What To Look For
Consider a seat's safety when shopping for a bouncer seat. Consumer Reports claims that bouncer seats should have a base or rear support that's wider than the seat to ensure steadiness. When you push on the seat, it shouldn't tip sideways at all. The base should also have some kind of non-skid material.
Many bouncer seats vibrate. This motion can help your baby sleep longer. If the bouncer plays music or has flashing lights, check to make sure that you can easily turn them off.
Some swings are portable. If you choose a portable swing, it shouldn't be too heavy. Fold it to see if you can easily carry it.
Some bouncers come with a toy bar to amuse babies. Don't buy a bouncer with a flimsy toy bar, as this could pose a safety threat for your baby.
The fabric attached to the seat should easily slip off to make cleaning easy.
Common Pitfalls
Not every bouncer seat has been safety certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association. As a matter of fact, only seven brands can claim JPMA safety certification according to Consumer Reports: Delta Enterprise, Safety 1st, Fisher-Price, Kolcraft, Graco, Summer Infant and Svan/Scandinavian Child.
In addition, some models have been recalled. Visit the Consumer Products' Safety Commission's website to make sure that the model you choose isn't on a recall list. This is especially important if you plan on purchasing a used seat.
Where To Buy
Find budget-friendly bouncer seats at stores like Babies 'R Us, Target and Wal-Mart or on line. High-end brands, such as the wooden Svan, can only be found at specialty baby boutiques or on line.
Cost
Inexpensive brands like Fisher-Price can cost between $25 and $40. High-end bouncers, such as Peg Perego or Baby Bjorn, can cost as much as $210.
Insider Tips
Most babies only use a bouncer seat until they're five or six months old. Once your baby can sit unsupported, he'll be on to bigger and better things. When you're purchasing a bouncer seat, keep in mind that the seats aren't meant to be used for an extended period of time. Because of this, lesser quality seats can still meet your needs, unless you'd like to use the seat for subsequent children, or unless you'd like to sell the seat after your baby has grown out of it.
