Baby bouncer seats are a helpful, portable and popular accessory for parents of young children. However, nearly 2,000 children annually are injured in accidents related to these seats. There are a number of precautions parents should take when purchasing and using baby bouncer seats.
Why Use a Baby Bouncer?
The ease of moving lightweight baby bouncer seats makes them ideal for moving from room to room when at home and the child can't be held, and also for traveling with infants. Because they rock, parents also find them helpful for calming fussy babies.
Risk of Injury
According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission, there were 1,900 injuries in 2005 among children under age 5 that were related to the use of baby bouncer seats, and between 2001 and 2003, bouncer seat use caused three deaths. Injuries may result from a seat tipping, improper use of safety harnesses or laceration from sharp parts. Excessive use of bouncer seats may also pose a hazard. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, prolonged use of baby bouncers or car seats can lead to flattened head syndrome, or positional plagiocephaly, a persistent flat spot on the back or side of the head.
Safety Tips
Consumer Reports and the newparentsguide.com offer some helpful safety tips for using baby bouncer seats, including:
- Consistent use of the safety restraint.
- Adhering to the seat's minimum and maximum age and weight limits.
- Not carrying infants in the bouncer seat.
- Using canopies (on models that have them) when outdoors.
- Never leaving a baby unattended in a bouncer seat.
- Never using a bouncer seat as a car seat.
- Not using a bouncER seat that is damaged or broken.
What to Look for When Purchasing a Baby Bouncer
When purchasing a baby bouncer seat, look for seats that are sturdy, comfortable and lightweight. A sturdy seat with a wide base will be harder to tip over. If the bouncer seat will be used outdoors, purchase one with a canopy to protect your baby from the sun and wind.
Recall Information
Be sure to send in your new bouncer seat's registration card so you can be notified in the event of a recall. The Consumer Product Safety Commission's list of infant/child product recalls, which includes several bouncer seats, is available at cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/category/child.html.
