Bouncers and baby gyms offer a parent a break from holding and entertaining a fussy infant, with hands-free time to get some things done around the house. While both are useful, they serve different purposes. Baby bouncers hold a child in place, and offer a variety of play activities. Baby gyms allow the baby to play while sitting up or lying on her back.
Function
Baby gyms and bouncers offer infants a diversion from other toys. Baby gyms can be used by a non-mobile baby who still needs to lie on his back or by an older infant who can sit up. The baby will exercise and use large motor skills when reaching for the various toys hanging from the toy bar and will hone fine motor skills when grasping the items.
A baby bouncer allows the baby to be strapped in while on his back, preventing him from going anywhere. When he kicks his legs, the bouncer raises up and down. Most bouncers also have lights and a toy bar which offer the baby additional entertainment.
Types
Baby bouncers range from the most basic which just bounces if the baby kicks to an elaborate bouncer that lights up, vibrates and plays music. Bouncers have a toy bar that holds small stuffed toys or can hold brightly colored plastic toys that make music when pulled.
Baby gyms consist of a padded piece of fabric that lays on the floor with two arched toy bars that hang over it. Small toys such as stuffed animals, mirrors, rattles and flashing lights hang from the bars and provide stimulation and entertainment for the baby.
Size
Baby gyms take up several square feet of space when placed on the floor. They are less than two feet tall. The baby gym will fold flat for easy storage and can easily slip into a closet or storage room.
Baby bouncers are a bit bulkier in shape. They're made of metal and fabric, and can't be folded when put away. The bouncer will take up several square feet of space when in use or storage.
Considerations
Baby gyms and bouncers are nice to have, but aren't essential pieces of baby equipment. If the household budget is tight and cost is a consideration, consider finding used baby bouncers and baby gyms at garage sales or consignment shops. Both items can also go on baby registry lists.
Make sure used baby equipment hasn't been recalled or damaged before using.
Warning
Babies should never be left alone when using bouncers or baby gyms. Both items are safest when used on the floor. The baby can lunge forward in a bouncer and tip it over. If the bouncer is placed on a table or chair, the baby could fall to the floor.
The baby gym should be placed in a safe area free of hanging cords, uncovered outlets, etc. An unsupervised baby can crawl or move away from the baby gym and get into items nearby.
