The Best Baby Jumpers and Jumperoos (Reviews) in 2023

What is a Baby Jumper?

Baby jumpers are used for babies to exercise and play in. They usually have springs or an elastic harness that allows babies to use their legs and feet to jump up and down and bounce. They are extremely popular with many parents as a baby exerciser and a way to keep babies happy and entertained. There are two main types of baby jumpers:

Door Frame Jumper

A door frame jumper, also known as a baby door jumper, consist of a seat suspended from an elastic cable. These are then attached to doorways using a clamp. It is important to consider the size of your doorway, the width of your door frame and your wall requirements.

Door frame jumpers are particularly popular for those who are looking to save space. Freestanding jumpers usually take up much more space and are difficult to disassemble and store. A door jumper fits comfortably in the space of the doorway and is easy to fold away for storage. A door jumper is also much more portable for trips away or visits to family.

Jumperoo

A jumperoo is a free-standing jumper. They usually have a 360-degree turning function so your baby can spin. A jumperoo is designed for spinning, jumping and bouncing and helps to improve your baby’s motor skills and strengthen their legs. Jumperoos are also designed to encourage your baby’s sensory development.

They usually come with toys and activities attached for your baby to play with and have music and sounds to keep your little one entertained. Some Jumperoos even feature a play table or an electronic toy station. Many Jumperoos even offer the opportunity to add your own toys.

Activity Jumper

Activity jumpers are usually larger and heavier than other baby jumpers. They may not be ideal for smaller rooms or for parents who want to transport the baby jumper from room to room.

How to choose a baby jumper

When choosing the best baby jumper for your little one, there are so many fantastic options to choose from. Consider what type of jumpers you are interested in, for example, do you want a stationary jumper, one that can be used hands-free, a product that has toys and activities for your baby to play with, one that attaches to your door – the opportunities are endless!

However, there are several important considerations you should always take into account before making a purchase, including the following:

Age/Size Limitations

Baby jumpers usually cannot be used until your baby reaches a certain age. Others are aimed at babies who can hold their own head up or sit up unaided. Consider the minimum requirements if you are looking for a jumper for a younger baby.

It is also important to consider the maximum limitations. Most baby jumpers will have a weight and height limit that you should not exceed. Other jumpers may specify that the product is not appropriate for a child over a certain age or for those that can already walk. Importantly, if your child is able to climb out of the seat, they have likely exceeded the maximum limitation for using the jumper.

If you are unsure, consult the instruction manual or contact the manufacturer directly.

Adjustable Height

The best baby jumpers should have an adjustable height. This means you can change the height of the jumper to fit with the height of your child. Ensure your child’s feet are optimally positioned on the floor so they can jump safely and their motor skills can develop efficiently.

Different jumpers will have different height adjustments. Look for one that has a minimum of three different heights to ensure your baby can use their jumper for longer.

Set up size

Every baby jumper should specify the size dimensions in the product information. Manufacturers will usually specify the dimensions in centimetres and inches. Compare this with the size of the room you plan to use the baby jumper in. Activity jumpers or those that come with additional features such as an attached table or hanging toys for your baby to play with are likely to take up more space. If you require a baby jumper with smaller dimensions, you could consider a doorway jumper.

Washable Seat

Every parent knows how messy babies can be. An easy to clean jumper is a must. The best baby jumper for most parents comes with a machine-washable seat. These should be easy to remove and easy to clean. If the seat of your jumper is not machine washable, it is likely to be covered in a plastic material that can be wiped clean. Also ensure any other materials, such as the toy, jumper frame and play table can be easily wiped clean.

Price

Baby jumpers can vary hugely in price. If you are looking for a simple design without all the bells and whistles, you can usually find a jumper at a lower price. Baby jumpers that come with additional features such as toys, lights, sounds and music are likely to be more expensive. An activity jumper can also have an increased cost attached. Choosing a baby jumper that can grow with your child and last for a longer amount of time is also likely to have an additional cost attached.

Storing it

Doorway jumpers are usually portable and easy to store. However, baby activity jumpers and Jumperoos are usually much larger. Although there is a space saver Jumperoo available, ensure this will fit in your storage space before purchasing.

Always check how easy a baby jumper is to disassemble before making a purchase. You may also want to consider the size of the baby jumper when disassembled. The manufacturer may offer the dimensions of the disassembled jumper in the product information so that parents can consider this for storage. If they do not, it may be worth contacting the manufacturer directly to ensure that storage is an option.

Safety Considerations

‘Are baby jumpers safe?’ is one of the most frequent questions we hear from parents who are wondering whether to invest in a baby jumper for their little one. All baby jumpers need to pass stringent safety tests in order to be approved and sold.

You should always ensure that you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when your little one is using their baby jumper. One of the most important considerations is the age, height and weight limit. Your child should never exceed the recommended age, height or weight for your jumper. You should also stop using your jumper if your child is able to climb out of it. You should also ensure you never leave your baby unattended in their jumper. This goes for their baby bouncer and baby swing if you have one.

All of the products on this list can be considered as the best baby jumpers on the market. This also means that they will have additional safety features, such as adjustable straps and a secure door clamp.

When choosing the best baby jumper for your little one, there are certain safety features you should always consider:

Duration of use

Experts recommend that babies should be limited to 15-20 minute sessions in their jumper, no more than twice a day. This is because a jumper can set your baby’s hips into an unnatural position. Spending too long in a jumper can also affect your baby’s posture and muscle control. Some jumpers may strengthen different leg muscles than those that are required for walking, which could delay their necessary motor development.

Height position

You should always ensure your baby jumper is positioned at the correct height for your little one. Babies should not be able to put their feet flat not the ground. However, they should not be so high that they can only balance on their tiptoes. Check the height of your baby jumper to ensure your child is in the correct position for jumping and having fun, but it still safe and comfortable.

Bungee cords

Bungee cords are typically used on doorway jumpers. These having the highest potential for injury compared to other bouncers for a number of reasons, including the clamp not being secured to the doorway correctly or your baby banging into the doorframe. One of the biggest risks is choosing a baby jumper with weak bungee cords or not checking your cords for signs of damage. The bungee cords can cause injury if they snap or break. Choosing a bouncer with dual bungee cords can minimise the risk of them snapping. Alternatively, you can choose a doorway bouncer with an alternative structure.

Never let your baby sleep in one

It is not recommended for babies to sleep in a baby jumper for a number of reasons. Most importantly, sleeping in a jumper causes an increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). One of the reasons for this is the angled position. The straps can also pose a risk as if a baby is left unattended, the straps could become entangled or restrict breathing. It is also possible that your baby could move in the jumper as they sleep and fall in some way.

Check your door frames

You should always make sure your doorframes are the correct dimension for your baby jumper. The manufacturer will always supply the recommended dimensions in the product information.

Having a door frame that is the incorrect size could result in the clamp not attaching properly and the jumper not being secure.

If the clamp fails while your baby is in the jumper, this could result in serious injury.

You should also check the width of your doorframe. Ensure your baby doesn’t bounce and play too close to the edge of the door as this could also cause injury.

When can a baby go in a Jumper?

Baby jumpers are a must-have piece of baby gear for a lot of parents. However, there is still some uncertainty about what age a jumper is appropriate for. Generally, baby jumpers can be used from 3-4 months old, until your child can walk or climb out of the jumper. However, age may not be the most factor. Babies are not usually recommended to use a baby jumper until they can hold up their head unaided. Some jumpers also stipulate that a baby should be able to sit up unaided before using a jumper.

You should also pay attention to the height, weight and size limits, as these are an important factor when deciding when your baby can use one.

Are Jumpers Safe for Babies?

Baby jumpers are usually very safe. As long as parents follow the safety recommendations and ensure their little one is using the jumper correctly, they should be completely safe. A baby jumper will usually have additional; safety features, such as safety harnesses, straps and padding, to keep your baby safe.

Remember though, Babies cannot use one until they are able to hold their heads up unassisted.