Top Baby Exersaucer Jumper Bouncer Learning Center 2014
If you have never purchased a baby jumper or bouncer before, you will really enjoy having one, as will your baby.
When I had my first child many years ago, they did not have toys like this at all.
However, with my next two children, I made sure to own at least one. I would take it from room to room and rotate them from toy to toy throughout the day.
Investing in a couple of really good baby activity centers can help keep your child entertained, since babies have short attention spans, and give them a chance to play alone.
Advantages & Disadvantages to Baby Learning Centers
Advantages of Baby Bouncers and Jumpers
Obviously, your baby is entertained with the toys, lights, and sounds that these bouncers offer.
Have you ever seen a baby that has been exposed to a new sound before? Sometimes, they get very wide eyed and almost quiver like chihuahuas in excitement.
Because of the toys that are made specifically for babies, motor skills and developmental milestones can be reached that much faster.
When a baby is engaged with more than one physical sense at a time, for instance sight and sound or touch and sight, multiple areas of their brain is firing, and brain cell growth is accelerating.
It gives you a chance to be hands free for a while so you can get some more things accomplished.
Your baby gets a chance to sit upright and see the world from a different point of view.
Many of these are made to be folded down more easily for storage or portability.
Often, they can double as a snack area as well, with toys that can be removed so a plain tray space is exposed.
Disadvantages to Baby Bouncers and Jumpers
If it is not a good fit for your baby, too much pressure on their legs for too long a period of time could hinder their bone growth. It is recommended that you leave a baby in a toy like this for only about 30 minutes at a time.
Your baby is higher off the ground and could more easily reach items that she is close to.
Some baby jumpers and bouncers are a bit heavy so they are cumbersome to take from room to room, and there are those that do not fold down much at all.
Kinds of Bouncers Available
Exersaucers
These toys are stationary while giving just a bit of bounce, though their main purpose is to entertain your baby with the toys available.
These are kind of nice because the seats in them can turn 360° to access all toys around the tray. They also usually come with different height settings so you get the perfect fit for your baby.
Walkers
These also come with a few different ways to engage your baby, however they most often do not bounce.
I have seen some with a lockable feature, and then an option for your baby to push off with their feet and bounce, but you need to read all product specifications to determine if a walker will provide these features for you.
Walkers are fun, but they do pose safety risks since they can fall down stairs and your child can more easily move around the house and reach items that could be a danger to him.
Jumpers
Jumpers are stationary seats that are suspended with springs that are covered for extra safety. The seats in these do not usually turn at all, but all toys are within reach of your baby. These tend to fold down the most compactly for easier storage.
Features to Look for
Safety
Just because a manufacturer makes toys specifically for babies, does not mean that there are not a few toys here and there that could pose a hazard.
Make sure to inspect all toys for pinching parts, a sharp edges, or loose pieces.
Toys
Speaking of toys, make sure that the bouncer or jumper has enough toys to keep your baby occupied. It is true that you will pay less if you buy one that does not come with sounds or lights.
However, motion activated sounds not only teach your baby cause and effect, they are an additional entertainment to the existing toys. Make sure to note if there is volume control on the jumper you are considering.
Most toys come with at least two volume settings. I always like to find activity centers that feature some kind of teether as well; babies are notorious chewers! Hmmmm, kind of like those chihuahuas we mentioned earlier.
Height Adjustment
Since not all babies are shaped the same, make sure that whatever activity center you buy has adjustable height settings. Not only will this give you a good fit for your individual baby, it will allow you to continue to use the toy even as your child grows.
Size and Portability
If you have a small space in your home, make sure to check the measurements of the bouncer you are considering. Also, make sure to note if the the jumper or bouncer folds down or comes apart for travel or storage.
Washability
When a little person spends so much time soiling their pants, it is wise to find a seat cover that is easily removed to be thrown into the washing machine. If it does not come with removable fabric, make sure that it is made with some kind of plastic or vinyl covering back can easily be wiped down.
What kind of learning center do you want for your kids?
5 Great Bouncer Learning Centers Under $100
Top Multi Functioning Bouncer
Evenflo Exersaucer Triple Fun Active Learning Center
This Evenflo Exersaucer Triple Fun Active Learning Center, Life in the Amazon is my absolute favorite.
It has 11 different engaging toys, 3 height adjustments and a washable seat pad.
Safe & Stable Baby Jumper
Evenflo Exersaucer Jump and Learn Jumper
You might like this hybrid Evenflo Exersaucer Jump and Learn Jumper.
The manufacturer states that there are 58 learning activities but I am not sure where they are getting their count.
It does provide quite a bit to do though. The seat rotates and the bounce is pretty good.
Most Responsive & Bounciest Baby Bouncer
Fisher-Price Discover ‘n Grow Jumperoo
Another option is the Fisher-Price Discover ‘n Grow Jumperoo which has a fully rotating seat. I really like the removable soft toys that can be thrown in the washing machine. Toys are accompanied by lights and sounds as well.
Easy to Use Toddler Activity Center
Baby Einstein Musical Motion Activity Jumper
We inherited this Baby Einstein Musical Motion Activity Jumper that provides four stations of musical fun.
The bounce in this one is not quite as pronounced as the Evenflo Jump and Learn Jumper though, but it is still a nice toy for your baby.
High Quality Baby Walker
Combi All in One Activity Walker GT
This Combi All in One Activity Walker GT is shaped like a cute GT car!
With a searing wheel and toy mirrors, your baby will love pretending to drive.
There are lights and sounds as well.
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