Registry Q: Bouncer or Rocker?

Wolfie646

first time mom looking to get suggestions on baby rockers or bouncers?  I was looking at the 4moms Rocker, but am now contemplating the BabyBjorn bouncer since it can be used up to 2 years old.  What are the benefits of having a rocker versus a bouncer?  Would love to hear what babies prefer! 

tboyd30

I personally like the rocker..bc a bouncer you have to use your hands..but with the rocker you can use your feet and it can be used for more than when the baby is little

kiwico14

We didn't use either, but we did get a Chicco swing that was a total lifesaver. It's fairly simple, but it swings side to side and forwards and backwards. DS loved it, and it was the only way we could put him down to eat, shower, fold laundry, etc. 

We used an exersaucer when he was older (7 months plus). It was made to grow with him, so it turned into an activity table that he could stand next to to play. I doubt he would have tolerated being strapped into a bouncer after about 11 months old. 

ThisisNumber3

The Bjorn bouncer is AMAZING.  Luckily we got ours second hand and didn't have to pay full price.  For our first baby we had the FP rocker it barely moved even when you pushed on it. 

That said, we also have had a swing for each child.  FP swing with the first and a Mamaroo for the second.  We will be going back to the FP for baby #3. 

texasmama2014

A lot will come down to what the baby prefers. DD hated the bouncer, loved the swing, and loved our RNP. My advice is to not spend too much money on anything right away.

Bookhousegirl

I think it depends on the baby but my son didn't take to a rocker at all, but loved the bouncer. Also, I wouldn't put too much weight into the age limit, DS just turned 2 and there's no way he would have sat in a bouncer at any point in the last 8 months. 

JLyn821

It definitely comes down to baby's preference. My son didn't like the rocker my mom had purchased for him. Hopefully, it'll get some use this go around. My son did love the bouncy seat and would have spent all day in it if we let him. Once they learn they can shake their leg and bounce themselves, it's no work.

Ceventa

DS loved his mamaroo rocker and then went straight into the exersaucer. I have a feeling if I put him in the bouncer he would have bounced himself right out, that kid is non-stop!

Katienu

ThisisNumber3 said:

The Bjorn bouncer is AMAZING.  Luckily we got ours second hand and didn't have to pay full price.  For our first baby we had the FP rocker it barely moved even when you pushed on it. 

That said, we also have had a swing for each child.  FP swing with the first and a Mamaroo for the second.  We will be going back to the FP for baby #3. 

I love the Bjorn bouncer too...and more importantly so did our DD.  It was great to bring places b/c it is portable so when we would go to my parents, we would pack that or if we had parties and the hosts did not have children.  We, too, bought ours second hand b/c they are a bit expensive. 

Our DD did not love the Momaroo and we let friends use it after she out grew it.  There were some mixed reviews so it depends on your baby.  The good news is, a lot of places will let you take things back and exchange for other options. 

ThisisNumber3

Katienu said:

ThisisNumber3 said:

The Bjorn bouncer is AMAZING.  Luckily we got ours second hand and didn't have to pay full price.  For our first baby we had the FP rocker it barely moved even when you pushed on it. 

That said, we also have had a swing for each child.  FP swing with the first and a Mamaroo for the second.  We will be going back to the FP for baby #3. 

I love the Bjorn bouncer too...and more importantly so did our DD.  It was great to bring places b/c it is portable so when we would go to my parents, we would pack that or if we had parties and the hosts did not have children.  We, too, bought ours second hand b/c they are a bit expensive. 

Our DD did not love the Momaroo and we let friends use it after she out grew it.  There were some mixed reviews so it depends on your baby.  The good news is, a lot of places will let you take things back and exchange for other options. 

Yes!  The Bjorn really is worth it especially if you can find it used.  The cover washes great and there is a Tiny Love toy bar you can add for them to play with.  It was great that it fit in my bathroom and I could grab a quick shower when needed.  My mom also loved that its just a good classic piece of baby gear.  She actually said she would store and keep it at her house for grandchildren coming to visit when we are done with it.  It folds completely flat and would slide behind a dresser or under a bed.  

charmedlifex3

We registered for a pack and play with a bouncer napper, then a cheaper swing. My thought was we'll see which he likes, and go buy whichever makes sense. Moms keep telling me some kids like one, some another, so I am hesitant to commit to either by buying something expensive.

 Likely we will buy it with store credit from the ridiculous amount of baby clothes people will give us. This kid already has 15 pairs of shoes. (I did buy ONE for our social media announcement, but still!!!)

PeachGal23

If you are able to get both, do it!  DD loved both the 4moms Rockaroo and the Bjorn bouncer.  I love how both are very compact, and the bouncer can be easily folded up and stored/ tossed in the car for a trip.  As a toddler she still uses the bouncer as a seat to sit and watch TV from.  The Rockaroo is wonderful for naps and other downtime as an infant.  In comparison to other swings, I like how lightweight and easily portable it is.

SkiChic626

I wouldn't go crazy with any of that stuff just yet, try hand me downs or used stuff until you figure out what your baby likes.  We have it all, plush FP bouncer, FP multi everything swing, Mamaroo...you name it.  DD wanted no part of any of them, her favorite thing was this cheapy FB bouncer that was maybe $20 DH got that would fit in our tiny-at-the-time bathroom so I could shower.  It had a giraffe and lion hanging from a bar over it and I think it vibrates.  She freaking loved that thing!  As for a baby staying in something like a rocker or bouncer until they're 2....good luck!  Once they're mobile, or really once they can sit up and scoot around a little, say buh bye tho those things.

Curls919

Definitely depends on the baby. We had a seat that didn't bounce that DS loved. We used the rock n play when we went on overnights, or visiting people when he'd need to sleep and when DS was sick as an infant.  We also had a mamaroo that he hated as a newborn but loved as he got older. 

Wolfie646

That's why the BB bouncer appealed to me, the fact that it turns into a chair for them to use as they get older... I may just keep both on the registry and see what happens! 

AliKay20

I am so overwhelmed right now! Starting my registry and I'm all...

What do I REALLY need?
-Bouncer
-Rock n Play (is this the same as like the 4Moms Rockaroo?!)
-Swing (is this Nuna Leaf? Nuna Leaf looks like it's a manual swing vs. Fischer Price electric swing)

Would 4Moms mamaRoo do all those above?! Ahhhhh!! We live in a row home in DC and these gears look like they'll take up a lot of space. 

Open to clarification on all these different types and product names any of you recommend from prior experience. Ooooh-sssaahhhh

This would all go much better with a glass of wine in hand! Apple juice will do for now, I suppose.

AliKay20

Oh and DH doesn't seem overwhelmed at all. He begins with what will now be a repeated speech, "Babe, people have been raising babies since the beginning of time without all these gears. You need a bouncer? I'll put our baby on our knee and bounce or something." 

I wish I were wired this way. 

Bookhousegirl

@AliKay20 the Rock and play is a fisher price foldable bassinet, essentially. We didn't have one at first but DS wouldn't sleep in the traditional bassinet we had for him and so we bought one (I think they're like $40 or
something pretty affordable) and it was a game changer. He would sleep for multiple hour stretches and it fit right next to the bed so I could easily rock it if he was fussing. We only used it for the first month or so, but still totally worth it in my opinion. 

The mamaroo is an electric bouncer, and is usually an alternative to a swing. DS ended up hating it so we're getting a swing this time. Some babies love it, so it's one of those things you have to try before deciding which is best for you.

The baby bjorn is a manual bouncer, so it doesn't move on it's own. We had a cheaper version of this and it was great for showers and traveling because it's really light and portable and they can still watch and interact with you. 

texasmama2014

@AliKay20  I second @Bookhousegirl RNP was a game changer, ours had a vibrate function and that was amazing.  If you only buy one, I highly recommend the RNP!

AliKay20

@Bookhousegirl @texasmama2014 Thank you ladies so so much! Narrowed down what we don't need right away and based on baby's preference, we'll go from there! Definitely getting the RNP. DH too thanks you all hahaha

ginger819

DD loved her FP  swing, she still got put in it at 9 months if she had a rough night sleeping. It was the only way to get some sleep as it rocked her to sleep when she was sick and couldn't fall back asleep at 3 in the morning. It was a lifesaver on nights like that. 

The FP bouncer I found on Craigslist for $10 was awesome too. She would sit in it while I did dishes or laundry until she was big enough to sit in her seat. It also helped me get in some showers and I would send it to relatives houses who watched her because it was small and she would fall asleep in it.  She probably got less use out of it than the swing, but it was definitely worth what I spent. 

But keep in mind babies are different. The little girl I babysit is not a huge fan of the bouncer, but loves the swing. 

haboobjob

@ginger819 the FP rocker swing saved our lives too! DD was a little reflux baby that refused to nap and that was the only way we could get her to sleep during the day for a very long time! We borrowed one from a friend in the beginning and when she needed it back, we immediately rushed out to replace it. 

PeachGal23

As an alternative to the RNP, check out the Graco Little Lounger.  It's almost the same as the RNP, but it reclines to almost flat.  Some babies have a hard time transitioning to the flat crib after sleeping in an inclined RNP position.  

Stephanie7693

I recommend buying these items at garage sales or whatever second hand you can get. This stuff is so expensive brand new, and although one of them may be your life saver for months on end, it still doesn't last long enough to justify hundreds of dollars. My only requirements for brand new items were crib, carseat, stroller, and pnp. (Actually still have our pnp from my 6 year old, but it was ours so I'm using it again). 

blond1230

My DS loved both his bouncer and swing. Both were lifesavers to stick him down, knowing he as happy and strapped in. We had the FP snuggapuppy bouncer and FP lamb swing, both were recommended by friends and I'd recommend them again.

For this new baby I will be getting a rock n play too. I've only heard great things about them and need another place to stick the baby down on the main level of my house while chasing after my two year old. From what I've heard you can use the rock n play from birth but the swing and bouncer you need to wait a bit.