Babies take a lot of work. Because, well, they're babies after all. But somewhere along the line, someone, somewhere created an invention that not only occupied babies, but helped them get exercise too. Maybe it even worn them out. Ladies and gentlemen, we're talking about the child jumper. Some would even call them mom's best friend, even though they're technically for children.
We say child because though it may be most convenient to stick baby in there, some toddlers can still fit. Having them in a jumper prevents them from playing with things they shouldn't by giving them their own play zone to explore. And at the same time, they can stretch of strengthen their legs. Some are actually bouncy, thereas others are more like standing play zones.
Yet all serve the same purpose. It's kind of like making them feel independent without actually giving them total independence. Because honestly, that's not quite safe with a little one. It's important to be nearby and check in often on babies in jumpers, but once that's taken care of, it's all fun, games, and bouncy for them. Mom might even get something done in the meantime.
Finding the right jumper is a matter of personal style, what baby likes, and truly, what will keep the tot entertained the longest. It's better to have them in there burning energy than to chase them around. Whose the one getting the exercise then? Not that exercise is a bad thing for mom, but perhaps it's not quite the way she wants to get it done.
We rounded up some of the most fun, engaging, and bounce-inducing jumpers out there (with a few summer and travel versions thrown in as options). Happy jumping!
Fisher Price Laugh Learn Jumperoo
Baby can both laugh and then learn, or laugh and learn at the same time, with this Fisher Price jumper's two modes: musical fun and early learning fun. Musical fun mode is geared toward the six toy stations and two overhead toys, whereas while the early learning fun mode includes three sing-along songs to match the shapes on the play tray.
Fisher Price Laugh Learn Jumperoo ($126, Target)
Skip Hop Explore More Jumpscape
This foldaway Skip Hop jumper not only has cute toys in the play area but also tracks and "rewards" baby's jumps with lights and sounds. The jumper seat itself can turn 360 degrees for babies to turn whichever way their active heart desires.
Skip Hop Explore More Jumpscape ($112, Target)
Disney Baby Minnie Mouse PeekABoo Activity Jumper
Disney fans will love the Minnie Mouse PeekABoo Activity Jumper as its completely and utterly Minnie Mouse-themed. It can grow with baby, too, because it comes with four adjustable height positions.
Disney Baby Minnie Mouse PeekABoo Activity Jumper ($100, Target)
Baby Einstein Sea Discover Door Jumper
Little ones will pretend they're splashing in the water with this Sea Discover door jumper. It features clip-on toys for baby to interact with including "a mirror for self-discovery, starfish-shaped teether, Baby Neptune rattle and three crinkle fabric flash cards with underwater imagery and animals identified in English, Spanish and French."
Baby Einstein Sea Discover Door Jumper ($53, Hello Baby Direct)
ExerSaucer Lightweight Activity Jumper, Woodland Wonder
Transport baby to the forest with the woodland creatures with this exercaucer jumper that also fits into a room's decor. "Lights, sounds and 360 degrees of spin keep your child entertained at every angle."
ExerSaucer Lightweight Activity Jumper, Woodland Wonder (Walmart, $83)
Baby Einstein Neighborhood Friends Activity Jumper
There's lots to play with on the Baby Einstein Neighborhood Friends Activity Jumper, and lots to learn as well. In addition to the toys, this model comes in three different languages.
Baby Einstein Neighborhood Friends Activity Jumper ($100, BuyBuyBaby)
Creative Baby Safari Jumper
Jump, play and eat with this Baby Safari jumper. It comes with both a fun animal toy bar and compact snack tray.
Creative Baby Safari Jumper $60, Walmart)
Baby Einstein Neptune's Ocean Discovery Jumper
Bring the sea to life for baby with the Baby Einstein Neptune's Ocean Discovery jumper. Little ones will love the turtle station in addition to the other water creatures there to play. Bonus: More toys can be added to the link loop.
Baby Einstein Neptune's Ocean Discovery Jumper ($110, Bed Bath and Beyond)
Fisher-Price SpaceSaver Jumperoo in Woodland Friends
The SpaceSaver jumper is just that: a space saver, especially for parents who want to take it from home elsewhere. Its toys features include a "soft-sided overhead toy bar" and "light-up musical piano."
Fisher-Price SpaceSaver Jumperoo in Woodland Friends ($70, BuyBuyBaby)
Evenflo ExerSaucer Sweet Skies Doorway Jumper with Removable Toys
The simple but very jumpy door jumper from Evenflo has everything a baby could need: "One self discovery mirror, one squeeze tag rainbow, one plush rattle, and one peek-a-boo flip book." Comes with an easy-to-use clamp for seamless hooking.
Evenflo ExerSaucer Sweet Skies Doorway Jumper with Removable Toys ($45, BuyBuyBaby)
Fisher-Price Animal Wonders Jumperoo
Show baby lots of animals to play with at arms' reach with the Animal Wonders jumper. This particular stand is freestanding and strong for baby to safely jump away.
Fisher-Price® Animal Wonders Jumperoo ($100, BuyBuyBaby)
Pop 'N Jump Summer Jumper
Who said babies need only bounce indoors? The lightweight and compact Pop 'N Jump jumper is perfect for warmer months where baby can jump on the beach or on vacation, wherever that may be.
Pop 'N Jump ($46, Summer Infant)
Disney Baby Finding Nemo Sea of Activities Jumper
Here's another one for the Disney fans, this time for Nemo lovers. The Nemo sea of activities has just that, featuring 13 different toys and activities related to the movie along with its notable characters.
Disney Baby Finding Nemo Sea of Activities Jumper ($130, Target)
Graco Bumber Jumper in Stratus
Baby and mom will both be relaxed and at ease with the Graco Bumber jumper. It features a plastic dome design and nontwist straps that prevent twisting and will allow easy access (and exit).
Graco Bumber Jumper in Stratus ($37, BuyBuyBaby)
Evenflo Exersaucer Door Jumper, Owl
Sometimes when it comes to babies and playtime, the simpler, the better. The Evenflo Exersaucer Door Jumper featuring an adorable owl pattern can accomplish that. Its design allows for baby to jump and bounce however long it takes.
Evenflo Exersaucer Door Jumper, Owl ($23, Amazon)
Fisher-Price Rainforest Jumperoo
Can it get more fun than playing in a rainforest? Likely not. At least babies can get pretty close to it with Fisher-Price's Rainforest Jumperoo. It also comes with a rotating seat and three positions for height.
Fisher-Price Rainforest Jumperoo ($105, Amazon)
Mega Splash Activity Center
So the Mega Splash Activity Center is more of a play center than a bouncer, although babies are able to bounce. It's a wonderful waterproof (or water-friendly, rather) option for babies to splash and play in while keeping safe.
Mega Splash Activity Center ($70, Evenflo)
Jolly Jumper Exerciser
If bouncing is all that mama wants baby to do, her wish is Amazon's command with the Jolly Jumper Exerciser. Its minimal design fits in effortlessly in most spaces and safely helps baby build strength and coordination.
Jolly Jumper Exerciser ($70, Amazon)
Evenflo ExerSaucer Jump and Learn Jumper, Jungle Quest
Another day, another "jungle" for baby to explore. The Evenflo Jungle Quest jumper toys were developed alongside the Child Development Institute so that each activity is age-appropriate. It includes a soft pad under baby's foot for safer jumps.
Evenflo ExerSaucer Jump and Learn Jumper, Jungle Quest ($125, Amazon)
3-in-1 Around Activity Center
We may be slightly pushing the "jumper" concept with this one, but the idea is the same: a three-in-one activity center that babies can use to walk or scoot around as they see fit.
3-in-1 Around Activity Center ($69, Amazon)
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