Chapter 12 – Bouncers and Swings

Bouncers and swings play an undeniable role in the psycho-physical development of a baby. A bouncer, for instance, is not only a valuable ally for mothers (who can attend to daily tasks without losing sight of their baby), but also a true promoter of sensory, motor, and cognitive development.

While in a bouncer, a baby can relax, rest, kick their legs, and play with their favorite rattle, gradually acquiring new skills.

This is why more and more models on the market offer accessory features such as a toy arch, or musical mobiles with melodies and sounds from nature.

As discussed in the chapter on development, listening to music has a significant impact on the release of serotonin also called the “happiness hormone”), which positively affects a baby’s mood. Moreover, listening to music supports the development of language, concentration, and comprehension skills. And we mustn’t forget the importance of play. As previously mentioned, play – in all its forms—plays a fundamental role in a child’s physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development.

Highly accessorized models are therefore welcome, but caution is needed not to go overboard: too much stimulation can be harmful, as it may overstimulate the baby and interfere with their wellbeing.

As for electrically rocking seats and swings, the same principles as for bouncers apply, with the main difference being that these are designed to cradle the baby, helping them relax and fall asleep. The perception of swaying motion through the vestibular system has a calming effect and promotes sleep. These seats generally feature adjustable speed settings to suit the baby’s temperament. They can certainly be helpful for parents during more demanding moments, but they should not be used as sleep supports. As soon as the baby falls asleep, it’s best to move them to their crib.