What does the Nuna Leaf Grow look like?
The Nuna Leaf Grow scores top marks in the looks department for its stylish, elegant and contemporary design. It’s reassuringly sturdy without being bulky and would look right at home in the most stylish of living rooms.
Someone who isn’t familiar with children might not even immediately clock it as a baby product, due to the muted colourways and eye-pleasing curves. We tested the slate grey version and it scored many admiring glances in our tester’s home, from fellow parents and non parents alike. Although the product is big, because it doesn’t immediately scream “baby bouncer” at you, it is pretty unobtrusive.
The padded insert is made from 100% organic cotton and the mesh underside of the seat keeps everything beautifully breathable. The whole seat is really soft and plush and cocoons your baby gently.
The Nuna Leaf Grow comes in four neutral colours: champagne, blush, granite and midnight.
How safe is the bouncer?
The Nuna Leaf Grow scored top marks in our safety test. It’s easy to get your baby in and out of the bouncer and you can strap them in using the Velcro straps which are incredibly sturdy. The design means there is nowhere for your baby to trap their fingers when putting them into the harness. If only all straps were as scream-free.
The only complaint our tester had is that the Velcro fastenings can be quite loud when you undo them so if you are trying to move a baby from the rocker to her cot whilst she is sleeping it could wake her. They are, however, really easy to adjust and if used by a toddler they can be removed completely if needs be.
Our tester put the bouncer through its paces by dropping it on the floor multiple times to see if it broke (it didn’t) and she also tried to push it over (replacing her baby with a bag of flour, first) to see if it could topple over. Again, it remained safe and sturdy. The bouncer doesn’t move around on any type of flooring – many bouncers tend to “wander” a little on some surfaces. We tested it on wooden floors and laminates, too, and it didn’t move at all.
The greatest safety feature though, is the simple fact the Nuna Leaf Grow is motion-activated, so there are no cords or wires for your baby to chew, or for you, as a parent, to trip over.
When can the bouncer be used as a toddler seat?
Nuna recommends using the Nuna Leaf Grow in its “stage one” mode (with built-in harness) from birth until your baby can sit upright and climb out unassisted. When this day comes (all too quickly), the padded cotton insert and harness can be removed, transforming the bouncer into a toddler chair which can be used until your child weighs 60kg.
The three-point recline means the Nuna Leaf Grow can be adjusted lower for a sleeping baby and higher for a toddler who wants to sit more upright.
What age do you need the harness?
Nuna recommends using the first stage from birth until your child can sit upright or can clamber out unassisted. Stage one includes the padded organic cotton insert and harness for extra support.
What's the difference between the Nuna Leaf Curv and the Nuna Leaf Grow?
Essentially, the baby set up on the Grow is similar to the Curv, with the Velcro harness insert, and other features that made the Curv feel so secure. But in toddler mode, improvements have been made to ensure an extra comfy seat as your baby grows into a toddler.
The harness on the old Leaf Curv model can’t be removed, meaning your child would sit on top of it once they are able to sit upright and it isn’t needed to hold him in. This is all a bit lumpy and annoying, so on the Grow, the harness and cushions are removable – a big plus.
Is the baby bouncer good value for money?
At £170, the Nuna Leaf Grow is an expensive product, however, it is important to note that it is also a seat which can be used from birth to big-kid size (up to 60kg) so it means you don’t have to replace it as your child gets older and bigger.
However, there’s no doubt that it is a lot of money for a parent to fork out in one go, especially when there's a whole list of baby essentials that you'll need if this is your first child. Pushchairs, baby car seats, cribs… Babies need a lot of stuff, and while a baby bouncer is nice to have, there are a whole host of affordable baby bouncers out there which will calm a soothing baby in much the same was as the pricey Nuna Leaf.
Our final verdict? If you’re a parent who loves luxury and style then this bouncer ticks all of the boxes (but it might just leave a slight dent in your credit card!)