Your baby is active and wants to jump and bounce all over the house. You’re excited to see your baby is growing stronger, but you still need to get the laundry folded! While you’d like to run out and purchase the best baby jumper on the market, the choices are overwhelming.
Affordability should be a key factor when searching for the best baby jumper. Since it’s a large item that is used for just a few months, parents should “try before they buy,” says Allyson Downey, co-owner of the baby product reviewing site weeSpring. “Our children loved them and would jump so happily and enthusiastically they’d sometimes zonk out in the jumper, but the shelf life was short.”
Before you allow your baby to jump the day away, however, make sure you aren’t using a baby jumper in place of a babysitter. Baby jumpers and stationary exersaucers are safe to use in moderation, for 10 to 20 minutes per day, but time in the toy should be capped. “For parents who do use baby jumpers, it is important to remember they do tend to put the child in an unnatural upright position,” said Kendra Gagnon, a pediatric physical therapist and an associate professor of physical therapy at Rockhurst University.
“Babies in a jumper usually aren’t able to stand on their own yet, and most babies in jumpers and saucers tend to lean forward and push up on their toes. For most typically developing kids, a few minutes a day in this position won’t make a difference. But prolonged time in a baby jumper takes away from the most ideal position for play and development — tummy time. Parents should be mindful of how long their baby spends in any piece of equipment and opt for tummy time and floor play when it is feasible.”
If you are searching for the best baby jumper, here are five products to consider:
- Fisher-Price Luv U Zoo Jumperoo
This freestanding baby jumper from Fisher-Price offers numerous entertainment options for your little jumping bean. It has a plastic seat for your baby to sit in while she listens to music and gazes at colorful lights. A toy bar with zoo animals hangs overhead so your baby can practice her grasping skills. The seat also spins so your baby can enjoy the fun from all angles of the room. You can order it online or find it in department stores for about $75 to $80.
- Evenflo Johnny Jump Up Door Jumper
Evenflo‘s springy door jumper will have your baby doing the “high jump.” Sit your baby in the cushioned seat that suspends from a door frame clamp and watch him jump for joy as he works his leg muscles to reach new heights. This baby jumper sells for approximately $15 to $20.
- Jolly Jumper on a Stand
If mobility is of paramount importance to you, consider the Jolly Jumper. This portable baby jumper is perfect for trips to Grandma’s house. The steel stand is sturdy — supporting babies up to 28 pounds — but can be folded and easily transported. It comes with a plastic seat that provides back support for babies who are not old enough to sit upright by themselves. This product can be found for around $85 to $95.
- Bright Starts Jumper-Bounce Bounce Baby
This versatile baby jumper from Bright Starts is sure to keep your baby on her toes. She can gaze at her reflection in the mirror as she plays music with a built-in xylophone. She can also strengthen her leg muscles as she pushes off from the adjustable platform at the bottom. The toy teether is perfect for soothing her gums if she’s fussy. This jumper sells for approximately $50.
- Baby Einstein Neighborhood Friends Activity Jumper
Baby Einstein has a multipurpose jumper that’s a fun, educational and relaxing toy for your baby. Babies up to 25 pounds can sit securely in the padded seat and listen to peaceful, classical melodies. He can spin a rattle drum as he jumps to the beat or enhance his language skills with English, French and Spanish sounds. This baby jumper can be found for around $100.
Does your baby prefer the swing to the jumper? Check out 5 Tips for Using a Baby Swing to Calm Your Baby.
Jennifer Gilbert is a freelance writer and mother of two. She enjoys reading, traveling, cooking, dancing and spending time with her family.
