Buying guide for Best baby loungers
There's certainly no shortage of advice on feeding, sleeping, and diapering issues, but when it comes to keeping babies close by and comfortable throughout the day, many parents are left scratching their heads. Dragging a mattress from room to room just isn't practical and moving a bassinet to and fro all day long can be downright exhausting. Enter the baby lounger.
A baby lounger has a pillow-like design with plush padding and a hollowed out center to comfortably cradle your baby while you enjoy some hands-free time or catch up on household chores. The best loungers are lightweight and easy to transport. Many also have a slight incline, affording babies the rare opportunity to take in sights other than the ceiling — a win-win for parents and babies alike.
But with so many options on the market, choosing the best baby lounger can be a challenge. Shape, size, materials, and covers are just a few factors you'll need to consider.
Because we know you already have your hands full, we did the needful and created this buying guide. Read on for everything you need to know about choosing the best baby lounger for your precious babe.
Key considerations
Style
Baby loungers come in so many shapes and styles, it can be difficult to know where to start. While all serve as portable lounging solutions, there are a handful of key differences to be aware of.
Traditional pillow loungers/floor seats
Sometimes referred to as floor seats, these pillow-like loungers typically have a rounded shape with a small but deep center recess. (Picture a misshapen donut with a dent in the center rather than a hole.) Although the design is rather simple, it can also be extremely helpful in reducing reflux. The slightly raised upper portion provides gentle elevation, and the center depression and rounded lower edge cradles baby's bottom and prevents downward slide.
Baby nests/oval loungers
These baby loungers are less cushion-like and generally feature a flat, padded base surrounded by soft bumpers on all sides. It's important to note that these may not provide adequate upper body elevation for little ones struggling with severe reflux.
Chair loungers
Chair-style loungers resemble the lounging chairs adults use. They produce a pronounced incline and are often ideal for reducing reflux. Most come with a harness to prevent babies from tipping forward. If you're in desperate need for relief from reflux, one of these may be worth considering, but keep in mind that chair-style loungers can be cumbersome to move about the house and may not be as versatile as their softer counterparts.
Size
Baby loungers come in a variety of sizes, and finding a good fit is vital. Ideally, a baby lounger should be snug enough to deliver a sense of security yet roomy enough to accommodate growth. Scrutinize lounger dimensions and age recommendations to determine whether a particular model would suit your baby. If you're still unsure, opt for a lounger that offers some level of adjustability.
Safety
Babies develop new skills seemingly overnight, and it's important that your baby lounger cradles your little one securely enough to contain those first tentative attempts at rolling over or sitting forward. Deep contours and substantial bumpers can help prevent tumbles when babies first become mobile.
Materials
Babies have delicate skin, and the wrong material could easily cause discomfort and irritation. Cotton, bamboo, polyester, and poly/cotton blends tend to deliver a good balance of softness and breathability. Cotton, bamboo, and polyester are also hypoallergenic, making them ideal for sensitive skin.
It's also possible to find baby loungers made of organic cotton or bamboo. While these products tend to be pricier than others, it may be worth the extra cost if you're concerned about exposure to residual pesticides, chemicals, or dyes.
Cleaning ease
There's no getting around the fact that babies are messy little humans. Spit-up, drool, blowouts, and leaks are a part of everyday life when you have a baby. Needless to say, cleaning ease is an important consideration. Models that can simply be tossed into the washer or those that have removable, machine washable covers are by far the easiest to keep clean.
Caution
Used improperly, a lounger can be a safety hazard, especially with infants. Read manufacturer instructions carefully before using your new baby lounger.
Features
Adjustability
Some baby loungers come with tabs that can be tightened for a more secure fit or loosened to accommodate growth. Not only will an adjustable lounger allow you to customize your little one's comfort, but it can also help you get the most out of your investment by offering room for growth.
Sling-style covers
A sling-style cover creates a hammock-like surface that pulls the sides of the lounger inward when you place your baby inside. This innovative design produces a snug and cozy environment similar to the one your little one enjoyed in the womb. It can be especially helpful when it comes to soothing a fussy newborn.
Color and print
Baby loungers come in a wide variety of colors and prints, ranging from cute and colorful to understated and sleek. Whether you like the idea of an adorable lounger that makes you smile every time you look at it or a neutral option that blends with the décor of every room, you have options aplenty.
Most baby loungers are lightweight and come with built-in handles for effortless one-handed carrying.
Staff
BestReviews
Baby lounger prices
Inexpensive
Most basic traditional pillow baby loungers start at just under $35. Traditional baby loungers with extra features like adjustable tabs and sling-style covers typically cost between $40 and $50.
Mid-range
Premium traditional loungers and basic flat-lying baby nests tend to cost between $50 to $100.
Expensive
If only the best will do, you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $200. Baby loungers in this price bracket tend to be highly adjustable and roomy, and they are often made of premium organic materials for superior comfort.
For your Safety
Traditional pillow baby loungers are a great way to allow your little one to take in their surroundings and can also help reduce reflux. However, remember to be extra vigilant of your baby's ever-increasing movements to avoid accidental tumbles.
Staff
BestReviews
Tips
- Choose a baby lounger based on your baby's needs. Does your baby battle with reflux? If so, the incline of a traditional pillow or chair-style baby lounger might provide some relief. Although flat baby lounger "nests" tend to be a bit more versatile (many offer more room for growth, it's important that you consider your little one's individual needs.
- Purchase extra covers. As every parent knows, accidents happen, and you just never know when you might need a fresh cover. Buy extra model-specific covers so you’ll never be without.
- Never leave your baby unsupervised. Many babies doze off in their loungers simply because they feel so comfy and secure. However, sleeping is not recommended and could become dangerous in a lounger. For safety reasons, it's vital that you or your partner supervise your baby at all times.
- Keep your baby lounger clear of blankets and other loose fabrics. Blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, and other loose fabrics can pose a suffocation risk. Keep your baby's lounger clear of unnecessary items.
FAQ
Q. Can I use a baby lounger outdoors?
A. Absolutely. In fact, you can dock your baby lounger on just about any flat surface that’s safe and secure. Just make sure the location is stable, and never leave your baby unattended.
Q. Can my baby sleep in her baby lounger?
A. No. Loungers are not for sleeping. Experts recommend against this because the child’s body position could change during sleep, blocking the airway.
Q. How long can a baby lounger be used for?
A. This varies from lounger to lounger. Generally speaking, round pillow loungers are capable of accommodating babies from birth to around four months — or as soon as little ones start showing signs of rolling over. Oval-shaped nest loungers with bumpers tend to be a bit roomier and can often be used until 12 months of age. Some come with an option to undo the bottom bumper for extended leg room, potentially buying you a couple of extra months.
Chair-style loungers typically offer between 12 to 18 months of use. Notably, the steeper-than-average incline of a chair lounger is not safe for newborns. Read all manufacturer recommendations before use.
