The best baby bouncers and rockers can be a lifesaver for parents when you’ve got your hands full. They help keep your baby soothed and happy while you rest your arms, get some essential life admin done, or enjoy a still-warm cup of tea.
Many boast vibration settings (so you can take a break from the 24/7 jiggle), music and entertainment options to keep them happy and stimulated. Their upright position is also great for easing wind and reflux after feeding, instead of laying your baby down flat.
But, with so many options and features to consider, finding one to suit you and your little one can feel like mission impossible. That’s why our parenting expert at the Good Housekeeping Institute has been busy bouncing and rocking a range of market-leading baby chairs to find the ones worth investing in. Because no one wants tears before bedtime (yours or theirs).
You’ll find the winners in a handy list below but read on for the full reviews and everything you need to know before you shop.
1
Best manual baby bouncer
Nuna Leaf Grow Baby Bouncer
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2
3
4
5
6
Best for soothing features
Graco All Ways Soother 2-in-1 Baby Swing and Portable Rocker
Read more
7
Best smart swing
Munchkin Bluetooth Baby Swing Chair & Seat
Read more
8
Best entertainment centre
Babymoov Evolution Connect App-Connected Baby Swing
Read more
What types of baby chair are available?
There are a range of different options available – your pick will depend on budget and whether you want something simple, or a design with extra bells and whistles.
Bouncer chairs are usually small, with a flexible wire frame. Thanks to their springy mechanism, they’re motion powered, with your baby’s own movements making them bounce naturally and gently. You can also push it gently with your hand to create a soothing bounce.
Rocking chairs – like their adult equivalents, these have curved bases that rock when you push them. They are good for soothing your baby as they mimic the feel of being held.
Swing seats are typically larger, heavier units with a solid base that holds the chair and an electronic unit that creates motions. Some rock, some move from side to side, and some have even more complex motions. They can also incorporate music, sounds and vibrations.
What to look for in a baby bouncer
Size: While some designs are small, simple chairs on frames, others have large, heavy bases but come with added features. Think about your space and whether you will want to move it from room to room or travel with it.
Power: You can choose between an electric or manual chair. Electric ones are convenient as they don’t require you to sit there and assist with bouncing. But manual ones are lower maintenance, as the baby can control the bounce through their kicks, or with a little help from you.
Care: Most of the options on our list have fabrics that are easily machine washable or can be wiped down. We’ve included care guidelines from the manufacturer in the key specs below.
Functions: As well as motion, some baby chairs also come with vibration and sound options, such as white noise, which can be useful for soothing your little one or keeping them entertained.
Do I need a baby bouncer?
Baby bouncers offer a range of benefits, including relief from holding a little person 24/7, and freedom to get on with other tasks. But most importantly, they can be a fun, comfortable spot for babies to simply chill out.
They can also help with your baby’s development, letting them see what’s going on around them and enjoy kicking their legs.
When can you use a baby bouncer?
They can be used from birth, usually with a newborn insert seat pad that you remove as your baby grows. They will also have an upper weight and age limit, which you can find by checking the manufacturer’s website.
Most are meant to be used until your baby is around five to six months, but some are adaptable and can transform into a toddler seat for extra flexibility.
Safety guidelines for baby bouncers
Remember that all baby chairs must only be used on flat floors, and never placed on a raised surface such as a table or countertop. Don’t put them near stairs as the motion could cause them to move and tip.
Bouncers aren’t designed to be places for your baby to sleep – It's always important to ensure your baby is sitting upright and not slumped forward, as this could potentially block their airway. And although these devices give you the freedom to move about, you should never leave your little one unattended in a bouncy seat.
How we test baby bouncers
Rest assured that we start by checking every chair on our list meets the appropriate safety standards.
Next, to find our winners, our tester assesses the range of sitting positions, the effectiveness of the safety harness, how easy it is to set up and use, its suitability for the age of baby recommended, and how easy it is to clean. We also check how easy they are to fold down for storage and travel, and whether they can be adapted to suit toddlers as well as newborns.
When it comes to design, safety is key. Our expert looks for chairs that are slip-proof on hard floors, have a sturdy build, and can easily hold the weight of the child they’re designed for. We take all that into account when we award our final scores.
We also send each baby bouncer out to mums and dads to try at home, asking them to give feedback on ease of use, set up, and, of course, how cosy and entertained it kept their little ones. We’ve included their thoughts in our write-ups below.
These are the ones we think will keep them – and you – happy.
For more GHI Approved parenting products, check out the results of our Parenting Awards where you'll find our experts' top-rated pushchairs, cot beds, bedside cribs and more.
Parenting Awards 2024
Pros
- Can be used through the toddler years
- Long-lasting
Cons
- No music, vibration or lights
Score: 97/100
This bouncer from Nuna Leaf is a top-end, luxurious baby chair that will help soothe fractious little ones. There’s no fear of running out of battery in times of need either, as it’s manual and uses kinetic energy to softly rock your baby back and forth. Scoring nearly full marks on test, it’s hard to find fault with this one.
There are three recline positions that you can adjust by pushing a lever on the rear of the stalk that holds the chair up; push it and gently ease the seat down with your hand on the top of the chair. The seat can also be locked in place, which is good for feeding and playtime. It can also move from side to side, which one at-home tester said helped their baby drift off.
Though it’s expensive, it can be used from birth through the toddler years and beyond (up to 60kg), as it transforms into a comfy lounge chair. So, the initial investment should pay off in the long-term. “I actually wish they did an adult version as it looks so calming!” said one impressed parent.
Key specifications
| Type | Swaying chair |
|---|---|
| Overall dimensions | 76 x 71 x 61cm |
| Suitable for | Birth to 60kg |
| Weight | 6.8kg |
| Number of seating positions | 2 |
| Cleaning guidelines | Fabrics are machine washable, other parts can be wiped. |
| Guarantee | 5-7 years |
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Pros
- Folds flat for storage
- No need for electricity or batteries
Cons
- Fabric design may not suit everyone
Score: 97/100
Sometimes, the best products are not the ones with all the gadgets and flashing lights. And this simple, yet brilliantly designed, rocker from Bababing is proof.
The brand was founded by three dads, who wanted to make safe, effective products at reasonable prices. Despite being affordable, this doesn’t skimp on design. It’s neat, with a sleek, rounded frame that can be folded flat, so you can slip it behind the sofa when you’re not using it, which earned it full marks for storage. The fabric’s easy to clean too, according to one at-home tester, who said it was easy to just pop it in the washing machine after a spill. It’s compact and lightweight, making it a great option to travel with, too.
The toy arch comes with two hanging elephants, a cute way to keep your baby entertained. And if your little one is all rocked out, you can keep the bouncer still by simply flipping the feet to the front for a stable base, which is ideal for play and weaning.
Key specifications
| Type | Baby chair and bouncer |
|---|---|
| Overall dimensions | 73 x 40 x 9cm |
| Suitable for | Newborns to 9kg |
| Weight | 3kg |
| Number of seating positions | 3 |
| Cleaning guidelines | Machine washable, do not tumble dry or dry-clean |
| Guarantee | 1 year |
3
Best lightweight bouncer
BabyBjorn Bouncer Bliss
Pros
- Suitable up to toddler age
- Easy set-up
Cons
- No toys or added extras
Score: 96/100
This small, versatile chair can be used both as a bouncer for young babies and as a seat for older children up to around two years. When used as a baby bouncer, it has an integrated three-point harness and three recline positions – the lowest setting is suited to very small babies up to 7kg, and the next two up to 9kg. If your baby is windy or colicky, then the upright position is ideal for burping.
It’s a compact chair that can be folded flat for storage or travel and the harness is easy for parents to do up and undo - but luckily, not for children. Our tester scored it full marks for ease of use, but there are helpful videos on the website to show you how to set up, adjust and wash the bouncer should you struggle at all.
It was described as “perfect” by one of our at-home testers, while another said the sturdy, secure design kept their son, “safe and snug while chilling out.”
The fabric feels soft yet durable, and the seat has been designed to support your baby's spine with input from paediatricians. It also looks sleek and stylish, with none of the garish plastic or lights some bouncers have.
Key specifications
| Type | Baby chair and bouncer |
|---|---|
| Overall dimensions | 58 x 89 x 39cm in highest position 89 x 39 x 11cm in folded position |
| Suitable for | Newborn to 13kg (around 2 years) |
| Weight | 2.1kg |
| Number of seating positions | 3 |
| Cleaning guidelines | Machine washable at 40-degrees. Do not tumble dry or dry clean |
| Guarantee | 2 years |
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Pros
- Simple to use
- No batteries or wires
Cons
- Some may not like the dark grey finish
Score: 94/100
"Simple“, “sleek” and “stylish” are just some of the words our tester used to describe this rocker. It’s manual and doesn’t have lots of features like some of the other models on our list, but it’s the perfect option for soothing and holding your baby. It includes a well-padded insert suitable for newborns that can also be removed to make more room for bigger babies or when they grow.
The three-point harness does up at the sides and there’s a wide, well-padded lap protector. When it came to set up, our tester scored it full marks for thorough instructions and ease of assembly. “It folded pretty flat, so storage is easy,” agreed one panel member, making it straightforward from start to finish.
There’s also an arch with two cute toys clipped on, but this can be removed when you want to reach and lift your baby out. It folds flat for storage – just press a button on the underside of the frame, then use the recline button and it slips down. It’s a manual rocker, but you can transform it into a static chair by unfolding two flip-out legs under the rockers that stop it from moving.
Key specifications
| Type | Bouncy chair and rocker |
|---|---|
| Overall dimensions | 48 x 42.5 x 72cm |
| Suitable for | Newborn to 15kg |
| Weight | 2.7kg |
| number of seating positions | 2 |
| Cleaning guidelines | Machine wash fabric |
| Guarantee | N/a |
Score: 93/100
If your little one favours sleeping on one side of their head, they may be prone to a condition called plagiocephaly, or in layman’s terms, flat head syndrome. While this usually resolves itself naturally, encouraging a good head position can help. This bouncer was developed by paediatric orthopaedists to help with this. It has a newborn inlay with a head cushion, which means your baby is positioned in the best way. It has been ergonomically designed to support their spine, too.
It’s a very lightweight chair and is easy to fold for storage or travel. As it’s manual, there’s no need for batteries or any cables either. For an additional £29.99, you can buy a handy travel case for it, too.
It can be used from birth right up to around two years – there’s an easy-opening three-point harness for the first few months and then the seat can be flipped to create a little toddler seat. The machine-washable fabrics are breathable and cosy and there’s a choice of seven lovely colours. Testers praised the quality build, saying it was stable and secure, even on hard floors. However, we would have liked the toy bar to have been included with our purchase, rather than sold separately. Our parents were pleased overall though. “My daughter loves being in it!” confirmed one.
Key specifications
| Type | Baby chair and bouncer |
|---|---|
| Overall dimensions | 41.5 x 56 x 85.5kg |
| Suitable for | Newborn to 13kg (around 2 years) |
| Weight | 4kg |
| Number of seating positions | 3 |
| Cleaning guidelines | Machine washable |
| Guarantee | 1 year |
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6
Best for soothing features
Graco All Ways Soother 2-in-1 Baby Swing and Portable Rocker
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Pros
- Good range of swinging options and sounds
- Easy to use
Cons
- Large and heavy
Score: 81/100
This bouncer from Graco impressed our at-home testers, with one telling us they “couldn’t ask for any more in a bouncer!”. In fact, everyone who tried it said they would recommend it to others. The chair sits on a very solid base and has a five-point harness to keep your baby snug and secure. But it’s still easy enough for you to lift your baby in and out, as you can undo all five straps at once, or leave one side attached and slide your baby in. On test, it scored full marks for its ease of use when it comes to undoing and doing up, as well as adjusting, the straps.
There are plenty of additional features to keep your little one entertained. The seat moves in several different arcs, as well as side to side and up and down. There are also five nature sounds to choose from, including a waterfall and a heartbeat, to help soothe them. The music selection includes 10 lullabies as well as classical tunes – these are a little bit tinny but overall, the sound is pretty good.
A toy bar attaches to one side and comes with two little toys – which stayed securely in place, despite several yanks. This is a good all-purpose bouncer, entertainer and safe place for your baby to rest and play.
Key specifications
| Type | Bouncy chair with electronics, music, vibration |
|---|---|
| Overall dimensions | 72.7 x 65.2 x 81cm |
| Suitable for | Newborn to 6 months |
| Weight | 10.22kg |
| Number of seating positions | 3 |
| Cleaning guidelines | Machine wash fabric, wipe rest of seat |
| Guarantee | 2 years |
Pros
- Smooth to use
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Quite large
- Seat only has one position
Score: 81/100
This baby rocker from Munchkin certainly does have all the bells and whistles. It can swing manually, but why would you want it to when you can control it from your phone? Yes, like most things these days, this chair can connect to an app via Bluetooth. There are five ranges of motion to choose from, a timer, and a range of music – whether you want your baby to bounce to peaceful whale music, or rock out to a lullaby version of Mozart.
Despite all its features, this is a simple chair to put together, and its perfect score for assembly is testament to that. It comes out of the box in two pieces, then you simply slip the seat into the base – and that's it. Our parents were also seriously impressed with how easy it was to store. As they pointed out, newborns require “a lot of kit”, so it was refreshing to be able to slide the base under the settee and out the way.
The seat has a newborn insert and a separate head cushion, and both can be taken out, using simple Velcro tabs, for washing. The harness can be undone with the push of a button, and it grows with your child. When you remove the seat pad, it also reveals a mesh hammock inside that helps prevent overheating in the warmer months.
Key specifications
| Type | Swinging electronic chair with sounds |
|---|---|
| Overall dimensions | 47 x 66 x 66cm |
| Suitable for | Newborn to 9kg |
| Weight | 3.9kg |
| Number of seating positions | 1 |
| Cleaning guidelines | Seat pad and head rest are machine washable |
| Guarantee | 1 year |
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Pros
- Easy to use app
- Lots of sounds, tunes and motions
Cons
- Very large
- Quite expensive
Score: 77/100
This swing from Babymoov is another app-enabled option that will have your little one moving and grooving to your chosen speed and swing movements. There’s a control panel on the front of the seat, but you can also connect to the app via Bluetooth to explore a range of motions and sounds, with adjustable volume to protect your little one’s ears. Not only can you play pre-programmed music, but you can also record your own messages or lullabies for the baby. Taylor Swift look out!
It is larger and heavier than others on this list, so you will need to ensure you have space in your house. It’s not easy to move from room to room but it’s a sturdy and comfortable place for your baby to rest and play.
The seat itself has been cleverly thought through, with a soft newborn insert that you can remove as your baby grows and replace with the main seat, which is made with a cosy waffle fabric. “It’s really good quality, with special attention to detail around the buckles for maximum comfort,” said one happy at-home tester.
The seat has a five-point safety harness inside that includes a padded area over the lap, which both protects the harness from baby's hands and adds comfort, too; it can be adjusted as your baby gets taller. The seat also has various adjustment options available - both the leg and back rests can be independently moved so that you can find a good position that your baby finds comfortable at different stages, from upright to almost flat.
Key specifications
| Type | Swinging electronic chair with music and toys |
|---|---|
| Overall dimensions | 81 x 65 x 79cm |
| Suitable for | Newborn to 9kg |
| Weight | 5kg |
| Number of seating positions | 5 |
| Cleaning guidelines | Wipe frame with damp cloth, fabric machine washable at 30 degrees |
| Guarantee | Lifetime |
Madeleine Evans
Lifestyle Writer
Madeleine is our Lifestyle Writer, specialising in expert-tested reviews and round-ups on the latest beauty Beauty and products. From skincare to protein powders, Maddie is committed to providing honest and helpful reviews to help guide readers to the best product for them. Maddie has a BA in English Literature and Language, which stemmed from her lifelong interest in reading and writing. She started her post graduate life at Hearst UK within a marketing capacity, which quickly turned into a desire to fulfil a writing career.
When she is not writing about the latest expert reviewed products, you can find her rifling through vintage shops or car boots, reading a print magazine, or capturing portraits on her film camera.
Tested bySally J. Hall
Sally J. Hall is a parenting tester for the GHI, reviewing everything from bedside cribs and pushchairs to nappies. She has written extensively on pregnancy, birth and the health and development of both pregnant mums and their babies. She has in-depth knowledge of the parenting world, has tested thousands of products and is passionate about finding those that make parents’ lives easier.
Sally has worked on many major UK parenting titles and was previously editor of both Emma’s Diary and Bounty. With extensive contacts across the parenting industry, she published B Baby Magazine for eight years, which covered the private maternity market across the UK and is the author of books Plant Based Baby and Eco Baby.
