How Long Can My Baby Stay In A Bouncer?
Being a mother of six beautiful kids has taught me the holy grail of parenting, i.e. “moderation is the key.” Parenting isn’t just about getting your little ones all of new and fancy gadgets and toys, but in fact, the key lies in utilizing them wisely.
For this reason, moderation in the use of toys is very essential to ensure healthy and positive development in children.
And one of such items that you might have plenty of questions about is the baby bouncers. Often times, I’ve been asked questions like are bouncers bad for babies, how long can my baby stay in a bouncer, what are the signs on when to take a break from the bouncer, and if a baby sleeping in a bouncer is okay (it isn’t! But we’ll get to that). Let’s decode these puzzles today!
I’ve also highlighted some alternatives to using bouncers for too long, and why that is necessary.
Table of Contents
How Long Can My Baby Stay In A Bouncer?
First-time parents often believe caregivers decide how long their babies can stay in bouncers. But no, parents and caregivers cannot decide that.
At one point, your baby shouldn’t sit for longer than 20 minutes in a bouncer. Even pediatricians and child experts recommend this. There are reasons why, of course.
- The World Health Organization’s latest guidelines say that children under five need enough physical activity and stimulation. So, for infants and toddlers, it means more floor time, playing with parents and caregivers, and less time spent in baby containers like bouncers.
As per Dr Juana Willumsen, a WHO expert on childhood obesity and physical activity, “What we really need to do is bring back play for children. This is about making the shift from sedentary time to playtime while protecting sleep.”
And listen, baby bouncers are still an excellent choice if you’re looking after your little one by yourself. If you need to make a meal or do the laundry but don’t have enough space to set up a play mat, put your baby in a bouncer and keep an eye on it.
Kelleigh’s Quick Tip: Please use baby bouncers sparingly. Babies should not sit in a bouncer for more than 20 minutes at one point. So, use baby bouncers to take short breaks for chores or meals, and make sure your infant or toddler gets more free play time.
What are the Signs to Take a Break from the Bouncer?
Now, let’s talk about how to figure out when it’s time for the baby to take a break from using baby bouncers?
My advice? Just look and observe the cues and signs that your baby is going to give to you.
These signs are usually in the form of overstimulation. Too many sensations, loud noises, and multiple activities can trigger sensory overload in your child.
Let’s look at overstimulation in different stages of a child’s growth.
Signs of Overstimulation in Infants
- Crying louder than usual is a tell-tale sign of overstimulation. If you’ve left your infant in a baby container like a jumper, bouncer, or swing for a long time, and they start crying, it’s time to pick them up.
- Refusing to nurse and not wanting to be held is another sign. So, give them some quiet time throughout the day and also limit the bouncer usage to 15 minutes max.
- When your infant shakily moves around while strapped in a buggy or bouncer, it’s time to get off it and add some floor time or cuddle time.
- Your baby can also clench their fists and seem scared if they are stressed out. To solve this, create a calm and quiet environment for “mom and baby-time” and let your baby calm down naturally.
Also Read: Are Baby Jumpers Safe?
Signs of Overstimulation in Toddlers or Older Children
- When toddlers and children cry without explaining what’s wrong or bothering them, overstimulation can be one reason. Toddlers can also get clingy when stressed out. So, stay close to them when they’re crying or throwing a tantrum. It helps to reassure them.
- We know that toddlers and older children act out, refuse to listen, and can be aggressive. Just know that it may not always be a tantrum. Try to see if they are feeling overstimulated instead.
You know, from what I’ve experienced over the years with my children, I’ve learned that sometimes watching anything is entertainment for a baby. The toys are helpful as long as you don’t overdo them, as too many toy options can also get children to feel overwhelmed.
But plenty of other times, I remember my kids being fascinated by the ceiling fan or the shadow from a lamp, and watching it for a long time. During these times, my husband and I simply prefer talking to them, and we give them toys only during specific hours during the day.
Can My Baby Sleep In A Bouncer?
No, folks! Baby bouncers are never safe for your child to sleep in, period.
They can pose a grave risk to the baby’s well-being and can result in fatal accidents. My pediatrician has advised me that using bouncers for sleeping can cause issues like:
1. Positional Asphyxia
This is dangerous. It so happens that a baby’s sleeping position can block the airway, where they literally can’t breathe.
- When you leave your baby in the bouncer unsupervised, their head can fall forward with the chin pressing down on their chest. This pressure may block the airway from the mouth and nose to the lungs.
- Airway blocks can also happen if the mouth and nose are covered for an extended time. Sleeping in a bouncer increases this risk.
2. SIDS
When my baby is in a bouncer, swing, or car seat, I ensure I have eyes on them. Babies don’t have much head and neck control when they are younger. This can make their head flop forward, and leaving them unattended in these positions may very well lead to SIDS.
- From pediatricians, experts, and experienced parents, everyone will tell you that a firm and flat surface is the best place for a baby to sleep. And even then, it’s better to watch them from time to time, so they don’t flip around and accidentally cover their mouths or noses, blocking the airway.
As per Jenny Ward, the CEO of the Lullaby Trust, “Babies are the safest sleeping on their back on a clear, flat, firm sleep surface”.
You can occasionally use the bouncer to soothe (due to rhythmic movements of a bouncer) and put your baby to sleep. But once they’re asleep, transfer them to an ideal sleeping surface like a crib.
Recommended Reading: How to Get Your Baby to Sleep in Crib
Safe Alternatives To Extended Bouncer Use
“It feels like it was just yesterday when we brought our baby home from the hospital!”
If you’re a parent to a new baby, you must be thinking about this already. Sometimes, it is the only complaint that the parents have, surpassing concerns about sleep deprivation, exhaustion, or recovery from birth. However, this rapid growth often makes it difficult to rely on a single baby gear for long.
If you’re feeling the same way, don’t worry. You can use alternatives to baby bouncers for your little one. Here are some of my favorites:
Baby Gyms And Play mats | Infant-To-Toddler Rockers | Pack-And-Plays | |
Portability | Portable and travel-friendly | Travel-friendly and easy-to-store | – Travel-friendly – Multifunctional as a crib or changing station |
Safe for Sleep | Safe for babies to sleep in | Babies should NOT sleep in rockers | Babies or toddlers can sleep in pack-and-plays |
Maintenance | Easy to clean and sanitize | Comparatively difficult to clean and maintain | Needs careful scrubbing, even when slightly dirty |
Age Limit | 0 to 24 months | – 0 to 6 months for regular infant rockers – 0 to 3 years for infant-to-toddler rockers | 0 to 36 months |
Benefits | – Adds variety to the child’s routine – Frees you up for other chores | – Helps to soothe a fussy baby – Frees you up for short breaks | – Keeps toddlers from wandering off – Gives your arms a break |
1. Baby Gym Or Play mat
Are you picturing cute babies in onesies lifting weights and doing bench presses? It cracks me up even thinking about it! But a baby gym or play mat isn’t anything like that.
- A play mat is a flat surface made of foam or a padded mat for the baby.
- A baby gym is usually a wooden arch with toys attached, music, and other textures.
I like to combine the two for a more engaging floor time for my baby.
Even though all play mats and baby gyms are newborn-friendly, I suggest using them from the third or fourth week. I was nervous to let Theo play on them initially. By his third week, my fears cooled off a little. He then used to enjoy his time in the baby gym.
2. Infant-To-Toddler Rocker
Sawyer, my youngest daughter, used to love her little rocking chair.
A baby rocker operates like an adult rocking chair but has a curved back, unlike a bouncer.
We knew that our babies would grow out of their toys quickly. Therefore, rather than buying a different gear every 4–6 months, we decided to invest in a rocker that can be used for both infants and toddlers.
3. Pack-And-Play
I understand that not all baby gear is for everyone. But we love a pack-and-play in our household. These travel-friendly, portable, baby-proof spaces can replicate a changing station, bassinet, or a small crib too.
- A pack-and-play is an excellent option for transitioning your little one from the bouncer. When your baby grows and moves around more, a pack-and-play can help your baby explore the world safely.
- Put them in the pack-and-play with their favorite toys, and you can watch over them while you do other things. But remember, never leave your baby alone, even when they’re in the pack-and-play.
Final Thoughts: Use Baby Bouncers Within Limits
A baby bouncer is excellent for entertaining your new baby. It lets them explore and experience the world from a new perspective. Furthermore, it allows you a few moments of freedom and mobility.
But like I said, moderation is key. Let your baby enjoy the bouncer by putting them in at 15 to 20-minute intervals throughout the day. At other times, let them have free play time on the play mat with the baby gym. It is even better to take them out on little walks with you, talk to them, and introduce them to new sights and sounds.
And don’t wreck yourself with worry about the growth and development of your baby. Just continue to be attentive, loving, and caring. Everything else will gradually fall into place.