There’s nothing better than having endless cuddles with your new baby. We know that close contact, especially in the first three months is vital to your baby’s wellbeing, your postpartum recovery and in building a strong bond between the two of you.
While our babies would be happy for us to hold them 24 hours a day, let’s face it, there are times when we just need a few minutes of hands-free time! Whether it’s grabbing a quick shower, going to the toilet or making a hot drink, there are some tasks that are a lot easier (and safer) without your little snuggle buddy attached to you.
A safe place for baby to relax
Choosing a safe place to leave your baby, such as a baby swing or baby bouncer, will not only mean you can actually accomplish small tasks with two hands (hooray!) but will also provide your baby with entertainment or even rock them to sleep.
To make sure your baby is safe at all times in your bouncer, aim for no more than 15-30 minutes in the swing at a time if you can. And remember that if your little one does fall asleep, you will need to move them to a safe, flat sleeping space.
What to look for when choosing a baby bouncer
So, a baby swing or baby bouncer definitely sounds like a good idea to give you some hands-free time to get on with some jobs or simply to have a bit of “me-time” – you know you deserve it! But what should you look for when choosing a baby swing?
Our advice? The following will all help you get the right one for you and your baby. Check:
- That the bouncer is safe – always look for a five-point safety harness (like the one from a car seat) that will safely strap your little one into the swing.
- Whether it’s comfy – does the bouncer have padding and support, and is it made of sturdy materials that won’t cause discomfort to your child? Look for soft fabric, thick padding and a sturdy frame.
- How easy it is to clean – as with everything at this age, you’ll definitely need to clean up dribbles at some point.
- How portable it is – you’ll likely be moving the bouncer from room to room (just not with baby in it!) so they can bounce in the kitchen while you wash up or the lounge while you have five minutes… you get the picture. A cumbersome and heavy bouncer won’t do your back any favours.
- How easy it is to assemble – no one wants to be spending hours with complicated instructions when baby wants to bounce!
- Any special features – does it vibrate? Does it play music to soothe your baby? Look for any special features that will make bouncer time even more special for your little one.
Our Munchkin Bluetooth Baby Swing Chair
This Munchkin Swing recreates the calming side-to-side motion that babies love, creating a comforting and safe spot to put your baby down. The sleek and grey minimalist design has been designed to fit with any home decor style and its compact silhouette is easy to put together and conveniently disassembles in two parts, for travel or tidying away.
Weighing around as much as a newborn baby at under 10lbs, its lightweight and portable nature makes it perfect for taking on staycations, transporting it to Granny and Grandad’s house, or simply moving it from room-to-room at home. With Bluetooth compatibility, you can also connect your phone to play your baby’s favourite songs through the high-quality speaker. Or choose from the in-built sounds such as white noise, heartbeat, classical music and more.
With the right baby bouncer, your little one will bounce to their heart’s content whilst you get 15 minutes of peace. Sounds perfect doesn’t it?
Interested in more baby and toddler advice? Simply head to our blog or check out our StrollerCoaster podcast.