Bouncer - do I need one?

[Jurassiclover]

Are you guys getting a bouncer for baby? A friend has offered to buy one for us (so no expense to us) but I cant decide whether we actually need one or if I should suggest something else if you wants to buy us an item? Of course would be more than happy with a bouncer or anything from her as she absolutely doesn't need to buy little one anything! But I'd hate for her to spend her money on something we end up barely using.

Thanks guys

God send if you want to get things done. Baby is happy and parents get a little free time. Definitely a good buy for all my 3.

Yep! V helpful in the early months, put the baby in it facing you in the shower for a start.
Before they can sit up and play (c 6 months), when awake that’s where to put them, can’t hold them all the time nor will they want to lie down all the time (or not lie down at all in the case of my reflux baby)

They are invaluable if just need to put the baby down for 5-10 mins whilst you're in the shower or doing something - I have twins and they often sit in the bouncers in the bathroom whilst I have a shower 🤣 or in the kitchen whilst I'm pottering around - they will sleep in them too but my children have never like them using them for a long time - 1 hour max but they usually have a 2 hour limit you should use them for anyway

I found it really useful for plonking baby in while I did stuff, including at mealtimes. However, spent loads on a fancy one and found that a £10 one from argos (basically a metal frame with material stretched over it) that we bought for a holiday was by far the best!

As others, it saved my life 😂

Mine are older but I still remember rocking the bouncer with my foot while trying to eat my dinner. Wouldn’t have been without it.

I must have had the only two babies ever to hate the bouncer. I mean hate it! Screaming if left for more than 60 seconds. So I didn’t get any value from it but I’ve seen some babies sit in them for 2 hours at a time!

Someone gave me a baby swing thing, rather than a bouncer, but yes something like that is incredibly useful.

Yes, but don't get a fancy one in case they hate it.

My 3 and 4yr olds love it. My 11 week old not so much and neither did the other 2 as babies.

It does give dc3 some additional protection from the other 2 racing around though they do enjoy pulling it back as far as it will go trebuchet style and letting it go.

With just 1 DC I wouldn't bother but everyone's different

One of the most useful and most used pieces of baby equipment we had. I think I put my daughter in hers the second we got home from the hospital - it seemed odd to just plonk her on the floor.

Definitely! Mine hated it for the first few weeks but around week 5 started loving it. Great for popping her in to get bits done around the house, eating dinner, answering the door, etc etc.

Ours also had 3 recline positions so you could prop her up to look around even though her neck strength wasn't great yet.

Yes also agree invaluable for the period of time when they aren't sleepy newborns but can't sit up by themselves. Im on baby number 3 and they get frustrated about not being able to see things (you) and don't want to lay flat all the time.

Ooh, thanks for asking OP. I've been wondering the same!

Need is obviously very much based on your perspective.

I had one for my lo, but opted for one that went from birth to toddler. It was great and most definitely the way to go imo, as the increased price makes it a far better investment.

Wouldn't have been without it to be honest!

And then once he had grown out of it, a jumperoo to give 5 minutes to get something done.

Thank you so much everyone! Will give her the go ahead! So glad I asked as I was worried it was one of those things you wouldn't end up using but looks pretty unanimous that they've been useful!

I didn't use one - DS was fine on a playmat with hanging bars overhead, and he didn't really like being in a bouncer (I wondered if the holes cut into his legs?)

Bouncers are great, all 5 of ours loved theirs.

Mine lived in his bouncer for about a year (upgraded to toddler one). He had awful reflux and could only be upright so this was the only option for a break rather than holding him for hours on end. Defo buy one!!

If you actually want to put your baby down at some point, then a bouncer is essential.

I also had two refluxy babies that hated being laid flat. So the incline of the bouncers were a god send.

My DS hated lying flat in the day - definitely needed the bouncer.