Updated on May 5, 2021 by Lyric Fergusson
Baby jumpers are a great way for your little one to burn off some of that excess energy (where does it all come from?!). Not to mention, they also provide a safe place for baby to play when you need a moment of much-needed rest. Whether you’re looking for a simple doorway jumper or a freestanding jumper-meets-activity-center, here are the 7 best baby jumpers available today.
[ez-toc]Best Baby Jumpers
1. Jolly Jumper: The Original Baby Exerciser
(Most minimalist — $$)
Why it’s great: The Jolly Jumper has been on the market since 1948 and is designed to help babies improve their balance and strengthen their muscles. The saddle seat of this jumper promotes good posture through special spine support and is intended for babies as young as three months old, so long as they can hold their head up on their own. This jumper can be clamped to doorframes or attached to a freestanding floor stand, which is sold separately.
Keep in mind: Some customers say this product doesn’t work well on doorframes with extra trim, in which case purchasing the additional floor stand is a better option.
Good for: Parents looking for something simple and high-quality that doesn’t require a lot of extra assembly.
2. Skip Hop Baby Jumper: Jumpscape Fold-Away Jumper with Bounce Counter
(Best design — $$$)
Why it’s great: This Skip Hop baby jumper is a great option for parents who are looking for something that is more than just a jumper. With a 360-degree swiveling saucer seat, this jumper allows babies to turn and reach as they bounce. Babies will love discovering all the clip-on toys this jumper has to offer, including the tactile fox figurine, spinning bee rattle, and tambourine mirror. One of this jumper’s most fun features is the light-up bounce counter, which tracks the number of baby’s jumps. Once baby hits 100 jumps, bright lights and exciting applause sounds congratulate baby on their accomplishment.
Keep in mind: Some customers report that even though this jumper is collapsible, it can be tough to fold up.
Good for: Parents who want something easy to clean as the seat cover and toys are all removable and machine washable.
3. Summer Pop ‘n Jump Portable Activity Center
(Most portable — $$)
Why it’s great: This Summer Infant jumper is a great option for parents who want something to use at home as well as take with them on-the-go. This jumper folds down into a compact travel bag with a shoulder strap so you can easily throw it in the car or schlep it to the park or the beach. This jumper has three levels of height adjustments, ensuring that baby can continue to use it as she grows. Perfect for the outdoors, this jumper includes a soft mat to protect baby’s feet as well as a UV canopy to shade baby from the sun.
Keep in mind: Some customers say this jumper can be tough to clean because none of the parts are removable.
Good for: Parents who want a jumper they can travel with as this jumper folds up easily for transport.
4. Bright Starts Playful Parade Door Jumper
(Best value — $)
Why it’s great: This simple and affordable Bright Starts door jumper is a great introduction to baby jumpers and is perfect for parents who want to try the trend without breaking the bank. This jumper is designed to clamp onto a doorframe and doesn’t require any extra tools or assembly. This jumper is compatible with most doorframes and is easy to take down and store when not in use. This jumper also has fabric hooks around the front of the seat, perfect for attaching sensory toys for baby to play with while she jumps around.
Keep in mind: Some customers report that this jumper’s seat runs large.
Good for: Parents who want the benefits of a jumper but don’t want to spend a lot of money on one.
5. Fisher-Price Rainforest Jumperoo
(Most entertaining — $$$)
Why it’s great: One of the highest-rated baby jumpers on Amazon, this Fisher-Price jumper has lots of extra accessories and features to keep your little one active and engaged. This jumper’s seat rotates 360 degrees to provide easy access to the plethora of captivating toys attached to the frame. The soft seat pad is also removable and machine washable for easy clean-up. Swinging animals hang from this jumper’s canopy while other interactive toys use motion, music, and lights to capture baby’s attention. Durable and endlessly entertaining, this jumper has three height positions to accommodate your little one’s growing size.
Keep in mind: Some customers say this product takes up a lot of space and is hard to maneuver around the house.
Good for: Parents who want an activity center and a jumper but don’t want to have to buy two separate products.
6. Evenflo Exersaucer Activity Seat and Doorway Jumper
(Most versatile — $$)
Why it’s great: This two-in-one jumper by Evenflo easily converts into a baby activity chair and is perfect for parents who want a product that not only keeps baby entertained but that they can easily move around the house. As an activity seat, this product allows your baby to practice sitting up on his own and is a great way to keep baby safe and contained when you need two hands to do something. As a jumper, this product can be attached to any doorframe in the house for endless bouncing entertainment. This product also comes with two interactive toys that are accessible to baby in both jumper and activity seat modes.
Keep in mind: Some customers say that it can be hard to get your baby in and out of this jumper.
Good for: Parents who want to easily convert their jumper into a baby seat and back again with little hassle.
7. Fisher-Price Astro Kitty SpaceSaver Jumperoo
(Easiest to assemble — $$)
Why it’s great: This Jumperoo, also by Fisher-Price, is a more affordable option for parents looking for a jumper that can double as an activity center. With a removable toy bar and intergalactic command center, this jumper employs lights, sounds, colors, and textures to stimulate baby’s senses. This jumper’s sturdy frame allows baby to safely bounce to his heart’s content while also strengthening his muscles and motor skills. Parents praise this jumper for its reasonable price tag as well as for how easily it folds flat for storage or transport.
Keep in mind: This jumper’s seat does NOT swivel 360 degrees.
Good for: Busy babies as this jumper comes with lots of engaging toys to play with.
FAQs about baby jumpers
1. Are baby jumpers safe?
Yes! Baby jumpers have been designed with your little one’s safety in mind and are a great way for baby to get a little exercise while you check a few chores off your to-do list. That being said, it’s important to never leave your child unattended while they’re in their jumper. Experts also recommend avoiding putting your baby in a jumper for an extended period of time and to never let your baby fall asleep in their jumper.
2. Why do I need a baby jumper?
Baby jumpers are also a great mode of entertainment for your child with the bonus benefit of giving mom and dad a short break. Many jumpers even come with fun accessories to entertain your baby, stimulate their senses, and improve their motor development. Baby jumpers provide a great outlet for your little one to move and play, with the added advantage of tiring them out for their next nap!
3. What are the different kinds of baby jumpers?
The two most common types of baby jumpers are doorway jumpers and freestanding jumpers. Doorway jumpers attach to a doorframe and generally take up less space. Freestanding jumpers come as a stationary set-up with built-in rods to support baby’s jumping. Freestanding jumpers often come with more bells and whistles, including developmental toys and activity sets. For this reason, they’re also usually more expensive.
4. What age can a baby use a jumper?
Because most jumpers don’t provide adequate neck and back support, your baby should be able to hold his head up on his own and support himself in an upright position before he starts using his jumper. A general rule is that babies shouldn’t use a jumper until they’re between 3 and 6 months old, but all babies develop differently so consult your pediatrician if you’re unsure.
5. What’s the difference between a baby jumper and an activity center?
A baby jumper is an apparatus designed for movement. Jumpers allow your baby to push up and down off the ground to simulate jumping. An activity center is usually a stationary object in which your baby’s feet stay rooted to the ground.
Conclusion
Baby jumpers are a great way for babies to bounce, play and jump around without any assistance from mom or dad (read: a fun activity for baby that keeps your hands free to do other things!). Baby jumpers promote the development of baby’s strength and coordination as well as improve motor skills and muscle control. While some jumpers are designed to hang from a doorframe, other products are more similar to an activity center in that they are free-standing structures that come with a variety of fun toys to engage baby’s senses. Most jumpers are safe for babies to use as soon as they can hold their head up, but always read the instructions and safety guidelines that come with your product to ensure your baby is using his jumper as safely as possible.
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