Those early days at home with a newborn are so special and sweet. They’re so tiny and cuddly, and the excitement of bringing your baby home is in the air. Caring for a newborn is a 24/7 job, though, and there will certainly be times that you won’t be able to hold or babywear, such as when you’re in the shower, or when you’d like to just sit down for a meal.
Although I’m a big advocate of cuddles and closeness, I feel it’s important to have a safe and comfortable place for your baby to sit from time to time during the day. That’s where baby bouncers come in. And naturally, I’m going to recommend the best non-toxic baby bouncers for you to choose from, because we want your baby to be surrounded by nothing but the safest materials.
The Best Non-Toxic Baby Bouncers
- Reader Favorite Bouncer: The Baby-Bjorn Bouncer
- New Favorite on the Scene: The Om Baby Rocker
- Favorite Swing/Bouncer: Nuna Leaf Bouncer
- Coziest Bouncer: Stokke Steps
- Most Stylish Bouncer: Bloom Coco Lounger
A bouncer is essentially a baby seat, and I recommend having one because they’re incredibly useful. Bouncers can be really soothing to babies, too, so it’s a win-win for both the baby and mom and dad. Just make sure your baby can see you (and that you can keep an eye on them) while in the bouncer, and that you don’t have your baby in their bouncer too long. (A good rule of thumb I’ve heard is no more than two hours per day sitting “in something”.)
I recommend buying one bouncer for each floor in your home; otherwise, you’ll end up lugging the bouncer up and down the stairs every day. If you have a two-story home, for example, that gives you an opportunity to put your baby down while you make breakfast downstairs, and while you take a shower upstairs. (Tip: If you want your baby to sit in the bouncer while you shower, make sure they have just woken up from a nap and have a full tummy. Otherwise, you’ll have to tend to a crying baby mid-shower, and probably with a head full of shampoo. Spoken from experience.) If your baby doesn’t take to their bouncer right away, give it some time.
Here are some wonderful non-toxic baby bouncers that are made with safer materials and fabrics for you to choose from.
1) BabyBjorn Bouncer Balance
Buy on Amazon | BuyBuy Baby | Target | Pottery Barn Kids | Nordstrom
We have used the BabyBjorn bouncer with both kids and have been very happy with it! Actually, that’s an understatement because it has been both of my children’s favorite place to sit (aside from mom’s lap!).
The best part about this bouncer is that your baby’s own movements will keep them bouncing happily in their seat. It is SO adorable when your baby figures this out and learns how to keep the bouncing going.
You can also push the seat to bounce your baby, but your baby will likely learn very quickly that they can power the seat all by themselves.
The BabyBjorn has four positions and can be used from birth to age 2, making this a versatile bouncer. As with all BabyBjorn products, the fabric used is Oexo-Tek certified, meaning it’s free from harmful chemicals. And with the fabric being removable, it’s easy to throw it in the washer. It also comes in a variety of colors to match your home or nursery.
You can also add on the Wooden Toy Bar for this bouncer, giving your little one something to play with while they are seated. I know the toy bar is pricey, but it’s really worth it.
All in all, the BabyBjorn Bouncer is a great choice!
2) Finn & Emma Om Baby Rocker
This beautiful new non-toxic baby bouncer by Finn & Emma is quickly becoming one of our favorites. One of the unique things about this bouncer seat is that it can be used as a chair for your little one as they grow, to age 8. That’s impressive — and we love how your investment in a piece like this won’t only last a few months like other bouncers. (Though, these organic and non-toxic bouncers do have great resale value on local marketplaces like Facebook.)
The Om Baby Rocker chair is a beautiful addition to your home and is made from beech wood. The cushion is made from cotton and is machine washable. Your baby will be safe and snug in this bouncer, thanks to the three-point harness. And if you have pets or older siblings at home, you’ll love the arms on this chair because they’ll give your little one a little more of a boundary from curious pets and big brothers and sisters.
Available in grey and dark wood.
Buy on Finn & Emma
3) Nuna Leaf Grow Baby Bouncer
Buy on Nordstrom | Pottery Barn Kids | Albee Baby | Pish Posh Baby
I love the Nuna Leaf! It’s a gentle bouncer that has a soft rocking motion that won’t overstimulate your baby. It is not electronic in any way – meaning it has no cords, batteries, or vibrating motion. It simply rocks naturally with a gentle push, and will continue rocking on its own for about 2 minutes at at time.
This is such a nice and comforting bouncer seat for your baby. In the company’s own words, the Leaf was inspired by the “carefree float of a leaf on a breeze”.
The Leaf features a GOTS-certified organic cotton newborn insert, ensuring that your baby only comes in contact with the gentlest of materials. I highly recommend this – it’s one of my favorite non-toxic baby bouncers.
The cutest styles I’ve seen are available from Pottery Barn Kids, but you can find it in different fabrics at various retailers I’ve linked above.
4) Stokke Steps Bouncer
Buy on Nordstrom | BuyBuy Baby | Crate and Kids
Another wonderful bouncer to consider, the Stokke Steps Bouncer is powered by your baby’s own movements. It features a plush padded seat and was designed to give your baby the feeling of being cradled.
The bouncer comes with a newborn insert so that you can begin using this from the newborn stage until your baby reaches the 20-pound weight limit. The Stokke bouncer has multiple seating positions to accommodate your baby at various growth stages, and can also be folded down flat for storage. It also comes with a detachable toy bar for your baby to play with.
The Steps Bouncer is ergonomic in design and is manufactured in The Netherlands.
5) Bloom Coco Stylewood Lounger
Buy on Bloom Baby | Pottery Barn Kids
Probably the most stylish of all baby bouncers, the Bloom lounger features a contemporary design that won’t stand out like a sore thumb in your living room. The Bloom Coco Lounger features a self-rocking motion and features an organic cotton seat, so you can rest assured that your baby won’t be coming in direct contact with any harmful substances.
This product is also free of lead, BPA, phthalates, PVC, formaldehyde, and flame retardants.
Which non-toxic baby bouncer did you choose? I personally love the Nuna and the Bjorn bouncers. Hope you found one that you love!
Andrea Petersen says
I have been using your guides all week to finish up my registry! Thanks so much for the helpful info you put on this site. I put the Bloom Coco Lounger on my registry, but was wondering if you know of any Canadian retailers for Charlie Crane’s Levo Baby Rocker? (https://www.polyvore.com/charlie_crane_levo_baby_rocker/thing?id=149476567) Houseology is the only one I can find, but there has got to be a cheaper one somewhere!
The Gentle Nursery says
Hi Andrea, thanks for you kind words! I’m glad the site has been helpful! Ok for the Levi Rocker, how much are you being charged on Houseology? Here’s one to try: https://www.scandiborn.com/products/charlie-crane-levo-baby-rocker-in-beech-and-white?variant=36007796801&gclid=CjwKCAjw3_HOBRBaEiwAvLBbon6sxfc-t4Lhw6YFije8kLnxgKSE3ewWWsECDOyeGZgpk84j2nfz3xoCmzcQAvD_BwE. They ship to CA. I’ll post a couple more links shortly from my laptop too if that’s not a better option.
Karen says
Do you have a direct contact? So i can email you my few questions that i have. It would be really helpful. 🙂
The Gentle Nursery says
Yes! Please email me through the contact page https://www.gentlenursery.com/contact/
Karen says
Also do you have suggestions for baby swings and cradles?
The Gentle Nursery says
Cradles can be found on https://www.gentlenursery.com/natural-baby-registry-guide/newborn-baby-bassinets/. As for swings I don’t have a guide out yet. Do you need one for sleep or just for fun and entertainment?
Karen says
I need for both fun/entertainment and sleep too. I was considering this https://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Little-Snugapuppy-Cradle-Swing/dp/B00DGA06JQ/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1502114674&sr=8-2&keywords=snugapuppy Any suggestions ?
The Gentle Nursery says
I personally don’t use a swing and I have only done a little research on the subject so far. But I don’t know of any non-toxic swings except for the Hushamok Hammock: http://amzn.to/2vfhcXA, which probably isn’t what you are looking for. I use the Baby Bjorn Bouncer and love it, but it is very different than a swing. Let me do a little more research on the topic and let you know!
Karen says
Okay. Please do let me know. Also i was wondering if you have suggestions on baby toys and books.
The Gentle Nursery says
Yes! Please email me! I have a great list of books but the guide isn’t ready for the site yet. Toys too!
Karen says
Can baby sleep in baby Bjorn bouncer?
The Gentle Nursery says
Only for supervised naps. Both my boys have slept in the Baby Bjorn bouncer as newborns and loved it. After the newborn period it doesn’t really work that well for sleep because they’re less likely to fall asleep just anywhere.
Karen says
I have emailed you already. I am awaiting your reply 🙂
The Gentle Nursery says
I didn’t get anything! Please try again? gentlenursery at gmail dot com
Karen says
I did. I hope you get my email 🙂
Karen says
Hey Yasmine
Can you please let me know when you get my email? Or can you send me an email please?
The Gentle Nursery says
Got it! Will respond shortly 🙂
Karen says
Thanks 🙂
Karen says
Hi Yasmine,
Can you give some input on Graco Pack ‘n Play Playard Snuggle Suite LX, Pierce? I was considering this since i need a diaper changer.
The Gentle Nursery says
Pack n Plays are the go-to of play yards so you know they’re great products but Graco makes no effort to reduce toxins in their products. I don’t have the latest info but I would be happy to follow up with them! If you plan on using it for sleep, I would suggest you consider one of the other play yards I’ve listed here. If you’re just planning to use it occasionally, it would be wise to buy it and air it out as much as possible.
Karen says
Hi Yasmine,
I wouldnt be using it for sleep. But maybe as the baby grows to let him/her play in it. For sleep i would be using crib majorly. But i would be using the bouncer and changing pad exclusively, because i dont have any other diaper changing station or bouncer chair.