The Best Non-Toxic Baby Bouncers for Babies in 2025
While the most essential items on a baby registry include cribs and car seats, a baby bouncer is a close second on the list! Baby bouncers can be a new mom’s best friend when used appropriately. Bouncers provide the baby with a rocking motion to soothe and give the parents peace of mind, putting the baby in a safe place.
Sadly, not all bouncers are created the same. While every bouncer on the market might follow strict safety standards and have the necessary safety features, less apparent risks include toxins and harmful chemicals used to produce them.
Let’s unpack why avoiding harmful chemicals in the world of baby products is essential, what features to look for in the best nontoxic baby containers in 2025, how to use them appropriately, and what to avoid when selecting the suitable bouncer for your baby.
The Elephant in the Room: Baby Containers
Let’s start by addressing the elephant in the room: baby containers are overused in our society. First, what is a baby container? A baby container is anything that contains a baby. The most easily identifiable containers include baby rockers, bouncers, swings, wraps, carriers, and car seats.
It is little known that a bassinet, crib, and pack-and-play are also considered baby containers. Why? Because they are containing a baby! However, the latter are much less harmful. Cribs and the like still allow babies to move freely and do not restrict their heads, arms, legs, or torso movements. Continuous restriction can delay baby milestones, including rolling, crawling, sitting, and walking (1).
Consider this scenario for an infant. Baby wakes up; Mom puts him in the bouncer to make breakfast. Then, the baby goes into the highchair to eat breakfast and have a bottle. Or the mom nurses the baby while holding him and then puts him in the high chair for solid food. Next, the mom must go to the grocery store, so the baby must be in the car seat.
After that, the baby is worn in a baby carrier in the grocery store. Next, the baby naps in the car seat. Then, they come home and unload groceries. Finally, the baby gets milk and then goes into the highchair for lunch. It is noon, and the baby has yet to be able to move around freely.
Sadly, this is a typical scenario for a baby. It is also one that you will see in my home, so I am not shaming anyone for how long a baby must be in a container. They are convenient and even necessary, especially in the early days. I hope some awareness is spread about the frequent use of containers and to help parents get creative on using them a little less.
How to Use Baby Containers Appropriately
Babies need ample time to move, stretch, and strengthen their muscles. Overuse of baby containers can limit this natural movement and may even contribute to problems such as flat head syndrome. It is recommended to restrict home container use to no more than 20-30 minutes at a time (1). Then, give the baby an equal amount of floor (or crib or pack and play) time to let them move freely. Ideally, this floor time will include time on their bellies to help strengthen neck muscles and reduce the risk of flat head syndrome.
Baby bouncers can be valuable when used correctly and for short periods. The key is to choose a bouncer that meets safety standards and is free of harmful chemicals and toxins.
What to be Aware of
Sadly, while most companies claim their products and manufacturing processes are safe for babies, they rarely are. Toxins are introduced into baby products without any consideration for the baby. The parents are responsible for taking charge of the products used in, on, and around their baby. Prioritizing non-toxic baby gear will set baby up for success. Here is a list of items to consider:
1. Flame Retardants
Flame retardants are chemicals often used in baby products, including bouncers, to meet fire safety standards. While the intention of adding flame retardants might seem reasonable, the constant contact with the chemicals is more damaging. Research has found that, when exposed to these chemicals, they can alter DNA, cause cancer, cause endocrine disruption, and cause neurodevelopmental issues (2). Many flame retardants can also leach into the air or your baby’s skin as they encounter the materials. One study found the urine concentration of flame retardants in a baby to be 15 times higher than that of the mother (3). This is likely due to the purchase of new baby products for a baby.
When shopping for a nontoxic baby bouncer, it’s crucial to look for one free of these harmful chemicals. To avoid them, find bouncers that are Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified. This certification guarantees that the fabric and materials have been tested for harmful substances and are free of toxic chemicals, including flame retardants.
2. Organic Cotton
One of the best ways to ensure your baby’s bouncer is free of harmful chemicals is to look for one made from organic cotton. Organic fabric is grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, making it the safest option for your baby. Many nontoxic baby bouncers are crafted from organic cotton, offering a soft and breathable surface for your baby to rest on and reducing the likelihood of exposure to toxic chemicals such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other harmful substances.
3. Machine Washable Fabrics
Finding a bouncer with removable fabric that can easily be thrown into the wash is ideal. With the frequent baby messes, the last thing you want to worry about is a hard-to-clean bouncer. This could also include a bouncer with an easy-to-remove seat cover.
4. Recline Positions for Comfort
A bouncer with multiple recline positions will allow the baby to get the most out of it as it rapidly grows. Newborns might like a more reclined position so they can rest, while infants might enjoy being more upright so they can see the world around them. Many of the best baby bouncers come with adjustable recline positions, allowing you to find the perfect angle for your baby’s comfort and safety.
5. Gentle Rocking Motion
The rocking motion of a baby bouncer is incredibly nurturing and soothing to a baby, particularly in the newborn stage. The rocking motion mimics the movements the babies feel in the mother’s womb, which they are most familiar with. A rocking bouncer can help calm a fussy baby.
When looking for the best nontoxic baby bouncers, opt for a smooth and gentle rocking motion. Some bouncers offer an automatic rocking function, while others rely on natural movement when you gently push the bouncer. Both options can work, depending on your preference.
6. Toy Bar for Entertainment
While not a requirement, a baby bouncer with a toy bar can also help keep your baby engaged. Ideally, The toys should be nontoxic and made from natural materials like wood. If the toy bar is plastic, attempt to find BPA and BPS free plastic. (BPS is the “sister” of BPA that is used to replace most BPA in “BPA-free” products but can be equally as harmful). The toy bar will encourage babies to reach, grasp, and explore their surroundings. A removable toy bar will be the most beneficial so you can decide whether to have it on the bouncer.
What to Avoid in a Baby Bouncer
When choosing the best baby bouncer, knowing what to avoid is equally important. Here are some features of a conventional baby bouncer to avoid:
1. Toxic Materials
Toxic chemicals, including flame retardants, PVC, phthalates, and BPA, can be found in baby bouncers today. Phthalates have been known to hinder a child’s brain development; BPA is hormone-disrupting and has been linked to ADHD and reproductive health issues.
2. Bluetooth Connectivity
Many baby products on the market today come with convenient Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity, so the device can be accessed through a mobile application on a cell phone. While this adds a layer of convenience to parents, it comes with risks to the baby. EMF exposure from Bluetooth and Wi-Fi is possibly carcinogenic, meaning that it can cause cancer. What is more alarming, however, is that the nervous systems of children are much more susceptible to exposure (4). With a child’s brain developing rapidly throughout the first years of life, it is best to avoid Wi-Fi-capable baby gear.
Top Picks for Nontoxic Baby Bouncers
Here are some of the best nontoxic baby bouncers that meet safety standards and are free of harmful chemicals:
The BabyBjörn Bouncer is the most popular choice for a non-toxic baby bouncer and the one I use. The benefits of this bouncer are almost endless. Here are the most impressive statistics for the best swing.
Every fabric version is Oeko-tex standard 100 certified, ensuring it is free of harmful chemicals and flame retardants. They do offer a cotton option that is removable and machine washable. This is very lightweight and foldable for easy transport and storage. Baby Bjorn is hands down the most portable baby bouncer. It can easily be stored in the car and taken with you if you travel or stay with friends for a while. The Baby bjorn bouncer offers a manual rocking motion from the baby’s movements, making this bouncer battery wire-free.
It is ergonomically designed to evenly distribute the baby’s weight with three different recline positions, allowing for more free movement and supporting the baby’s weight. You can maximize use for babies from 8 pounds to toddlers up to 29 pounds by reversing the fabric and using it as a supportive chair once the baby is walking.
The Nuna Leaf Grow Bouncer is another excellent option for parents seeking a nontoxic bouncer. Key features are listed below.
Nuna Leaf Grow fabric is Oeko-tex standard 100 certified with a removable organic cotton infant insert. There are three reclining positions and options for two stages to maximize use. It can be transitioned to a toddler seat for use after the baby grows out of the infant seat. This bouncer offers battery-less side-to-side motion and up-and-down motion with a motion lock feature. The seat is detachable for more accessible storage. It also provides a detachable toy bar for engagement for babies.
Charlie Crane Levo Baby Rocker
The Charlie Crane Rocker is a modern and stylish rocker that any mom loves. Check out why:
This wooden framed bouncer comes in the option of beech wood or walnut. The cushion and harness are 100% cotton with a polyester fill. The cushion comes in a variety of colors to complement any room. The removable harness allows this to turn into a rocking chair for older babies and even children up to five years of age. There is an optional add-on activity arch to keep the baby engaged. This is also a battery-free self-rocker. This is best to keep at home as it does not come apart for easy travel.
Finally
Choosing a nontoxic baby bouncer will keep your baby away from harmful chemicals and give you the peace of mind every new mom needs. By keeping these key features in mind, such as machine-washable fabrics, gentle rocking motion, and adjustable recline positions, you can find the best nontoxic bouncer for your little one, ensuring their comfort and safety as they grow.
With all the new and fashionable baby gear on the market today, many items can be passed up, or a baby can do without. A baby bouncer does not fall into the list of items a baby (or mom!) can do without. Especially if other children or animals are running around, a bouncer will provide a safe place for the baby to rest, watch the mom or her other siblings, and be soothed. In contrast, the mom’s hands are free.
While extended use of baby carriers is not recommended, the suitable baby bouncer will be one of your best baby items. Another amazing idea for non-toxic products is to consider a nontoxic play mat, which you can read more about here.
Pregnant or breastfeeding? Read more about the importance of safe water and the best water bottles for pregnancy here!
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(2) https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/23/parenting/home-flame-retardants-dangers.html