On testSwings & Bouncers
Consumer Editor Says
Points to considerDesign Features Think about what is likely to preserve your baby's interest. Regular nappers and very young babies will enjoy a swinging/vibrating motion to coax them into la la land, whereas active tots will benefit more from hanging toy bars, bright colours and musical sounds. Our panel found the Cosatto Jolly Jelly Snoozi Bouncer 'perfect for a newborn as the toys were bright and the colours perfect for their developing vision'. For older babies, the Graco Playtime Swing was found to be 'slightly more appealing as it has a good range of stimulating features with a spacious chair that will accommodate your child that little bit longer'. Ease of Use/Portability If you need to move the swing/bouncer around, you need to consider weight, size and collapsibility. Additionally, if living space is restricted avoid one of the bigger framed swings as they'll swamp the room in seconds. Our panel found that 'size isn't necessarily a good indicator of quality' and indeed their favourite bouncer - the Le Petite Chien Rocker Chair - was one of the smallest and simplest on test. Additional extras to look out for are wheels on the base, easily foldable frames and removable, washable covers. Versatility If you want your child to get good use out of it, a swing/bouncer that offers lots of good features is important. Look for removable toys that you can replace with your own fun creations, different bouncer/swing settings to lull your child to sleep and contrasting textures on the materials. Our panel found the Maclaren Baby Rocker Chair 'wonderfully versatile with some lovely features for babies of all ages'. Comfort If your baby is to enjoy spending time in his swing/bouncer, comfort is a priority. Look for models that provide a good amount of support for your baby's back and neck with the added benefit of soft materials and padded seating. Our panel particularly liked the Le Petite Chien Bouncer Chair and Maclaren Rocker with toy bar. If you're intent on using your swing/bouncer for more than one child, you'll need a robust model that will stand the test of time. Look for solid structures, good quality materials and well-built frames that you know will last. Our mums felt that the prices 'weren't always reflective of quality' and that 'it's worth shopping around as they vary in so many ways'. Awards - which products won?Our panel gave the Best Buy award to the Le Petite Chien Baby Rocker Chair whilst the Maclaren Baby Rocker Chair scored tops for Best Value. These awards were given after weeks of intensive testing by each of our six mums, but you may find that some of the other models on test are more suited to your particular requirements. To find out more about each product, make sure you read the full test results Testing Criteria
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