14 Best Baby Jumpers for Your Little Leapfrog

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Baby jumpers can be a fantastic way of encouraging your baby to get moving.

If your little one is a wriggler and can’t seem to sit still before they’re walking, a baby jumper could be just the thing to ease your aching arms.

Plus, baby jumpers are great for entertaining baby (with supervision) for a while so you can take a well-deserved mini mama break.

In this article: 📝

What are baby jumpers?
What age can babies use jumpers?
How long can my baby stay in a bouncer?
What is the difference between a bouncer and a jumper?
The best baby jumpers according to our mamas of Peanut

What are baby jumpers?

So just what is a baby jumper?

Well, we’re not talking about wooly pullovers here ‒ although they are adorable ‒ instead, we mean baby bouncer jumpers.

These can range from standalone seats suspended from a frame with bungee cord to full-blown activity jumpers for babies with other bells and whistles to keep them occupied and engaged while helping develop their mind and their muscles.

Are baby jumpers good for babies?

Well, there is no definitive answer here.

Some experts say that baby jumpers can help baby get used to being in an upright position before they take their first steps.

They also say that brightly-colored or activity center baby bouncer jumpers can help develop baby’s hand-eye coordination.

Why are baby jumpers not recommended?

Baby jumpers are generally considered safe to use ‒ they’re great for keeping baby entertained and active, and can develop their coordination skills.

However, if you decide to use a baby jumper or bouncer, diligence and supervision are always needed.

There are a few key things to bear in mind when using a jumper for baby, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics:

Always supervise baby when they’re in the baby jumper.
Never use a baby jumper on a table, countertop, or any other surface that brings baby above the ground. Only use the jumper for baby on the floor ‒ a flat, stable, grounded surface.
Don’t put the baby jumper on a soft surface like a bed or a sofa, in case baby falls over on the uneven surface, which can mean that their airway becomes trapped.
Make sure baby is always strapped into the baby jumper securely and snugly, using the buckles and restraints as they are supposed to be used.
Read the baby jumper instructions and follow them ‒ look out for the infant jumper weight limit and age limit, as these can change depending on the baby jumper.
Never use a jumper for baby for longer than 15 minutes, as this can lead to hip displacement or encourage baby to fall asleep.
Never let baby fall asleep in their baby jumper, as this can mean that their airway becomes blocked.

Are doorway jumpers safe?

Yes and no. There have been some reports of doorway baby jumpers becoming detached from doorways or breaking, although these are relatively rare.

There are also some concerns about doorway jumpers being more of a ‘swing’ than a baby jumper, so not quite encouraging baby to bounce, more to swing, which, while still developing their motor skills and coordination, may not be appropriate for encouraging baby to start walking.

Ultimately, it’s entirely your choice to use a doorway jumper, as they can be useful for homes where space is a little more limited.

Is it OK baby sleep in bouncer?

No ‒ baby jumpers where baby is strapped into an upright seat to bounce are not suitable for them to sleep in.

Infant jumpers are designed to put baby in a standing position to encourage them to walk, and this position can mean that, if baby falls asleep, their airway could be blocked from their head slumping forward.

If baby is drowsy, it’s best to avoid using a baby jumper at that time ‒ wait until they’re full of energy and ready to bounce!

Can bouncer cause shaken baby syndrome?

No ‒ shaken baby syndrome is the term used when baby’s subjected to fast, sudden shaking movements, usually by an external force (like a person).

In a baby jumper, they can control the speed and gentleness of their bouncing, and they’re not yet capable of shaking themselves hard enough to cause damage in an infant jumper.

Why do babies use jumpers?

Some people choose to use baby jumpers to encourage their babies to take the first steps.

Others use jumpers for babies to help them burn off some excess energy ‒ sometimes, a crawling baby can get pretty speedy and wreak havoc on their surroundings!

Some mamas also use infant jumpers or jumpers for toddlers as a way to develop baby’s mind ‒ some baby jumpers can double as activity centers and get baby’s mind whirring!

Do jumpers help babies walk?

Well, yes and no.

Some experts say that baby can use their legs to bounce in a baby jumper, holding part of their body weight, which builds their leg muscles, which they need for walking.

However, other people say that using a baby jumper can be counterintuitive when baby’s learning to walk, as it encourages a different sort of movement.

As with many things in mamahood, there’s no single right answer here ‒ you do what you think is best for you and your baby.

Are jumpers or walkers better?

It depends ‒ while walkers are great for encouraging baby to move about and get used to ‘walking’, they do mean that baby is effectively on the loose.

And some baby walkers raise baby’s height a little, which can mean that objects that are usually out of reach can become baby’s next plaything.

Whereas baby jumpers, on the other hand, are generally stationary, keeping baby in one space, but allowing them to bounce up and down ‒ great for babies who have lots of energy but aren’t yet able to walk.

Jumpers for babies are also space-efficient and don’t take up much room ‒ ideal for mamas in apartments or smaller spaces.

What age can babies use jumpers?

So, when can a baby use a jumper?

Well, generally speaking, the typical recommended baby jumper age is around 4-6 months, although it depends on the guidance of each individual infant jumper.

It’s tricky to put a specific age range because it depends on baby’s development.

Essentially, baby should be able to hold their own head up before getting into an infant jumper.

If baby is always able to hold their head up (not just once or twice during tummy time), then they should be able to sit in a baby jumper safely.

Can I put my 3-month-old in a bouncer?

But when can I put my baby in a jumper? What if they’re 3 months old?

3 months may be a little too young to safely sit in a baby jumper.

Most baby jumpers recommend using them from ages 6 months and up, until baby is too big to sit in the baby jumper seat safely.

Can I put my 4-month-old in a jumper?

Sometimes, yes ‒ if a 4-month-old baby can hold their head up consistently and without support, that’s generally considered a reasonable time to put them in a baby jumper.

But some manufacturers recommend only using an infant jumper from ages 6 months and up, so it’s best to stick with their guidance, as there may be other parts of the baby jumper that aren’t suitable for younger babies.

How long can my baby stay in a bouncer?

According to WebMD, 10-15 minutes is the maximum for each baby jumper session.

This is because if baby spends too long in a baby jumper during individual sessions, that can lead to developmental issues, as their hips can be affected by the extended period of time in the baby jumper seat.

But 10-15 minutes can feel like a lifetime for a mama ‒ our mamas on Peanut find it’s just the right amount of time to do the laundry, workout, or even sit for 15 minutes with a good book and a coffee.

Then, you can use a baby jumper after baby’s next sleep, once they’re refreshed and fully awake ‒ always avoid putting baby in an infant jumper if they’re drowsy.

Baby jumpers are generally safe to use, but as with all baby products, they’re safe as long as they’re used properly.

What is the difference between a bouncer and a jumper?

A baby bouncer is a seat with a slight recline, that baby can lean back into while it bounces ‒ either manually or electronically.

A baby jumper is usually a sort of harness or upright seat, securely strapping baby in while they bounce themselves using their legs.

The best baby jumpers according to our mamas of Peanut

We checked with our mamas of Peanut what they think are the best baby jumpers on the market ‒ from doorway jumpers to activity jumpers, well-known brand names like the Johnny Jumper or the Fisher-Price Baby Jumperoo.

Best activity jumpers for babies

Our mamas of Peanut love activity jumpers for babies ‒ they’re great for getting baby’s legs moving while getting their brain engaged with the colorful and fun toys.

Here are their top picks for activity jumpers for babies:

1. Evenflo Exersaucer Wood Frame Jumper, Woodland Wonder

The Baby Exersaucer Jumper is a firm favorite of our veteran Peanut mamas.

It’s not as garish as other activity jumpers, instead, fitting in with a Scandinavian-inspired, minimalist (at least for baby jumpers!) design.

The Evenflo Exersaucer baby jumper is lightweight, making it easy to move from room to room ‒ perfect for shifting baby into the bathroom while you’re having a shower, so you can keep an eye on them while taking some time for yourself.

Buy it here

2. Fisher-Price Color Climbers Jumperoo Jumper

One of the most well-known jumpers for babies is the Fisher-Price Baby Jumperoo.

With built-in toys including a teether, mirror, bead bar, and noise-makers, baby is sure to fall in love with this Jumperoo bouncer.

And moms will love it, too ‒ the seat pad is removable and machine washable for easy cleaning. Win/win!

Buy it here

3. Bright Starts Disney Finding Nemo Sea of Activities Baby Jumper

Calling all Disney fans!

If your little one loves the tranquility of the sea life in Finding Nemo, they’ll dive straight into the Disney Bright Starts Jumper, featuring Nemo, Dory, Squirt, and all their fishy friends.

It’s height-adjustable, so as baby grows (up to 25lbs), the Bright Starts Jumper can grow with them.

Buy it here

Best baby doorway jumpers

If you’re short on space or you’re after something that can be easily packed up and stored out of sight, a doorway jumper might be the solution for you.

However, baby door jumpers do come with a special warning ‒ some babies can bump their heads on doorframes if they get too vigorous with their bouncing ‒ so supervision at all times is recommended.

Some baby door bouncers can also become dislodged if they’re not properly fixed in place, so it’s best to follow the instructions from each manufacturer rather than winging it.

Here are the top baby door jumpers from our mamas of Peanut:

4. Graco Doorway Bumper Jumper

With its built-in ‘play tray’ for baby’s top toy of the day, no-mark clamp for secure but no-mess attaching to your doorway, and machine-washable seat pad, the Graco baby doorway jumper ticks all the boxes for our Peanut mamas!

Buy it here

5. Bright Starts Bounce ’N Spring Deluxe Door Jumper with Take-Along Toys

If you’re after a travel-friendly baby jumper to bring when you’re seeing friends and family or vacationing, the Bright Starts door jumper is the one for you!

Suitable for babies from about 6 months to 12 months and up, with a weight limit of 26lbs, it’s ideal as a bit of baby exercise before they take their first steps.

Buy it here

6. Evenflo Exersaucer Activity Seat and Doorway Jumper

Another of the Exersaucer baby jumpers, this one is a doorway jumper instead of an activity baby jumper.

Easy to install, space-saving, and sturdy, it does everything you want a baby doorway jumper to do!

Buy it here

Best baby jumpers for small spaces

If you’re in an apartment, staying at a hotel, or are just limited on space, you’ll want a baby jumper that doesn’t take up lots of space and is easy to pack away.

So here are the best baby jumpers for small spaces, according to our mamas of Peanut:

7. Jolly Jumper with Stand for Jumpers and Rockers - Baby Exerciser

The Jolly Jumper is a popular baby jumper with mamas around the world ‒ it folds flat for easy storage, and doesn’t take up much space when it’s set up.

While it doesn’t have the brightest design, it can fit in well with modern spaces.

The Jolly Jumper weight limit is a little higher than other baby jumpers, coming in at 28lbs, so you can strap baby in to keep them entertained as they get a little bigger.

As for the Jolly Jumper age, it can be used from 3 months old, as long as baby can consistently hold their head up.

Buy it here

8. Skip Hop Fold-Away Baby Jumper

Another foldable baby jumper, the Skip Hop jumper is also an activity center, and has one of our favorite additions ‒ a counter to keep track of baby’s jumps!

Whenever baby jumps 100 times, they get a little round of applause from the Skip Hop jumper.

You can also swap different toys so baby doesn’t get bored.

Buy it here

9. Baby Einstein Discovery Activity Jumper

The Baby Einstein Jumper is one of the highest-rated baby jumpers in the Peanut community, and it’s surprisingly compact, and ideal for smaller spaces.

Choose from the nautical-themed Neptune’s Ocean, explore the world with Journey of Discovery, or get musical with the Neighborhood Symphony.

Buy it here

Best budget baby jumpers

We get it ‒ some baby jumpers can be on the pricier end of the scale.

If you’re looking to save a few dollars, here are our Peanut mama’s top picks for the most affordable baby jumpers:

10. Evenflo Exersaucer Doorway Jumper

Similar to the other Baby Exersaucer Jumpers on our list, the Exersaucer Jumper for Doors is one of the most cost-effective options, according to our mamas of Peanut.

Coming in at around $30 (at the time of writing), it’s one of the highest-rated baby jumpers and one of the best-priced!

Buy it here

11. Evenflo Johnny Jump Up Doorway Door Jumper

The Johnny Jumpers are one of the most popular in the Peanut community.

Also known as Jonny Jumpers and Johnny Jump Up Baby Jumpers, it does exactly what you need it to!

Attach it securely to your doorframe, pop baby in (when they’re able to hold their head up consistently), and watch them bounce!

Buy it here

12. Summer® Pop ‘N Jump® SE Portable Baby Activity Center

If you’re looking for a more affordable baby jumper activity center, this is the one for you.

While activity jumpers for babies are on the pricier side compared to doorway jumpers, this is the most budget-friendly option to keep babies entertained if doorway space isn’t an option for you.

Plus, you can fold it up easily and take it traveling with you!

Buy it here

Best baby jumpers for toddlers

If your little one isn’t quite so little anymore (they grow up so fast!), then a baby jumper for toddlers might be more what you’re looking for.

Here are our Peanut community’s favorite baby jumpers for toddlers:

13. Watolt Baby Walking Harness

Okay, so this one isn’t technically a baby jumper, but you can use it to encourage baby to walk and bounce, then, as they grow up, use it as a harness to make sure they don’t stray too far when you’re out and about.

Buy it here

14. 2-in-1 Baby Jumper with Toddler Swing, Baby Jumpers, and Bouncers

Our mamas and their babies on Peanut love this baby jumper, and they love it even more into toddlerhood!

It’s essentially a sturdy frame, which you can securely clip either the baby jumper or the toddler swing, depending on baby’s development.

Added bonus: it folds away for easy storage!

Buy it here

There you have it! The best of the best baby jumpers, according to our mamas of Peanut.

Got any other baby jumper questions for the Peanut community? Join us! We think you’ll fit right in.