Babies love to bounce. Whether it's on your knee or on a mattress, bouncing up and down is exciting and oodles of fun. With a baby jumper, babies get the pleasure of bouncing on their own, in any direction they want. Moving up and down as well as side to side, a baby jumper allows a child to release as much energy as he or she can. What a great way for a baby to exercise. Most baby jumpers are designed to take up very little floor space, if any at all. Some are easily attached to a door frame, with secure clips that fasten to the sides, allowing the unit to be suspended just above the floor. Other models are "stand-alone," with a base and a suspended seat that allows for total bouncing freedom. Baby jumpers are designed for babies from 4 months old to walking age. And what a boon to moms, as they allow a mother to do her chores without having to worry about baby getting into trouble.
What to Look for
When shopping for a good baby jumper, look for a framed seat that fully surrounds the child. If it is a door frame model, the seat should be of a sturdy material that allows the child to be placed inside comfortably and securely. Make sure the unit comes with seat pads that can easily be removed for cleaning in the washing machine. Some baby jumpers come with attachable interactive toys on play rings. Stand-alone models may include clip-on areas for baby's favorite toys, or they may come with activity stations with lights, music and other entertainment elements. Be sure that the baby jumper has all the safety standards in place.
Common Pitfalls
Far more important than all the extras that can come with a baby jumper is the manufacturer's commitment to safety. Better to buy a secure and simple jumper without the frills than one with all the bells and whistles that does not stand up to industry standards. For the door frame model, check the clamp that attaches to the frame. Some plastic clips have been recalled due to breaking. Check the reliability of the seat as well as the spring. The spring should be enclosed to prevent a baby from getting a finger caught as well as to keep dust from collecting in the coils. If you are buying a stand-alone model, look for height-adjustable legs that grow with your baby. You will lose money if you have to buy another unit when your child suddenly has a growth spurt.
