Best Baby Jumpers For Your Active Baby

When Can My Baby Use a Jumper?

A baby needs to have proper head control, ie supporting his/her own head without assistance. It might surprise new parents just to see how wobbly a newborn’s head can be, and you will be sure to notice the milestone when your baby can hold his/her head up proudly.

Think of it this way – a baby jumper is the next big kid milestone for your little one. A baby jumper allows your baby to jump on his feet rather than bounce around in an infant bouncy seat. A baby jumper with an activity center is the older version of an infant play mat.

​Some babies start using jumpers as early as 3-4 months, but this varies according to each baby’s development.  According to Baby Center, “Your baby will probably be able to lift her head when she’s about a month old, and hold it up when placed in a sitting position at around 4 months. Her neck muscles and head control should be strong and steady by 6 months.”

It can be tempting to use the jumper as soon as your baby is holding her head up, but it is critical that you wait until your baby can hold her head without assistance and demonstrates neck control. Don’t risk it!

Understanding the Difference Between Types

First things first, you need to understand the differences between jumpers.

• A standard jumper is a seat with two elastic straps that allow the baby to use his/her fit to kick off the floor and jump. These types of jumpers may be stationary or may be attached to door frames·
• An exersaucer is an activity jumper that is stationary. This type combines bouncing and activity and motion
• Doorway jumpers tend to be less expensive, but they also have more safety issues. Additionally, since these are placed in a doorway, a pathway in your home will be obstructed.

Risks of Jumpers

Used the right way, jumpers are beneficial and stimulating for babies. And, they can give your arms a little break. But, you should also pay attention to how the item will be used. You might have heard that the AAP has issued warning about baby walkers due to mobility risks, but what about stationary equipment?

​The American Academy of Pediatrics states, “Data suggests that infants who spend too much time in confining equipment such as car seats, swings, bouncy seats, exersaucers, or strollers may experience delayed motor skill development.” Parents should take heed of their advice regarding these types of confining equipment. They recommend babies spend no more than 30 minutes at a time in the jumpers (and less if possible).

Things to Consider When Shopping

Depending on the type of jumper you choose, there are several different things to consider when shopping. For example, your first decision will be whether you want a stationary jumper, a doorway jumper, or an exersaucer. Depending on your living space, this may be a factor in your decision. Furthermore, some parents feel more comfortable with an exersaucer than a doorway jumper.

With this major decision in mind, there are other factors to consider when shopping. When searching for the best jumpers on the market, I focused on identifying the best for each type according to these factors: weight limits, ease of use, care instructions, height adjustments, size/storage issues, and added features.

• Weight limits – Different manufacturers have different weight limits. Since babies grow at different rates, you should be sure the jumper you purchase will accommodate your baby’s current weight, as well as the predicted weight for the duration of use.
• Ease of use – Is it easy to put assemble or take apart?
• Care instructions – How do you clean the seat? Babies have occasional diaper leaks. You should also check to see how you clean the other parts of the jumper that your baby may use as a teething toy.
• Height adjustments – Some jumpers are quickly outgrown because the height cannot be adjusted. Other jumpers are made to adjust as your baby grows.
• Size/storage issues – Let’s be honest: you are not buying a jumper because it is a beautiful piece of furniture. It looks like a toy. So, you want to find one that fits in your space and one that can be stored easily.
• Added features – While some parents prefer a very simple doorway jumper without all the bells and whistles, other parents want an exersaucer that has tons of added features such as developmentally appropriate toys and music.