the highest equipment use tended to score lower on infant motor development, which was measured by the Alberta Infant Motor Scale, whereas the infants with lower equipment use scored higher on motor development.
Because no other tests had been done to produce the same results, authors A.L. Abbott and D.J. Bartlett summarized that parents should be informed and encouraged to allow their children only moderate use of equipment within the home. Bouncers for young babies are designed to secure him in a half-lying, half-sitting position. The American Association of Pediatrics warns that babies who spend excessive amounts of time in a bouncer may be prone to developing flattened head syndrome, or positional plagiocephaly, which is a persistent flat spot on the back or side of the head. Bouncers or jumpers designed for toddlers can become physically tiring if they are left in the bouncer for extended amounts of time. This can disrupt your child's nap routine or sleep schedule. The AAP does not have a recommended amount of time that your child should remain in his bouncer, but use your best judgment. Never leave your child in his bouncer for longer than 20- to 30-minute increments. Never let your child sleep in his bouncer.
Consumer Reports reminds parents to check the manufacturer's recommendations. If a bouncer is not designed for toddlers, stop using the bouncer as soon as your baby can sit up without assistance. In addition, do not leave your child unattended. Follow safety and operation guidelines, and place bouncers on solid, even surfaces on the floor. Use bouncers that are in proper repair, not damaged or old or that have been factory-recalled. Gain 2 pounds per week Gain 1.5 pounds per week Gain 1 pound per week Gain 0.5 pound per week Maintain my current weight Lose 0.5 pound per week Lose 1 pound per week Lose 1.5 pounds per week Lose 2 pounds per week Are Vibrating Baby Seats Dangerous? Chairs to Help With Baby Sitting Up 5 Things You Need to Know About Using an Exercise Ball as an Office Chair Do Infant Jumpers Affect Child Development Deep Pressure and Heavy Activities for School Age Children Baby Door Bouncer Safety
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Yet, for most moms, the thing that matters most is making sure your baby is ready and safe for a swing or bouncer. These guidelines will help you avoid dangers by calling out important safety features, as well as recommendations from pediatricians and consumer groups. When it comes to the use of a swing or bouncer, it is less about a specific age and more about a baby’s physical readiness related to the product. For instance, smaller babies have different needs than larger ones. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says, "Infants under age four months should be seated in the most reclined swing position." Consumer Reports also suggests that parents “Stop using a bouncer seat as soon as your baby can sit up unassisted if the bouncer is not designed to be used by toddlers.” These suggestions are intended to keep smaller babies secure, and heavier and more mobile babies from tipping over. Ultimately, you should combine these recommendations with the manufacturers' guidelines (for things such as a weight limit), so no opportunity for safe use is overlooked.
“The thing that matters most is making sure your baby is ready and safe for a swing or bouncer.” Safety Harness: Babies should always be buckled into their swings and bouncers. Both use either a three- or five-point harness to keep baby as secure as possible. Consumer Reports suggests that babies in swings should use a five-point harness whenever possible: “This type of harness is best because it keeps a baby from climbing out of the seat and plunging to the ground.” The Ingenuity InLighten 2-in-1 Cradling Swing includes a five-point harness, and is also a 2-in-1; the seat can be removed to be used as a rocker. Non-Slip Feet: This is a basic thing, but an important one. These products hold wriggling babies. Having non-slip feet keeps a bouncer or swing steady and in place. Support: Keeping baby supported in a swing or bouncer is critical. Because these products are often for smaller babies, a built-in head support will provide both safety and stability. The Ingenuity Power Adapt Portable Swing includes a soft, plush headrest (which can be removed for washing).