Rosie Pope Shares Her 14 Favorite Mommy Must-Haves When your baby isn't in your arms, a bouncer is a safe spot for playing. Buy yourself some "me" time — or that much-needed shower — with one of these bouncy seats! Baby Bjorn Bouncer Balance SoftBaby Bjorn Bouncer Balance Soft$128 Lucky you! Your baby dozed off in the bouncer. This bouncer seat quietly adjusts to a flat reclining position so you won't wake your snoozing babe as you transition him into a safe sleeping position.More: The Best Bumbo Seats for Baby to Sit Up Baby Bjorn Bouncer MiniBaby Bjorn Bouncer Mini$95 BUY NOWThere's a smaller version of the popular Baby Bjorn Bouncer that's sure to find fans in parents short on space. This sweet seat provides proper neck and back support for newborns, and moves to the beat of their movements. Stylish Helmets to Protect Your Kid's Noggin Baby Products for 201716 Best Teethers for Babies Parents Are Obsessing Over These 15 Online Baby Stores 11 Gentle Laundry Detergents Best for Your Baby's Clothes
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Also consider whether you want several recline positions and how long you into childhood you want it to last. This one feels solid and has a two-position recline, as well as a toy bar to keep them entertained. The harness, with five adjustment points, and the supportive head rest, will keep baby secure and the bounce is smooth enough to calm the most active little ones. Babies seem to love rocking back and forth in this super-comfy chair, activated with a push. There are lots of sounds, so no one has to listen to repeats of the same old melody. It vibrates and reclines and has a toy bar. We like both designs: “Ollie Owl” and “Hoot”. Suitable from birth to 9kg. 3. Chicco Balloon: £69.99, argos.co.uk Clever features include the adjustable headrest, entertaining toy panel and range of songs and sounds. Cleverer still is the fact you can do your own 30-second voice recording – ideal for tired new parents. It comes in four colours and will last them up to six months.
4. Nuna Leaf: £160, very.co.uk This award-winning, innovative rocker requires just a gentle push to move unassisted for over two minutes, with no need for batteries. It looks great, so you won’t feel you need to hide it away when not in use, and it can be used as a chair for toddlers and even older kids. For those on a tight budget, or parents looking for something to keep at Granny and Grandad’s, this is a good-value option from Mothercare. The harness keeps them safe and the non-slip rubber feet make sure it stays put. It’s probably not one you’ll hand-down, but it will do what’s needed from birth until baby’s around six months old. Stokke excels when it comes to modular systems, with many a family home having made use of its Tripp Trapp highchair that grows with your child. This is based on the same concept, changing from a bouncer with cradling motion to highchair and later a versatile seat for use throughout childhood. This one is super-easy to use.
Once you’ve inserted your three AA batteries, you can make great use of the vibrating and musical functions. It has more padding than some, a secure harness and a toy bar with three cute toys. 8. Fisher Price Sensory Stages: £57.99, amazon.co.uk How about this for a cheery-looking bouncer designed to evolve as your baby develops (use until they sit up unaided)? The black, white and red toy bar, with mirror, provides visual stimulation, while lullabies, soft light and vibrations soothe. On the other side of the bar, older babies will like the animals and upbeat sounds. 9. Swoon Up: £119.99, babymoov.co.uk Nobody puts baby in the corner. And there’s no need to with this height-adjustable design that keeps little ones away from the worrying drafts and wagging tails of dogs. Set it to sofa or table-height and get them involved in family life. This state-of-the-art piece of kit mimics the natural motion of parents; lightly bouncing and swaying, rather than vibrating or swinging.
The babies we tested it on took to it immediately, and there’s a range of settings to relax, calm or entertain. We think the Nuna Leaf is the most innovative baby bouncer on the market, as well as being the most stylish. For one that’s got all the bells and whistles, we love the Chicco Balloon. Designed with mom in mind, mamaRoo’s five unique motions move just like you do, so baby never feels far from your touch. Avoid interrupting that elusive naptime by adjusting the movements right from your smartphone. Built-in noise machines keep baby calm. Or hook up your iPod for an afternoon dance party. Baby has the option to sleep or play in this bouncer-napper combo. The seat easily converts into a flat reclined position and the versatile sides flip up to create a makeshift bassinet for naptime. When it’s time for play, unfold the sides and adjust the seat back to sitting position so baby can people-watch. Muted colors, laminated wood and a slim design mean you’ll love this piece of gear just as much as baby.
Two reclining positions give baby options to rock. And if he or she just wants to sit back and put up those baby feet, there’s a stationary position too. In addition to the three positions for play, lounging and sleeping, this ergonomic, battery-free bouncer comes with a soft cotton jersey fabric. It's pediatrician-recommended and folds up easily for on-the-go travel. What more could you ask for? Designed to fold completely flat and slip into a reversible carry bag, the lightweight Coco Go is perfect for traveling everywhere from grandma’s house to the Grand Canyon! Wherever you go, this 3-in-1 lounger, rocker and stationary seat will entertain baby, and its sleek shape and neutral color make it a welcome guest. There's no cords, no plugs and no need for batteries; just bounce the Leaf once and, like magic, baby will keep moving, unassisted, in a peaceful, noise-free motion. It’s an investment that grows as baby does; it can switch to child seat mode, holding up to 130 pounds.
We can’t decide what we like best about the Comfort Curve: the fun cake pop pattern, the attachable toy bar, or the totally affordable price. This high-tech bouncer is super interactive: Lights and sounds turn on when baby plays with the toys on the activity bar or when she touches the removable kick pads. You can even hook the bouncer up to your MP3 and engage baby even more with her favorite music. With its three-point harness and a two-position recline, baby will be safe and comfy in this adorable ladybug bouncer. The soft vibrating motion and MP3 input can be adjusted from behind so you (hopefully) don’t wake up a snoozing baby. There’s also a storage pouch back there to stash small toys or an extra pacifier or two. This large, padded bouncer is like a luxury infant barcalounger. And with a newborn insert that accommodates those under four months old, even the littlest can get in on the soothing action. Use it on the floor or mount it on to the Stokke Steps Chair and it turns into a plush spot for mealtime.