Best baby bouncers, swings and rockers: tested by parents

Welcoming a new baby is a joyful time. It’s also a period of huge change. Some pieces of baby kit can make life with a newborn easier and this includes a baby bouncer or rocker.

The best baby bouncer should be a safe, secure and cosy place for your infant to relax and play. Some baby bouncers are lightweight and portable so you can keep your baby close by at all times. Others are entertainment centres with music, lights and vibration settings, providing stimulation and fun well into your child’s toddler years. Many options also include a bar overhead with fun baby toys attached, dangling and ready for your child to reach for to practice their motor skills and hit those all-important baby milestones.

Much like a baby jumperoo (for babies between the ages of six to 12 months), investing in a baby bouncer can give you moments of much-needed peace - it's somewhere you can lay them down when they can't yet sit up by themselves - but also help your baby learn and develop.

Best baby bouncers at a glance

• Best overall baby bouncer: BabyBjörn Bouncer Bliss, £145 £210

• Best budget baby bouncer: Red Kite Cozy Bounce, £30

• Best lightweight baby bouncer: Maxi-Cosi Kori Rocker, £96 £110

• Best baby bouncer for newborns: BabyBjörn Bouncer Balance Soft, £160 £210

• Best baby swing: Joie Serina 2-in-1 Swing and Rocker, £160

• Best baby bouncer for rocking: Nuna Leaf Grow Bouncer, £250

• Best baby bouncer with smart technology: 4Moms MamaRoo 5.0, £260 £300

• Best foldable baby bouncer: UPPAbaby Mira Bouncer, £160

• Best multi-functional baby bouncer: Stokke Steps Bouncer, £135 £169

How we tested the best baby bouncers and rockers

As the largest online network of parents in the UK, we've drawn on the vast wisdom of Mumsnet parents on our forums to collate a list of the top baby bouncers for every family, from budget and travel-friendly options to those that will grow and change with your child.

We also scoured bestseller lists, and consulted child development expert and former Great Ormond Street Hospital play specialist Karen Sherr on what to look for in a baby bouncer. We then tested a variety of baby bouncers ourselves with our independent panel of testers - mum of two, Luci, mum of two Kelsey and first-time mum Rachel - who put each bouncer through their paces with their babies (aged newborn to five months) to determine which were best in class.

After months of in-depth testing, here are the best baby bouncers to buy right now.

What age can my baby go in a bouncer?

Most baby bouncers can be used from birth (check the manufacturer recommendations before you buy though). Your baby will get the most out of a bouncer between three and six months when they can bounce or rock themselves and play with any toys.

Bouncers tend to last up to six months (9kg) or until a baby can sit up, roll or crawl. When they start trying to escape, it’s time to stop using the bouncer.

Some bouncers will transform into toddler seats that can be used up to age two or even beyond. These models tend to be more expensive, but their price per use will be impressively low.

Is it worth getting a baby bouncer?

A baby bouncer can really make a difference to your life, especially in those early months when you want to keep your baby close, but also want to free up your arms to have a shower or eat your dinner while it’s still hot.

Bouncers often come with different recline settings for babies to rest, relax, play, and interact with an older sibling.

As babies love to see what’s going on around them and enjoy kicking their legs and reaching for toys, bouncers are also useful for aiding their development.

Read next: The best toys for 9-month-olds

How much will a baby bouncer cost me?

Prices range from £18 up to £300+. While there can be a big difference in design, the most expensive seats aren’t necessarily the best.

A basic bouncer can be just as effective as a luxury model and, as most seats only last until six months of age, you'll want to consider how often you will use it and what features you need before deciding how much to invest.

The more expensive bouncers tend to be multi-functional and will rock or swing as well as bounce. If you’re buying an electric model, factor in the cost of batteries.

A second-hand bouncer, rocker, or swing can be bought for as little as £5, depending on the design. Ensure the seat is not damaged or has any loose parts, the frame is sturdy and bounces safely, and the harness still clips securely.

Should I buy a baby bouncer or baby swing?

There are several styles of infant seats available, from basic bouncers to high-tech swings with toys, lights, and music.

1. Basic bouncer

These are simple seats on a wire frame that bounce when your baby kicks. They don’t usually come with a toy bar so may not keep your baby entertained for long, but the frames tend to be lightweight and portable which makes them very useful for travel and storage.

2. Regular baby bouncer

Similar to a basic bouncer, regular baby bouncers also come with entertainment – most often a toy bar, lights, or music. Some also vibrate and offer different recline settings, from lie-flat to an upright position. These seats don’t tend to take up too much room and may be folded down for storage or travel, and some even come with adjustable height options too.

3. Rocker

A rocker is a baby seat that gently rocks backward and forwards. With a gentle nudge to start the motion, it is meant to remind babies of being rocked by their parents. Rockers tend to offer different recline settings and usually come with entertainment bars as well.

4. Baby swing

A soft seat that swings back and forth, baby swings are usually motorised and offer different settings and a range of motions to suit your baby. They tend to come with a toy bar and are bulkier and heavier than a regular baby bouncer, so they may not be portable or suitable for smaller spaces. Baby swings will usually require a power source to move.

5. Electric baby bouncer

These high-tech bouncers will bounce, sway or rock your baby for you. Some even allow you to connect your phone to play music and control the seat’s movements. Electric baby bouncers sit at the higher end of the price range and are often bigger, heavier, and less portable than regular bouncers.

What to look for when buying a baby bouncer, rocker, or swing chair

• Safety: A three-point harness is the minimum a baby bouncer should have, but a five-point harness, which has shoulder straps, is even better. Ensure the bouncer feet are stable and non-slip.

• Size: Some bouncers and swings are bulky and may need to be plugged into a wall, so consider how much space you have and where it will be stored around the home.

• Portability: If you travel away from home a lot or want to move the seat easily around the house, you may need a lighter model that can be folded down or one that has a handle or wheels.

• Ease of cleaning: Babies can be messy so ideally look for a seat that has a removable, machine-washable cover. Also ensure that the straps, frame and toys can be cleaned too.

• Seat position: For newborns, check that the seat reclines almost flat. Also, look for a bouncer or rocker with a wide base that won’t be tipped over by an excitable older sibling.

• Padding: A padded insert is useful for newborns as it will provide extra support to their head and neck. Straps and harnesses should also have cushioning to prevent rubbing and fingers from getting trapped as you fasten them in.

• Extras: Decide whether you want a basic seat or one with fun extras like toys, music, lights, and vibrations to soothe and entertain your baby.

Read next: Newborn essentials: the ultimate baby checklist

Baby bouncer safety guidelines

When it comes to any baby product, safety should always come first. All baby bouncers should meet the relevant European safety standards, but child development expert Karen Sherr advises parents to follow these safety guidelines and carefully read the manufacturer's instructions before using a baby bouncer.

• The NHS advises that a baby should not use a baby bouncer for more than 20 minutes as it can put excessive strain on their back. Parents should balance time in the bouncer with playtime on the floor.

• Bouncers are not suitable for sleeping in – it is recommended that a baby sleeps on a firm, flat surface. Visit The Lullaby Trust for advice on the best places for babies to sleep.

• Never leave your child unattended – a young baby has little muscle control which can cause their head to flop forward.

• Make sure harness straps are always done up, even if you are only putting your baby in the seat for a couple of minutes.

• Never put your baby bouncer on an elevated surface such as a worktop or table – they can bounce off or get knocked off accidentally.

• Most baby bouncers can be used from birth but may not be suitable for premature or low-birthweight babies.

• Ensure you follow the manufacturer's guidelines about weight and height restrictions for your product.

• Do not carry the bouncer around with your baby inside.

How we selected which baby bouncers to test

We commissioned Gemma Wilcock, a writer and mum of two, to research a variety of baby bouncers. Gemma has written extensively about parenthood, including reviews on the best cribs for Mumsnet.

Gemma spent 10 hours researching which products to put to the test. She looked at the different types of bouncers currently available, scoured the Mumsnet forums to find testimony from real-life parents, read reviews on other trusted review sites, such as Which? and Amazon, and spoke directly to parents to see which products came highly recommended.

She also spoke to Karen Sherr, a child psychologist, former play specialist at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, and founder of Musical Minis (a preschool music group focused on child development), to find out what parents should be looking for when buying a baby seat and how to use them safely.

Once the research was complete, she ended up with a shortlist of highly-rated bouncers, swings and rockers to put to the test, covering a range of parenting needs, brands and budgets.

How we tested the best baby bouncers

• Four months of testing

• Tested with newborns from two weeks old as well as a five-month-old

We also scoured bestseller lists, consulted child development expert Karen Sherr and tested baby bouncers ourselves with mum of two, Luci, mum of two Kelsey and first-time mum Rachel who put each baby bouncer through its paces in real family homes. They tested each product out with their babies, collating comprehensive testing notes and scoring each product on six key areas: safety and stability, assembly, day-to-day use, cleanliness, aesthetics and value for money.

To ensure our testing is fair, we try to ask one tester to use all of the products in their own home. This reduces any potential variables in the testing process and ensures that our results are based on a like-for-like comparison.

Our tester, Luci, has a five-year-old and a now four-month-old, who was just two weeks old when testing started. She used each model for at least a week in her busy three-bedroom mid-terrace home.

• Luci assessed the quality of the materials and whether the seat was supportive. She checked the harness, whether the seat could be knocked over easily or cause trip hazards, and how sturdy any toy bars were. She also had help from her son who was eager to bounce his little sister and put the bouncer's overall sturdiness to the test.

• She scored the bouncer on how easy it was to assemble, reading the instructions to see how helpful they were and timing how long it took to put the seat together.

• She tested the motion and whether a baby could bounce or rock it themselves. She assessed how easy it was to lift her baby in and out and tested out the recline options.

• She considered how entertaining and soothing any toys, music, lights, or vibrations were. Luci also marked the bouncer on how big it was and whether it was portable.

• She ran stain tests on each seat, looking at whether the covers could be removed and machine washed, and how easily everyday stains like milk, baby sick and food came off.

• She looked at the aesthetics, whether it was a stylish baby product that would blend in with her home or a vibrant, more child-friendly design.

• Finally, she marked each bouncer on whether the quality of the seat matched the price tag and, most importantly, whether she would recommend it to others.

About the authors

Gemma Wilcock is a freelance writer and mum of two. She has 15 years of experience working for national magazines and online publications, and has been researching and writing about baby and child products for Mumsnet for over six years - reviewing everything from buggies to bouncers.

As a busy mum of two young children, now aged eight and six, she knows just how important first-hand parenting knowledge can be, and she draws on her own experiences when writing about baby essentials, toys, health, money and lifestyle. She has also written for Prima Baby, Woman’s Own and Bella.

Laura Westerman is an editor, writer and Deputy Head of Editorial Content at Mumsnet. With over eight years' experience as a full-time editor, five of which have been spent writing, commissioning and editing product reviews and round-ups, Laura has a keen eye for what parents love and likes nothing more than putting together honest reviews to make parents' lives that little bit easier. 

In addition to her work as a writer and editor, she has personally tested a variety of baby products, including buggies, car seats and baby bouncers with her now three-year-old. She has also appeared in a number of baby product review videos for Mumsnet's YouTube channel.