Honestly, one of the most surprising yet delightful baby gifts we received—one we somehow forgot to register for—was an enormous, eye-catching baby bouncer. It was green, quite loud, and had both lights and sounds. While my partner and I had mixed feelings about it, our baby was absolutely ecstatic (and that’s no exaggeration) the moment they were placed inside that colorful contraption. Watching their face light up made all the extra space it occupied totally worthwhile.
Bouncers and activity centers are truly lifesavers. Babies aged 6 to 12 months are bursting with curiosity and eager to discover the wonders of cause and effect—who are we to hold them back from this joy? Plus, these bouncers keep your little one entertained, allowing you to get things done with both hands (imagine that!). Just remember to keep an eye on them, of course.
Once your baby can sit up independently, it’s time to transition from that tummy-time mat. Bouncers provide stimulating fun without requiring you to be the sole entertainer. “From a developmental standpoint, we adore baby gear that serves multiple purposes,” says Lisa Carter, founder of Baby Essentials Hub. She advises looking for versatile equipment that engages your baby through various activities and can be adjusted as they grow. And for minimalist parents, “seek out a bouncer that can be easily stored away when not in use,” she suggests—out of sight, out of mind.
Fortunately, many baby gear options fit the bill perfectly. If you’re on the lookout for an activity center your little one will love (even if you might not be a fan of its design), we’ve curated a list of the best bouncers and jumpers that are baby-approved.
- Skip Hop Explore & More Baby Jumper: Fold Away Jumpscape With Bounce Counter
- Oribel PortaPlay 4-in-1 Foldable Travel Baby Activity Center
- Bright Starts 3-in-1 Around We Go Activity Center
- Evenflo ExerSaucer Lightweight Activity Jumper, Woodland Wonder
- Fisher-Price Rainforest Jumperoo
- Skip Hop Explore and More Baby’s View 3-Stage Interactive Activity Center
- Baby Einstein Neighborhood Symphony Jumper
- Asweets Baby Barnyard Den
- Evenflo Exersaucer Triple Fun Active Learning Center, Life in the Amazon
- Infantino 2-in-1 Sit, Spin & Stand Entertainer 360 Seat & Baby Activity Table
- Tiny Love 4-in-1 Here I Grow Mobile Activity Center
- Bright Starts Disney Baby Finding Nemo Sea of Activities Jumper
This article was originally published on Dec. 19, 2019.
If you want to explore even more options, check out this post. And for more insights, visit this link for an authoritative resource on the subject of home insemination.
In summary, investing in a baby bouncer or activity center can be a game-changer for both you and your little one. It offers entertainment, stimulation, and a safe space for your baby to explore their curiosity. Plus, it allows you some much-needed hands-free time.