09.Bouncers
Bouncers are designed to allow a young baby to recline and bounce and watch the world go by. Babies are not generally known for their liking of being left out of the action when they're awake, so a bouncer can be handy.
But injuries can happen, usually when a bouncer falls off something like a table, or the baby falls out of the bouncer.
Using a bouncer safely
- Never put your bouncer or rocker on a table or other high surface - no matter how tempting or safe-looking. Even slight movement could move baby and bouncer to the edge and over.
- Bouncers should only be used on the floor on a flat surface.
- Always use the safety harness.
- Never leave your baby unattended in their bouncer.
- Place the bouncer well clear of heaters and stairs, particularly when they're on a smooth or polished surface.
- Don't carry your baby around in a bouncer.
- Stop using the bouncer when your baby begins to roll.
What to look for
- Choose a bouncer that has a waist and crotch strap to secure your baby - and always use them.
- Look for a bouncer with rubber tips or other features on the base to stop the product "walking" as your baby rocks.