Baby bouncer safety tips

Posted by Angela Brown on June 5th, 2019

In a survey by Which?, the number one most useful baby product as voted by parents was a bouncing chair.

It’s not surprising; your baby needs a lot of attention, but life has to go on around her, so a safe and comfortable place to put her down for short periods is a godsend.

But while baby bouncers are a brilliant investment, they can be dangerous if they’re not used correctly.

We explain the safety guidelines for using bouncing chairs, door bouncers and sit-in bouncers.
What is a baby bouncer?

Bouncing chairs go by a variety of different names, but are all broadly similar: a reclined seat, usually suitable from birth, that soothes your baby with a gentle rocking motion.

Best Baby Bouncer For All requirements – 2019 Guide
https://www.newmomstuff.com/baby-bouncer

They may be activated by your baby’s own movements, or be mains or battery powered, sometimes with swing, rock and vibrate functions.

One of the most important rules of baby bouncers is to check the weight and/or age guidance.

Most of them can be used from birth, but may not be suitable for premature or low birthweight babies.

At the other end of the scale, make sure you know when your baby will outgrow the bouncer.

They usually have a weight restriction, but also state that you should stop using the seat when your baby can sit, roll or crawl by herself – a milestone that may come before she gets too heavy for it.

Continuing to use a bouncing chair when your baby is mobile could be dangerous as she might be able to topple the chair over.

Bouncing chairs should have a three-point safety harness to hold your baby securely in the seat.

Make sure this is always done up when you put your baby in the chair, even if it’s just for a couple of minutes, to prevent her falling out.

Remember never to put a baby bouncer on a raised surface, even if you think your baby is too small to move around by herself, as there is a serious risk of falls.

It’s also important not to leave your baby unattended in a bouncer, especially while she’s asleep.

A recent study has found that sleeping in bouncing chairs (as well as car seats) can increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) due to suffocation or becoming entangled in the safety harness.

source: netmums.com/reviews/how-to-guides/baby-bouncer-safety-tips-you-need-to-know