Best Soft Baby Carrier Buying Guide

Best Soft Baby Carrier Buying Guide

Nothing is as much a confidence killer for a new parent than a baby who just won’t stop crying. You might frequently be in a similar scenario: you hold your baby or nurse him until he falls asleep and you carefully put him down only to have him crying within 10 seconds of touching the bed. In fact, it might seem to you that nothing can console your baby except a cuddle from you. But worry not. No matter what it looks like to you at this time, a baby crying for cuddles is very normal. If you were tiny and defenseless yourself, would you want to be put down and left alone to sleep? Probably not. So if nothing consoles your baby except carrying him, well, why don’t you carry him?

Why you should own a soft baby carrier?

American pediatrician, Dr. Bill Sears is a proponent of a parenting theory called Attachment Parenting. In his theory, he says that babies who are carried and cuddled more often grow up happier, more secure, smarter, and more willing to be independent. That is, as long as you’re willing to put in the time early in childhood by carrying your baby in a sling or carrier. This practice is called baby wearing and it allows your baby to be close to you at all times while you keep your hands free and go about your daily routine. According to experts, baby wearing has these advantages:

• Babies cry less because they get more cuddles from mom, dad, or their grandparents. You can let anyone you trust wear your baby.
• If your baby is underweight, you’ll be happy to know that babies who are worn in a carrier gain weight faster. This is because you can be more responsive to his needs and he has more immediate access to breast milk.
• Babies who are worn in a carrier are smarter because they are constantly at your eye level and so they see everything that you do. They also get to have an insider view of your interactions with other people. For this reason, they learn cues from others’ facial expressions and tone of voice which gives them some knowledge of social interaction.
• Babies who are worn in a carrier are more willing to be put down in bed at the end of the day. It sounds counter-intuitive, but babies will also seek space. If they no longer need to fight for your attention because they are constantly with you, they will mind less when it is time to lie in bed for the night.

This is not to say that attachment parenting is the only way to raise your child. But if you are not a subscriber to this parenting philosophy, owning a baby carrier still has many advantages for you and baby, which includes:

• Being able to carry baby hands free. This means more than having the freedom to do things while carrying your baby with you. Carrying your baby in a carrier transfers and equally distributes his weight to your back and shoulder muscles making it easier on your arm muscles.
• Baby carriers are definitely more portable than bulky strollers. If you’re going for a walk in a crowded place or going on an errand where you couldn’t take your stroller, a baby carrier is the answer.
• If you pick a good quality baby carrier with an ergonomic design, carrying your baby in the carrier will be friendlier to the development of his back because it keeps it in a natural ‘C-position.’ Unlike carrying him your arms where an awkward position may twist his back to an ‘S’ shape.

What features should you consider in buying a soft baby carrier?

As you can see, owning a soft baby carrier has a lot of advantages. Not bad for a piece of fabric designed to help you carry your baby like a kangaroo, right? If you have not yet received one as a gift during your baby shower, you will want to go out shopping for one. And we have prepared a guide to help you make your purchase.

● Baby’s Age and Weight

Soft baby carriers come in different varieties to fit different babies while others are adjustable to fit babies from birth to when they are about 30 pounds. Some carriers designed for bigger babies come with a newborn insert so that you could use it from the start. You will want to think of when you want to start using a carrier and for how long so that you can make the best decision in terms of design.

● Your Size and Height

Aside from the weight limit, soft baby carriers come in different sizes to fit the wearer. That’s you. So when you see the size on the box, turn it to one of the side panels and you might find the size guide. On it you will find your dress size or your height. Pick the one that corresponds to your size and never go a size bigger. Soft baby carriers need to fit baby snugly to be safe and comfortable for both of you. If you find that you are in between two sizes, it’s always safer to go with the smaller size because the fabric may stretch over time.

● Material

There are many choices these days when it comes to material. When you pick a material, you have to remember that you and your baby will be snuggled tightly together and share body heat. This means that you should pick a material that is light and breathable so that you and baby can stay cool. You also want to pick material that isn’t too stretchy because it could sag as baby gets heavier and it will be uncomfortable for both you and baby to wear. Instead, pick a soft structured baby carrier with material that can keep its structural integrity for a long time.

● Ergonomic Design

Your baby may or may not spend a lot of time in his carrier. But during the times that he does, you want to make sure that you support his back and keep it in a natural C-shaped position. This means that your carrier should allow your baby’s legs to stay up in froggy position where his knees are placed higher than his hips. This usually means that the fabric of your carrier should support his weight from knee to knee and will allow him to have a deep seat in it.

● Lumbar Support

Carrying your baby even in a carrier could cause a lot of neck strain if the weight of your baby is concentrated on your shoulders. The key is to find a carrier that crosses your back at the waist to give you some lumbar support. This gets your strong back muscles to help lift your baby’s weight in a safe way.

● Multiple Holds

As your baby grows up, he may want to be carried in different ways. So when you buy a carrier, you don’t want to pick a one trick pony. Pick one that offers flexibility as to carrying positions so that you can shift to another when you and your baby are tired of your current hold. For instance, as they get older, most babies like to move to a hip carry so that they could see more of their surroundings as opposed to being carried in front of your body.

● Secure Clasps

If you choose a soft structured carrier instead of a wrap-style carrier, inspect the clasps and straps. You want to make sure those clasps are secure and remain locked, for obvious reasons. Likewise, you want to look at the straps and try adjusting them. They should adjust easily when you pull at them but remain in place when it is carrying your baby’s weight.

● Color and Pattern

This is where baby carriers become really fun. When they were first launched, carriers just came in basic colors like black, red, blue, and pink. But today, there are a lot of colors and patterns to choose from. You could pick one with a design that is as unique as you or pick one that you think matches your child’s personality. Whichever you choose, pick one that you will enjoy wearing because you and your baby may use it for up to two or three years.

Tips for wearing your baby

• If you’re using your new carrier for the first time, take the time to learn how to work all the straps and adjustments. Try using a doll until you are very familiar with your carrier. Only then do you attempt to put your baby in it. This is to ensure that you are carrying your baby securely and that you will be confident when you wear your child.
• Leg position is very important when your baby is in his carrier. In order to avoid hip dysplasia, make sure that your baby’s legs are higher than his hips and his legs are spread wide instead of just dangling from his crotch. This means that if you select a wrap-style carrier you have to make sure that you stretch the fabric from knee to knee and that you create deep enough pocket so that his hips are lower than his knees.
• Learn different positions for carrying your baby. In the beginning, you will feel most comfortable carrying your baby in front of your body with his face against your chest. But as your baby grows in curiosity, he will want to be carried facing outwards or even to be worn in a hip carry. On some occasions, and with a much older baby, you will also want to learn to carry him backpack style when you need to do something that you don’t want your baby to reach.
• Baby wearing is a great way to breastfeed discretely and on the go. If you’re exclusively breastfeeding, you might like to practice lowering your baby to your breast while he in his carrier. Do it carefully, though, and take your time. Practice when your baby isn’t too hungry so he will allow you more time to adjust your carrier and latch.
• If you pick a wrap type carrier, avoid the cradle carry. The cradle carry used to be popular but is now discouraged by pediatricians because it causes the chin to touch the chest and increases the chances of asphyxiation.
• For the most comfortable carrying position, wear your baby high enough so that his head is close enough to kiss. This is also the most secure position for babies.
• Don’t be afraid to tighten your carrier because a snug baby is a secure baby. But pay attention to his air passages. You want to make sure that they are never blocked.
• Have more than one carrier. As with all babies, yours might accidentally spit up or you might get some breastmilk on your carrier and it will need to be washed. An extra carrier ensures that your adventures with baby won’t stop even while one is in the laundry.

Our Recommendation

Holding your baby close is one of the most wonderful things you can do for him. It allows him to hear your heartbeat and your voice – the two things that comfort him the most. For you, baby wearing will also satisfy your need to nurture and share things with your child. And on your next kangaroo cuddle, we know that you will fall in love with the Tula Ergonomic Baby Carrier. The Tula is wonderfully designed and supports your baby’s developing body in all the right ways while being very comfortable to wear. With straps on both shoulders and a waist strap for lumbar support, your baby will almost be weightless so you can walk and do your errands with ease. And it helps that the designs are so beautiful. For these reasons and more, the Tula is our number one favorite soft baby carrier and you learn more about it here. But, if for any reason it isn’t to your liking, we have looked at so many carriers to come up with our reviews of the Top 5 Best Soft Baby Carriers. We are sure that one of them will help make your bonding time with your baby extra special.

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Originally posted 2016-09-16 10:00:14.

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10 Fun Outings and Activities (Your Kids Won’t Know Are Educational)

10 Fun Outings and Activities (Your Kids Won’t Know Are Educational)

There are countless educational TV shows, computer programs, and apps that you can use to help children learn important life skills. But even all of the modern-day technology is no substitute for real-life experience. Kids can learn much more than academic skills when they’re out in the world. As parents, it can be hard to constantly come up with new activities and ideas. The good news is, even simple, day-to-day activities can be educational for kids. Here are 10 educational activities you can do with your kids. Don’t worry, your kids will have so much fun they won’t even realize they’re learning!

The Zoo

Just about every kid loves animals. Even if your son or daughter is afraid of some animals, he or she is more than likely intrigued by others. The best thing about a trip to the zoo is you can decide what you want to do. You can check out shows and attractions, give your kids a hands-on experience at the petting zoo, pick the exhibits you want to see, or attend special events. Check the website for your local zoo to see which attractions they offer and plan your trip in advance.

Your kids will learn to identify different animals and observe them in their habitats; ask your children questions about what they see, say the names of the animals aloud, and read them the facts that are on display. A trip to the zoo is also a great way to get outside and get a little exercise!

The Science Center

This one may not be a big secret, especially since it has “Science” in the title, but your kids will have so much fun with the hands-on exhibits and gadgets and gizmos, that they’ll forget all about it.

Science centers are great any time of year; they have holiday-related exhibits and shows during the winter, and during the summer, it’s a cool place to escape the heat!

You can do a quick Google search to find the closest Science center or children’s learning center in your area, and if you’re traveling, make sure to check out one of the 10 best science centers.

Note: Check with your child’s teacher before heading to the Science center, he or she may be able to get you discounted tickets or admission. Here’s a whole list of places teachers can visit for free or for a discounted price.​

The Craft Store

While this isn’t a specific educational venue or attraction, you can turn a visit to the local craft store into a fun learning experience. Ask your son or daughter to help you pick out craft-store items for a special project. You can either let him or her know what you’re making ahead of time, or make it a mystery and encourage them to use their imagination!

When you get home, unload your materials and have a fun day encouraging your child’s creativity. Arts and crafts boost confidence and encourage kids to think creatively, with an open mind. Crafting is also a great way to help your child develop his or her fine motor skills and you can teach your child about shapes and colors.

The Aquarium

Introduce your kids to the marvels and creatures who live under the sea! If your child is already familiar with some sea creatures, plan your day and make sure you see these aquatic animals. Most aquariums also have special shows you can watch to learn more about certain creatures or underwater environments. Your kids will love to see these animals up close, so head to the Aquarium for a fun hands-on, educational activity for kids of all ages!

The Theatre

Although there are some fantastic movies for kids, here, we’re specifically talking about performance theatre. Depending on your child’s attention span, it’s never too early to introduce your son or daughter to the arts. It’s a unique experience you can enjoy together and a fantastic learning opportunity for kids.

According to Child Magazine, “Theatre and drama enable children to recognise how to express themselves physically and emotionally in a healthy manner, help them understand under-developed parts of themselves, and assist them in putting things into perspective – all of which can go a long way to empowering them.” Help your child develop an appreciation for the arts and foster important life and social skills they will use for years to come.

Art Museum

You may not want to spend all day with your kids at a museum, but you can certainly find lots of kid-friendly exhibits that your children will enjoy. Like theatre, museums broaden your child’s horizons and help them develop an appreciation for the arts. According to the Art Works Blog, “there’s no shortage of research indicating the benefits of museum visits for children. They can provide memorable, immersive learning experiences, provoke imagination, introduce unknown worlds and subject matter, and offer unique environments for quality time with family.”

Out to Eat

Taking your kids out to eat may not seem all that new and exciting, and depending on how many kids you have, it may seem stressful. If it’s not too much of an undertaking, however, you can turn a meal out into a learning experience. Take your kids to an ethnic restaurant where they can enjoy different types of foods like Indian food, Thai food, Japanese food or Chinese food. It’s a great opportunity to introduce your kids to different cultures and cuisines. This may require a little research, but while you wait for your food, you can share facts about the culture, language or cuisine. Encourage your kids to try different dishes and ask them what they like or dislike about the food, you never know what they might like!

Go to the Library

You can have hours of educational, free fun when you take your kids to the local library. Reading is fun and promotes imagination, plus, introducing your kids to books at a young age can help them develop their logical thinking, language and communication skills, and enhance their concentration and discipline. Let your kids pick out books and have fun reading them together!

Check your local library website to find the schedule for storytimes and events.​

National Park

Exploring a national park with your kids is a great way to get outside and be active. Plus, it’s a fantastic opportunity to teach your kids about history, nature, and wildlife. Find a park where you can camp as a family or get a day pass and spend an afternoon checking out the trails. Not sure which parks are best for kids? Check out these recommendations from National Geographic.

Tip: If there aren’t any national parks near you and you’re not ready to take a family road trip, why not explore a new park in your area? It’s a great opportunity for your kids to get outside and get some exercise, and it gives your kids a chance to interact with other children which can help them learn compassion and kindness. Scientific studies show that spending time each day to cultivate an attitude of compassion promotes happiness and life satisfaction.

Stay at Home

Most of the ideas on our list have been activities that require you to go somewhere, but don’t forget about all the fun, educational opportunities you can do in your own home. Take your kids outside at night to gaze at the stars. Teach them about the solar system and the constellations.

Spend a day at home baking or cooking. You can teach your kids kitchen safety and how to measure and mix ingredients. Plus, your son or daughter will have a blast helping you cook or bake fun treats!

You can also play a board game or create your own. Following directions is part of playing any game, so this will help your kids develop their listening skills, and if you create your own board game, you’ll give them a chance to be creative and come up with their own ideas.​

These activities are kid tested and parent approved, but with a little creativity, you can turn any activity into a learning experience. What are your favorite things to do with your friends? Let us know in the comments below!

Author Bio:

Maile Proctor is a content editor and blogger. She writes on health and fitness, lifestyle and family, how-to articles and more. She has worked as a preschool teacher, camp counselor, youth leader, and after-school coordinator. She earned her Bachelor’s in Broadcast Journalism from Chapman University.

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Baby’s First Winter: How to Battle Winter Eczema

Baby’s First Winter: How to Battle Winter Eczema

Winter brings up images of holidays, family meals and evenings spent by a cosy fireplace. Unfortunately, for a small baby, winters can be problematic. The harsh cold weather can lead to extremely dry, scaly and itchy skin, a condition called eczema.

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a type of skin rash that tends to appear in babies under the age of 5. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, children usually suffer from this condition during the first year after birth. The condition leads to dry and scaly patches on the baby’s skin and can appear on the cheeks, scalp, forehead and face. Regardless of where it appears, your baby will feel extremely itchy and try to rub their skin against the bed or the carpet for relief. Unfortunately, scratching will most likely lead to skin infection.

What Causes Atopic Dermatitis?

This condition can affect people of any race and 90% of people get it before the age of 5. A child’s risk of contracting this condition increases if one of the parents has/has had asthma or hay fever. Children can contract all 3 diseases and will do so before the age of 30.

The location in which the child resides, for example, a region with high levels of pollution or cold climate, also increases the risk of eczema. Interestingly, the older a mother is at the time of delivery, the more likely the child is to contract eczema. Also, females are more susceptible to this condition than males.​

Researchers have found that this condition is not contagious. However, eating certain foods such as dairy items, including yogurt and cheese can worsen the condition. It’s important to speak with your child’s dermatologist before stopping any specific foods though.

How Do Dermatologists Treat This Condition?

Although no cure for atopic dermatitis exists, dermatologists can help control the condition. Treatment can prevent the condition from worsening, while also relieving the itching, which can reduce the chances of infection in babies from scratching too much. Timely treatment can also stop the skin from thickening. This is critical because thick skin often itches constantly, even without an eczema flare up.

Treatment for this condition includes medicine, skin care and lifestyle changes, which should help in controlling the itching, reducing redness, clearing the infection, and removing scaly lesions.​

Tips to Reduce Severity of Your Baby’s Eczema

Bathing

• Don’t bathe your baby for more than ten minutes. Make sure the bath water is warm, not hot.
• Ensure the cleanser you use to bathe your baby is fragrance-free and doesn’t contain harsh chemicals. A bleach bath twice a week may also be recommended by the dermatologist.
• Never rub skin after a bath, instead lightly pat-dry it.

Moisturizing

• Apply medicine only when the skin is almost dry. Apply moisturizer over the medicine and on the rest of the body. Moisturizer can also be applied in the morning immediately before putting your baby’s clothes on.
• The moisturizer should be thick. Petroleum jelly is an inexpensive, yet effective option. Always check that the moisturizer/lotion doesn’t contain alcohol because it will strip the skin of moisture. Try using pure oils to help relieve dry skin problems and intensely hydrate the skin.
• Applying moisturizer twice a day can prevent dryness, cracking, and may keep the need for eczema medications to a minimum.

Hygiene

• Always use laundry detergent meant for sensitive skin to wash your baby’s clothes. Avoid scented detergents and fabric softeners because these can cause irritation.
• Cut your child’s fingernails regularly to decrease the chances of any scratching and puncturing the skin. Another option is to slip cotton gloves over your baby’s hands at night to prevent any scratching during sleep.
• Your baby’s diapers are made using plastic, which is guaranteed to irritate his/her skin, leading to rashes around the edges of the diaper. This can happen to even those babies who aren’t suffering from eczema. Cloth diapers can help soothe irritated skin and even though they cost more, they come up to the same price as normal diapers in the long term.
• To help your baby avoid dry skin, make sure it is always hydrated. Organic, unscented soap contains very few ingredients that remove moisture from the skin. For example, fat-based soaps made from olive oil can clean the skin without stripping it of natural oils.

Clothing

• When buying baby clothes, try to find items that do not have tags and labels on them because they can cause irritation when they rub against the skin.
• Always wash new baby clothes before using them to remove excess dyes and other chemicals which can potentially irritate the skin.
• Invest in organic cotton clothing. It is made without the use of synthetic fertilizers, toxins, harsh chemicals or dyes. Not only is this type of clothing free from allergies, it is also soft and comfortable for your baby. Using organic cotton is a quick way to reduce the chances of skin irritation.
• When buying baby clothes, stick to one brand for a while to see if it results in any allergic reactions. If you find it to be skin-friendly, you can buy more clothing from the same brand.  Doing so will prevent you from wasting money on nonorganic clothing which may or may not work for your child.
• Avoid using fabric softeners which are packed with chemicals and scents, leading to inflamed and itchy skin. It may be a good idea to run an extra rinse cycle to ensure that all soap has been removed from clothing. It also makes sense to rinse your own clothing properly to ensure that no chemicals are transferred to your baby.

General Tips

• Breast milk is hypoallergenic and is the best option for your baby if food allergies are the cause of eczema. The mother can change her diet to ensure the baby is receiving the most nutritious milk possible by eating food high in anti-inflammatory elements Fish oil, berries and dark greens such as spinach work well in such cases.
• Homemade baby food can help because it contains fewer chemicals than store-bought baby-food. Buy organic foods because they contain less chemicals. Cook all fruits on a stove until they bubble and then puree them. After the food has been pureed, freeze it for use later. Simply microwave the food to warm it up. Home-cooked food is healthier for your baby and will save you money as well.
• Check your baby’s toys because they can be a hotbed for all sorts of chemicals. Check the plastic, the paint and the dyes as any of these factors can cause an allergic skin reaction. Wooden toys are a safe alternative. Remember to wash any fluffy toys at least once a week to eliminate dust mites, which can cause skin irritation.
• Don’t let the room temperature reach uncomfortable levels of heat or humidity as these are the most common triggers of itching and scratching.
• Be wary of using scented products around the home because they tend to be produced chemically. If the product’s scent is not produced naturally, avoid using it altogether. Common products where chemically manufactured scents can be found include perfumes, dishwasher soap, household cleaners, wood cleaners, air sanitizers, bath lotions, wipes, deodorants, and antiperspirants.
• Did you know that your baby’s shoes can cause skin irritation around his/her ankles? Always look for shoes made from chrome-free leather. These are free of chemicals used in the shoe-tanning process and will also let your baby’s feet breathe.
• Walk through your home and examine all possible areas where your baby may come in contact with chemicals. For example, carpets and bedding can be the biggest culprits. Replace them with skin-friendly options or get rid of them altogether.

Final Thoughts

Eczema is a common condition faced by several babies, but with proper care and precautions, it doesn’t have to be too uncomfortable for your child. Taking care of basic hygiene and making a few lifestyle changes can keep this problem at bay, while making your baby as comfortable as possible when undergoing treatment.

Author Bio:

Rachel Oliver is a freelancer who has a way with words. She likes to write about anything and everything under the sun, but themes like parenting, baby health & fitness, fashion, business and technology interests her more. You can get in touch with her on Google+, Facebook, and Twitter.

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Top 5 Best Baby Rocker Chairs | 2017 Reviews

Full disclosure: there is no single piece of baby equipment which has personally gotten more use or been more important in our home than a baby rocker chair. Not only did it serve as an infant rocker for quite a long time, it also was the only place that one of our kids would sleep through the night while she was going through struggles with GERD and colic. It’s impossible to count the number of nights that she – finally – fell peacefully asleep in her rocker chair, allowing us to get some much-needed sleep as well. In fact, we had two identical chairs, one next to our bed and one next to our living room couch, so she could rock to sleep in either room.

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Quick Comparison Table

Fisher-Price Infant To Toddler Rocker

BabyHome Wave Wooden Rocker

Tiny Love 3 in 1 Rocker Napper

bloom Coco Go Lounger

Nuna Leaf Baby Seat With Mesh

Of course, most first-time parents don’t rely quite as much as we did on a baby rocker chair. But it’s still an invaluable tool for calming and entertaining an infant while letting her get a tiny bit of exercise and stimulation when she’s in the mood for some gentle play.

Most rocker/bouncer chairs have a number of things in common: they rock, they vibrate and they have some combination of reachable toys and the ability to play music. What’s more important to consider when shopping for a baby rocker is their comfort and safety, because a chair that isn’t padded enough will never make the infant happy or calm, and many inexpensive bouncers are prone to tipping quite easily. Fabric that’s easily washable will also be a godsend when accommodating children of this age (diapers have a way of letting loose when a baby is rocking), and being able to make at least a few adjustments to the angle of the chair is a helpful feature as well.

You may also want to take a read on our comprehensive Baby Rocker Chair Buying Guide.

Here’s our list of the top 5 best baby rocker chairs – and the full disclosure above will give you a hint as to why we selected our #1 choice to top the list.

Quick Comparison Table

Fisher-Price Infant To Toddler Rocker	BabyHome Wave Wooden Rocker	Tiny Love 3 in 1 Rocker Napper	bloom Coco Go Lounger	Nuna Leaf Baby Seat With Mesh
$$$	$$$	$$$	$$$	$$$
7.7 pounds	10.1 pounds	11.5 pounds	8.8 pounds	11.5 pounds
Not foldable	Foldable	Not foldable	Foldable	Not foldable

Fisher-Price Infant To Toddler Rocker

Here it is, the rocker that saved our sanity. It isn’t the most full-featured chair on our list, and it’s definitely the least expensive at about $25. But we swear by this baby rocker chair.

The Fisher-Price model has a deep seat and reclines almost flat, so it’s perfect for naps whether baby’s the type who will go to sleep on her own, if you want to rock her, or if you prefer to let the battery-powered vibrator function on the chair (which, unlike some competitors, doesn’t feel like you’ve unleashed a volcano) lull her into sleepy time. The recline also makes it easy to bottle feed if your arms or back are tired. There’s a locking kickbar as well, which prevents the chair from rocking or moving when the seat is reclined. The seat pad comes in a selection of lively patterns, but more importantly it can be removed and tossed in the washing machine. There’s a three-point restraint system for safety.

When you move the seat all the way up, the Infant to Toddler Rocker becomes a fun place to rock and play, thanks to the removable toy bar that stretches across the top but is within baby’s reach. Depending on the model you choose, there’s also an elephant which will play music when pulled – always a hit with the young ones. The toys are sort of chintzy, to be honest, but they’re meant to entertain baby, not us or even older toddlers. On the subject of older toddlers, the Fisher-Price rocker chair is built to hold weights up to 40 pounds, so once your child has outgrown the “baby functions,” the deep seat may make this her favorite rocking chair for TV watching once you’ve removed the toy bar.

We’re biased, as you know by now, but we tried really hard to find a negative feature of this baby rocker to balance our review. The only one we can come up with (other than it’s a rocker, not a bouncer) is that you should feel guilty that you didn’t have to pay more for the Fisher-Price chair.

Details of the Fisher-Price Infant To Toddler Rocker
Weight Limit	40 pounds
Recline	Yes
Foldable	No
Vibrate	Yes, D Battery
Included Accesories	Toy bar
Washable	Pad is machine-washable
Size	15 x 6 x 25
Weight	7.7 pounds
Warranty	One year

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BabyHome Wave Wooden Rocker

We’re taking a major step up in style and price with this BabyHome rocker, which looks like a cross between an old-fashioned piece of furniture and something that would fit perfectly in a contemporary-style home.

The Wave rocker sort of resembles a folded chaise lounge, but the base and chair are made from high-quality laminated wood with a strong, cushioned fabric insert where baby reclines. Unlike the Fisher-Price, the BabyHome model is only designed for babies up to six months old; infants much larger would have their legs dangling out of this chair dangerously. The Wave Rocker can be used in three different positions which are at different degrees of incline, and in two of them the chair can be gently rocked with a front to back motion. The unit is heavy, though, so momentum won’t keep it moving for long and it requires constant rocking from mom or dad.

A three-point harness keeps baby firmly in position while in the chair, and the padded fabric is soft and very comfortable so she will likely be lulled to sleep quickly. It’s removable and washable, too. The BabyHome rocker chair isn’t a piece of inexpensive baby furniture that you will move from room to room (even though it does fold up nicely), or replace after a year or so. It’s a beautiful and extremely well-made (but heavy) piece that you’ll want to keep in one spot, perhaps even as the focus of a nursery or family room. But it also does a wonderful job of rocking baby to sleep – as it should, for a price of $150-175. The Wave’s fabric comes in a choice of four colors.

Details of the BabyHome Wave Wooden Rocker
Weight Limit	20 pounds
Recline	Yes
Foldable	Yes
Vibrate	No
Included Accesories	None
Washable	Pad is machine-washable
Size	20 x 16 x 32
Weight	10.1 pounds
Warranty	One year limited

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Tiny Love 3 in 1 Rocker Napper

The Tiny Love Rocker Napper “splits the middle” between our first two entries on this list of top 5 best baby rocker chairs: it’s designed for both infants and smaller toddlers (although we really can’t picture using it for babies older than about nine months), it’s sturdy but not tremendously heavy so it’s easy to move around, and its price falls in between those of the Fisher-Price and BabyHome chairs.

When set up for baby, this chair takes the form of a flat pad with raised sides which resembles a cradle or bassinet and is the perfect environment for her to nap in comfortably. It can also be raised to three different positions with the sides lowered, ideal for resting, rocking or playing. The “upright” position still has a pretty decent incline, so we can’t really see this working as an actual chair for older kids, though. As with our first two products, the 3 in 1 doesn’t rock itself but moves smoothly with an adult hand doing the work, and also has a very effective vibrating function which quickly lulls a young child to sleep. There’s a locking bar on the bottom which will stop the chair from rocking if you’d like.

An adjustable toy bar hangs from one side of the Rocker Napper, with two rattling light-up toys easily within baby’s reach; there are also nine short songs you can play to amuse her (and annoy you after a little while – but that’s all part of being a mommy, right?). The fabric isn’t the softest we’ve seen, but it can be removed and tossed into the wash which is certainly a positive.

If you thought that the Wave was too expensive for a rocker that could only be used for six months, the Tiny Love chair will serve you well for almost twice as long, at $90.​

Details of the Tiny Love 3 in 1 Rocker Napper
Weight Limit	20 pounds for Napper, 40 pounds for Rocker
Recline	Yes
Foldable	No
Vibrate	Yes, C battery
Included Accesories	Toy bar with music
Washable	Fabric is machine-washable
Size	30 x 19 x 30
Weight	11.5 pounds
Warranty	One year limited

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bloom Coco Go Lounger

Here’s a well-made, higher-priced alternative to the Fisher-Price and Tiny Love rocker chairs we’ve discussed. It provides most of the same functions: lying nearly flat for sleeping infants, set at several reclines for older babies, and sitting upright as a chair for toddlers (with a locking option). Two-speed vibration is a welcome alternative to hand-rocking, and this is the only rocker chair on our rankings with a padded five-point safety harness. There will be no problem rocking baby to sleep in this bloom model.

The Go Lounger is the plushest and most comfortable of all the chairs we’ve looked at, yet the 100% organic seat pad is still machine-washable. It’s also nearly as beautiful as the Nuna Leaf which we’ll look at next, with a minimalist design and formed-birch accents along with three available warm fabric colors. There’s one other noteworthy positive to the bloom: it’s the only one on our list of the top 5 best baby rocker chairs that folds up completely flat for transport in the included reversible travel bag.

Visitors to your home who see the bloom may mistake it at first for a designer chair for kids, rather than a baby rocker. The good news is that it’s both, if you don’t mind paying almost $200 for it.

Details of the bloom Coco Go Lounger
Weight Limit	25 pounds
Recline	Yes
Foldable	Yes
Vibrate	Yes, 2 AA batteries
Included Accesories	Travel bag
Washable	Fabric is machine-washable
Size	21 x 17 x 28
Weight	8.8 pounds
Warranty	One year

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Nuna Leaf Baby Seat With Mesh

OK, get out the credit card. This rocker chair will cost you well over $200 – but it will, in the words of the manufacturer, “treat baby to a mesmerizing ride…inspired by the carefree float of a leaf on a breeze.” Flowery language aside, this is one beautiful rocker chair at one huge price.

At least when you’re spending this kind of money, you’ll be getting a chair that won’t have to go into the garage when your baby becomes a toddler; the comfortable seat is suitable for children up to 130 pounds. Like the bloom chair, it will also look completely at home in a room with modern design as well.

The primary feature of this baby rocker, other than its comfort and beauty, is that it will rock and rock. Nuna says it will rock for two minutes with just one push, although you may find that the motion slows down noticeably after 30-60 seconds. You can also pay an extra $100 for the AC/battery Leaf Wind, which attaches to the base of the chair to rock it for you at one of six selectable speeds. One thing we do like is that the Leaf rocks from side to side instead of back and forth, which is a more soothing motion that’s helpful in coaxing baby to sleep. There’s a matching toy bar that can be purchased for another $40.

The Leaf is extremely well-constructed, and the organic cotton seat pad is machine-washable. However, there are only two modes for this rocker chair: swing mode to be used with a three-point harness until the baby can sit on her own, and chair mode. There’s no other incline feature (although there is a lock to stop the chair from swinging). That fact, plus the high price, make the Nuna model more of a toddler-sized chair to match a contemporary room, than a versatile baby rocker chair. It is gorgeous, though.​

Details of the Nuna Leaf Baby Seat With Mesh
Weight Limit	130 pounds
Recline	No
Foldable	No
Vibrate	No
Included Accesories	None
Washable	Fabric is machine-washable
Size	28 x 18 x 28
Weight	11.5 pounds
Warranty	One year limited

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Originally posted 2016-05-29 09:23:59.

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