What is a cradle chair?
A cradle chair is a small, baby-friendly chair that can be used
from birth. The chair has a three-point harness with crotch strap to
hold your baby in place and may either bounce or rock gently in
response to the baby’s own movements. They are suitable until the
baby is around 6-9 months or weighs a maximum 7-9.5kg.
Do I need one?
A cradle chair provides a useful alternative place for your baby to
rest rather than a cot, pram or the floor. The chair may be used to
give the baby a more upright view of the world and can be fitted with
early-interest activity toys. It can also be useful for early weaning.
The gentle bounce or rocking motion means it can encourage a restless
baby to doze. A cradle chair is not essential but can make life
easier.
What to look for
There are two distinct styles – the rocking cradle chair and the
bouncy chair.
A bouncy chair comprises a fairly basic metal frame covered with
fabric to create a hammock-style reclined chair. The backrest position
is not adjustable but some will fold flat for storage and some can be
fitted with a toy bar. The baby’s own movements will usually
encourage the chair to a gently bounce with ease.
A rocking cradle chair is a more bulky item and a more substantial
chair. It is constructed around a larger metal frame and offers a more
padded seat with a number of recline positions. These tend to be more
expensive and bigger even when collapsed. The strength of the rocking
motion may vary but all those tested have a stabiliser option that can
stop rocking entirely. Some can be fitted with a toy bar.
Test results in brief:
Rocking Cradle Chairs
Bouncy Chairs
Click here to see the full test
results
