Best Bouncers and Swings of 2021
Parents love bouncers and swings for providing a place for their babies to play or relax while they get things done around the house. Typically, a bouncer is a lightweight, low-to-the-ground seat designed to sit on the floor and bounce when your baby kicks their legs or moves their arms. Usually heftier than bouncers, a swing is a seat that moves your little one back and forth, or from side to side.
Do You Need a Bouncer or Swing?
At some point, you will want to take a shower, make a meal or get something done around the house. And, when you do, you’ll be faced with the age-old question: “Where should I put the baby?”
That’s where a bouncer or swing comes in super handy. Put one in the room with you, strap in your baby and start the vibration or swinging mode. Even if they start to wail, at least you can peek at them and know they’re safe while you blast through your shampoo or meal prep.
When Do You Need a Bouncer or Swing?
Bouncers and swings are generally made for the pre-sitting set. So they’re best for newborns and babies up to six months old, or until they can sit up on their own (and will probably squawk at being confined!). Be sure to check the age and weight recommendations on each to make sure they’re still okay for baby to use as they grow.
Also, note that these products are not meant to be used for sleep, and baby should be supervised by a caregiver when using them.
Keep in mind: When used properly and under supervision, a swing, bouncer or rocker is a safe space for baby—but, per the American Academy of Pediatrics, these products are not approved for safe sleep. While some of these products have the word “sleep” in the name or have photos of babies sleeping on the packaging, it’s important to always follow safe sleep guidelines for your baby.
Best High-Tech Swing
Why We Love It
Sure, it has futuristic good looks, but the mamaRoo is more than a mod piece of baby gear. It has five fluid motions based on how parents move when soothing babies, including bouncing up and down and swaying side to side. Plus, this bouncer comes with a built-in white noise machine and can connect to any MP3 device to play your own tunes.
Keep in Mind
The mamaRoo is a great high-tech pick, but it’s also definitely on the pricier side and the heaviest swing of the bunch here. Moving it from room to room won’t be as easy as other swings or bouncers. Note: 4moms does offer a less expensive and smaller swing: the rockaRoo.
What Babylist Parents Say
“Our little one has used his Mamaroo every day since he was born for ‘someone’ to hold the baby when I need both of my arms.” -Dilcia B.
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Birth to 25 lbs. or when baby can sit up unassisted |
| Plugs or Batteries | Plugs in, no batteries needed |
| Additional Items | Optional infant insert to give newborns additional comfort and support ($29.99) |
Best Bouncer for Travel
Why We Love It
This lightweight bouncer weighs in at seven pounds and folds flat, making it a breeze to move around the house and take on the go. When it’s unfolded, it still doesn’t take up too much space—perfect for those living in smaller quarters. The bonus? After your child outgrows the bouncer, it can be converted into a chair.
Keep in Mind
Since the seat’s bounce motion is triggered by baby’s movements, you’ll need to manually bounce this until your little one is big enough to start kicking. Translation: If your infant craves motion, your arms will get a workout.
What Babylist Parents Say
“The BabyBjorn bouncer is so easy and simple to use, transport and clean! We brought it with us to friends’ houses and moved it all over our own house. It gave our baby a safe place to sit and play with the toy bar that fits on it.” -Jennifer B.
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | As a bouncer, birth to when baby sits up unassisted; as a chair, up to 2 years old |
| Plugs or Batteries | Uses baby’s movements to bounce (no batteries required) |
| Additional Items | Optional toy bar that many parents love ($59.95) |
Best Budget Bouncer
Why We Love It
A cute bouncer at a lower price? Yes, please! You get all the standard features of a bouncer—a removable toy bar, vibration and two recline positions—and when your baby gets bigger, it can still be used as a toddler rocker. Plus, there’s a fold-out kickstand to make it stay still. All of which means: Tons of bang for the buck.
Keep in Mind
Some parents expressed concern about the lack of support for newborns in this hammock-style seat. Also, there’s no timer on the vibration so it’ll vibrate as long as it’s switched on.
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Birth to 40 lbs or when baby can sit up unassisted |
| Plugs or Batteries | Requires batteries |
Best Swing-Bouncer Combo
Why We Love It
The best thing about the Graco Duet Soothe is that it doesn’t make you choose between a swing or a bouncer. It’s both! As a swing it provides three ways for baby to sway and lots of music and nature sound choices. Easily remove the cradle seat from the swing apparatus and it becomes a bouncer (rocker) you can move around to other rooms.
Keep in Mind
The Duet Soothe’s motor can be noisy.
What Babylist Parents Say
“It has a vibrate function that comes in handy when you’ve got a cranky baby. The swing frame is a bit large to move through the house, but the removable rocker has been all through our house so far. Another good item for the price.” -Victoria M.
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Birth to 30 lbs |
| Plugs or Batteries | Plugs in or can use with batteries |
Best Options-Loaded Swing
Why We Love It
We give this swing kudos for providing a bunch of options. You can use it with a plug (so you don’t go through endless batteries!) or without, so it becomes more easily portable. Choose from multiple swinging motions, speeds, nature sounds, music and positions too.
Keep in Mind
The swing’s motor can be loud and wear out quickly.
What Babylist Parents Say
“So soft and cozy, and babies love the side-to-side motion! As a mom of three this allowed me to get so much done in the early days. It’s also great for soothing fussy babies. -J.C.
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Birth to 25 lbs or when baby attempts to climb out |
| Plugs or Batteries | Can both plug in or use batteries |
Best-Looking Bouncer
Why We Love It
This gorgeous bouncer looks more like modern furniture, albeit child-sized, than baby gear. It comes in soft neutrals and has a sleek design meant to fit in with your decor for years to come. That’s because the Nuna Leaf Grow can be used from birth all the way up to 130 lbs.
The sling-like design has a mesh seat for bigger kids and comes with a plush infant insert made from organic cotton to keep newborns carefully cradled. It has three reclined positions and can be locked in place too. When your child craves motion, you can set it swaying back and forth like a leaf in the wind with a touch.
Keep in Mind
Unlike bouncers with batteries or plugs, this bouncer’s swaying motion only lasts for about two minutes. So, if your baby wants continual movement, this isn’t the best option. The Nuna Leaf Grow also comes with a removable toy bar, but keep an eye out—it’s easy for baby to hank it off.
What Babylist Parents Say
“I absolutely love it! The look of it is amazing, but what sold me is that it holds up to 130 lbs.” -Lulu B.
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Birth to 130 lbs |
| Plugs or Batteries | No batteries or plugs required |
Choosing the Right Bouncer or Swing for You
To find the baby bouncer or swing that works best for you and your family, consider your budget and living space. Do you want something easy to move around? Or something with more bells and whistles? Those are a few factors to think about as you consider different products. Whatever one you choose, a bouncer or swing can be a big help during your child’s earliest days.
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