Are Bouncers Bad For Babies? Important Safe Bouncing Tips
Lately, I have been getting numerous questions from our readers about the safety concerns regarding baby bouncers. Some people are suggesting that baby bouncers are bad for babies. However, the other side believes they can be fun and freeing if you use them in moderation.
So, I wanted to share my experience with bouncers. And I hope this helps at least one overwhelmed parent. You know, the latest baby gear can seem confusing to anyone today. Especially when we get new research or news every day that tells us whatever we’re doing with baby bouncers, baby jumpers, or swings is wrong!
So, are bouncers bad for babies, or is that just a myth? Let’s talk it out!
Table of Contents
What Do You need to Know About Baby Bouncers?
What are Baby Bouncers?
The baby bouncer is a play tool with springs/elastic that bounces when your little one moves or wiggles over it.
A bouncer has a seat, a frame, and a safety harness.
Don’t confuse the baby bouncers with baby rockers, as they are 2 entirely different things.
How Do Baby Bouncers Help?
- The baby bouncer is a fun and snug place to keep your baby momentarily. It lets them get their wiggles out as the seat bounces away.
- It also offers a new perspective for your baby. Infants are always on their backs or tummies. So, they usually witness the world from a low angle. But a baby bouncer seat allows them to see things from a slightly elevated view, which is very exciting for them.
As for me, I always use the bouncer to make a quick meal or do chores. Keeping the baby in the bouncer for 15 to 20 minutes will give you and your partner much-needed breaks during the initial months.
Baby Bouncer Age and Weight Limits
Age and weight limits for baby bouncer seats vary depending on the brand, the model, and more.
- A regular bouncer seat is suitable for newborns to six months old. However, some advanced models adapt to their needs as they grow. Your child also has to reach the necessary development milestones before you introduce bouncers to them! I’ve already covered about this topic in my article about baby bouncer age limits.
- Generally, babies begin to outgrow bouncers when they approach 20 pounds or learn to sit up (whichever happens first). Some models have an upper limit of 25 to 33 pounds, and babies often take 9 to 10 months to reach that limit.
So, parents and caregivers! Always read the manufacturer’s instructions for specific age and weight limits in baby bouncers.
Are Bouncers Bad For Babies?
Here’s my take on this controversial topic. This is based on my experience raising 6 kids of my own. When it’s used the right way, bouncers are not always bad. However, I follow these rules when I let my baby play in a bouncer:
- no sleeping in the bouncer,
- don’t leave them unattended,
- bouncer time is not for more than 15–20 minutes at a point (read more about how long can your baby stay in a bouncer), and
- know the age and weight limits
So, what can happen when you don’t follow these rules?
Being a parent, even talking about asphyxiation or SIDS is hard. However, you need to be aware of these situations to prevent accidents when your child plays on the bouncer.
1. Infant Asphyxiation and SIDS
If you let your baby nap in the bouncer unattended, they are at high risk for asphyxiation or SIDS! Even if your baby has decent head and neck control, the inclined position and the straps can interfere with the baby’s breathing, leading to airway obstruction.
- Positional asphyxiation occurs when the airway between the nose, mouth, and lungs gets obstructed. Also, the inclined position and tight safety harnesses or straps can cause SIDS. Please ensure you never leave your kids alone in the bouncer, let alone let them sleep in it!
2. Secondary Injuries
You should know that falling or tipping over is a significant concern with bouncers. I had no idea at first.
That’s why I always refer to the product description and its age and weight recommendations.
- Not paying enough attention to the age and weight limit can cause the bouncer to topple, resulting in skull injuries and concussions. Aside from never leaving them alone, avoid placing the bouncer on elevated surfaces like a kitchen counter.
3. Developmental Concerns
When it comes to my baby’s bouncer usage, I am concerned about two things: developmental delays and poor hip development.
- I’ve learned from experience that babies need enough floor or tummy time to build their core strength. So, their movement is restricted if they spend most of their days strapped into the bouncer! It also delays developmental milestones such as rolling, crawling, and walking.
Recommended Reading: How to Encourage Walking in Your Baby
I also want you to be vigilant about healthy hip development. Any hip or bone development issues in babies take longer to diagnose because they don’t use their hips and legs as much.
- In the womb, babies can take on a fetal position as they grow. This weakens their tiny hip and ankle joints. So, their joints need a few months to develop strength after birth.
- However, excessive bouncer time and the forced straight, stretched-out position of the legs can damage the ball and socket of their hips. This position can cause the ball to rub against the socket edges, leading to hip dysplasia.
Alternatives to Baby Bouncers
Although, baby bouncers are completely safe to be used on their own given that they are used in moderation like I mentioned above.
Let’s be honest! We as parents do need that extra 15–20 minutes of time to ourselves, and hence, these baby bouncers can be an excellent tool for that.
However, if you’re still paranoid, then I have an alternative here for you.
Baby jumpers are an alternative to bouncers that you can use as your baby grows and builds neck and head support. Ideally, babies should be six months or older before they play with a jumper.
Benefits of Jumpers
I’ve already covered about how baby jumpers can be useful in one of my previous articles. Here’s a quick recap:
- Putting your little one in the jumper is an excellent way to entertain them and add variety to their routine.
- Jumpers are quite freeing for babies – after weeks or months of being wrapped around or carried constantly, it is their first taste of independence!
- Supervised jumper time can help babies learn to balance on their tiny feet. However, prolonged use can be detrimental. So, please set time limits when using a jumper.
Baby Bouncers and Shaken Baby Syndrome
When I was expecting my first daughter, Avery, I researched everything about baby care! That’s when I came across Shaken Baby Syndrome. I realized it’s better to know what it is: it happens when you forcefully shake your baby, causing a brain injury.
- However, let me tell you this: You can gently rock your newborn in your arms or lightly bounce your toddler on your legs, and they will be fine! That does not cause Shaken Baby Syndrome.
- This syndrome also does NOT happen when your baby spends 10 to 15 minutes in a baby bouncer, rocker or swing under your supervision.
I was concerned about this too. But don’t worry. Bouncers, swings, and jumpers used carefully don’t cause Shaken Baby Syndrome.
What Do You Need to Know? Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) is a severe form of child abuse, often prompted by a frustrated parent or caregiver. They end up reacting violently to the constant crying and shake the toddler or baby’s head almost 1 or 2 feet back and forth. Infants can also get SBS by hitting their heads, even on soft surfaces like a pillow or mattress.
Wrap Up: Safe Bouncing for Your Baby
Being a parent is a beautiful experience. But sometimes, even we parents feel overwhelmed and need help. So, never feel guilty for wanting to use a baby bouncer or any other toy to keep them busy.
Under our watchful eyes, our babies can enjoy the light nudges of the baby bouncer, a jumper, or the gentle rocking of their favorite swing set. We only need to understand the developmental milestones about when to use them and adhere to the safety guidelines.
So, know the weight and age limits, and never let your little one sleep in the baby containers. You’re good to go.