Parenting

There’s No Avoiding It: Your Baby Wants A Bouncer. Give 'Em One Of Our 12 Best Activity Centers.

by Jessica Waller

Updated: Feb. 12, 2021

Originally Published: Dec. 19, 2019

If we’re being honest, one of the best baby gifts we’ve received (yet somehow failed to register for) was a huge, hideous baby bouncer. It was green. It was garish. It had lights *and* sounds. But while feeling significantly less than neutral about it, bb was absolutely overjoyed (not an understatement) at the prospect. Seeing his little face light up as soon as he was placed inside that monstrosity made all the lost floorspace worth it.

In truth, bouncers and activity centers are a godsend. Little ones between the ages of 6-12 months are super curious and eager to experience the magic that is cause-and-effect, and who are we to deny them this specific joy? Plus, bouncers keep your LO entertained while also keeping them from getting into stuff, which means you can actually get something done using both of your arms (what a concept!). Just keep them under close supervision, ofc.

Once your babe can sit up on their own, it’s time to upgrade from that tummy-time floor mat anyway. Bouncers can be a smart way to offer a little stimulation—that doesn’t require you to personally provide. “From a developmental perspective, we love baby gear that is multi-faceted,” says Monica Banks, CEO and founder of Gugu Guru, a baby product concierge service. Seek out multifunction gear that can engage your baby with lots of different activities, she notes, and is customizable and/or adjustable depending on baby’s age and stage. And because we’re all about minimalist parenting, “look for a jumper that can fold up and store away quickly and easily,” she adds. Out of sight, out of mind.

Luckily, there are tons of options in the baby gear realm that do just that—and more. If you’re in the market for an activity center that your little one will adore (even though you, um, might not), we’ve found the best baby-approved bouncers and jumpers around.

Skip Hop Explore & More Baby Jumper: Fold Away Jumpscape With Bounce Counter

$105

Oribel PortaPlay 4-in-1 Foldable Travel Baby Activity Center

If you, too, hate the idea of a bouncer clashing with your couch, the Oribel PortaPlay is the answer. The clean, white design plants this activity center firmly in the “chic baby stuff” column—meaning you won’t have to shove it into a closet when company comes over. We love that it converts from a baby seat to a pretty play table that’s perfect for arts and crafts time.

$109

Bright Starts 3-in-1 Around We Go Activity Center

$95

Evenflo ExerSaucer Lightweight Activity Jumper, Woodland Wonder

$90

Fisher-Price Rainforest Jumperoo

$70

Skip Hop Explore and More Baby's View 3-Stage Interactive Activity Center

$85

Baby Einstein Neighborhood Symphony Jumper

$100

Asweets Baby Barnyard Den

$180

Evenflo Exersaucer Triple Fun Active Learning Center, Life in the Amazon

With three different stages of fun, the Evenflo Exersaucer is perfect for the parent who doesn’t want to invest in a separate floor mat, bouncer and cruising table—this one does all three! With tons of electronic sounds and lights and instruments to play, LO will be captivated for what feels like hours (er, 20 minutes lol).

$122

Infantino 2-in-1 Sit, Spin & Stand Entertainer 360 Seat & Baby Activity Table

$80

Tiny Love 4-in-1 Here I Grow Mobile Activity Center

$80

Bright Starts Disney Baby Finding Nemo Sea of Activities Jumper

$124

More baby gear your kiddo is sure to adore right here.

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