Baby jumper buying guide

As mentioned, your safest option is a stationary activity center, with springs in the legs. True, activity centers with this feature provide less bounce than jumpers with suspended seats. But how much bouncing does your baby really need? Some little ones actually get "seasick" from the motion. Keep in mind, too, that no type of jumper will accelerate your baby's physical development. Even though babies in jumpers push off the floor, the movement doesn't do much to strengthen their thigh and back muscles, which are critical to crawling and walking. Follow our jumper safety strategies and stop using the product when your baby can walk, reaches the product's height and weight maximums, or tries to climb out.

Consumer Reports has not tested any type of jumper. Specific models are mentioned as examples only.

Stationary activity centers are the safest way for your baby to sit up and enjoy the world around her. Looking for some bounce? Get one with springs in the support posts, like the Evenflo Exersaucer Triple Fun activity center (about $130). The Bright Starts Bounce-A-Bout shown here (about $65) takes a different approach to safety with a springy pad for a baby's feet. For another way to get baby dancing, if not bouncing, check out Fisher-Price's Little Superstar Step ‘N Play Piano activity center (around $110), which boasts keyboards for your baby's hands and feet, along with a play trumpet and microphone.

Stationary activity jumpers are a hybrid. They consist of a seat surrounded by toys, but they put more "boing!" in your baby's bounce by suspending the seat from two to four enclosed springs. The Fisher-Price Luv U Zoo Jumperoo shown here (about $100), for example, has two springs. Other examples include the Kids II Winnie the Pooh Jumper (around $110), the Baby Einstein Musical Motion Activity Jumper (around $90), and the Bright Starts Cute Critter Activity Jumper (around $75).

New to the market is Evenflo's Exersaucer Jump & Learn line. Its Jam Session (around $120) features 67 "fun learning activities," while the Jungle Quest (around $120) has 58 activities, and Safari Friends (around $90) has 45 activities.

These are models with a seat suspended from straps connected to a bungee-like cable or spring that attaches to the top of a door frame with a spring-loaded clamp. As mentioned, one model we know of is available with a stand to replace the door clamp.

Some doorway jumpers feature a fabric seat with a built-in frame that surrounds a child. Others have a play tray that encircles the baby, with rubberized sides that act as bumpers. These bumpers might prevent nicks to your door frame, but we don't think they offer much protection to your baby, who can extend his head or arm beyond the tray.

Again, regardless of the seat design or whether the jumper is attached to a door frame or a stand, we urge you not to buy one that is suspended overhead. Your baby could be propelled into the door frame or stand either because of vigorous jumping or because someone tries to swing him. Doorway jumpers have been recalled because the plastic clamp that attaches the seat to a door frame has broken, causing babies to fall. There have also been recalls because clamps detached from the cord. The risks to your baby's safety are simply too high.

We think using a stationary model with side cables attached to a sturdy stand is much safer than hanging a free-swinging jumper from a doorway or stand. This configuration eliminates the potential hazard of a doorway jumper clamp slipping off the door frame. Stationary activity jumpers typically accommodate babies up to 25 pounds and 30 to 32 inches, depending on the model. And, of course, a stationary activity center with springs in the support posts is the safest way to add some bounce to your baby's fun.

Seats differ in comfort and adjustability. Some stationary jumpers have up to six height adjustments to grow with your baby. Most doorway and stationary activity jumpers have a removable, washable seat. A plush seat, such as the one found on the Baby Einstein Musical Motion activity center (about $90) shown here, for example, is a plus.

On stationary activity jumpers that have a seat attached to a frame with springs, look for covers on the springs to keep your little one's fingers from being pinched. The Fisher-Price Woodsy Friends Jumperoo (about $80), for example, has them.

Some stationary jumpers and activity centers, like the Evenflo Delux Circus Activity Center (about $44), have a relatively basic array of toys. Manufacturers including Evenflo sell additional toys that fit on their trays. If you want to spend more, you can get a unit with toys like the Evenflo Exersaucer Triple Fun Active Learning Center (about $130), shown here. Some, like the Evenflo Exersaucer Jam Session (about $120), have electronic toys with sounds and lights. When it comes to toys, the possibilities seem endless. Before you get carried away, ask yourself just how many toys a young baby can focus on!

Some stationary activity jumpers, such as the Bright Starts model (about $70) shown here, can be folded for storage, to move from room to room, or to take to Grandma's.

• The most important one is not to use a jumper that suspends the seat from a single overhead cable, whether that cable clamps to a door frame or attaches to a stand.
• Don't use a jumper near stairs, pools, hot surfaces, or other areas that may be hazardous to a child.
• Always keep an eye on your child when she's in a jumper.
• Keep a close eye out for trouble, and don't leave the room while your child is jumping.
• Don't attach toys with strings to a jumper because they're strangulation hazards.
• Stop using a jumper when your baby reaches the height and/or weight limits or when your child can walk unassisted or climb out of it.
• Don't use a jumper that's damaged or broken.
• Use caution when buying a used jumper by checking the Consumer Product Safety Commission's website (www.cpsc.gov). Recalled products that are dangerous for your baby may be available at tag sales and secondhand shops. Even if a jumper you're considering hasn't been recalled, make sure that all parts work and are not worn.
• Always place the jumper on a flat, level indoor surface.
• Never move the unit while your child is in the seat.

Again, we don't think doorway jumpers are a safe alternative for your child. But if you insist on buying one, follow these rules:

• Make sure your door molding meets the jumper's specifications. Not all door frames can adequately support a doorway jumper with a spring-loaded clamp.
• Adjust the jumper to the proper height; typically, just your child's toes should touch the floor.
• Inspect the jumper every time you put your baby inside to be sure the straps are securely fastened. Tug on the clamp and the straps before your child gets in to make sure they will hold.
• Always keep an eye on your child when he's in the jumper.
• Take the jumper down as soon as your baby is done using it. Don't leave it in a doorway when it's not in use.
• Never push a jumper as if it were a swing (or let others do it). Even though swinging in the house sounds like fun, it can cause your baby to strike the side of the doorway. Jumpers are not a good choice in a household with more than one child.
• If you own a dog, make sure it is not in the room when your child is in the jumper. A dog can run through the doorway and knock your child into the door frame.
• Limit jumping time to 15 minutes at most so your baby doesn't become nauseous. To prevent your baby from spitting up, it's best to use a doorway jumper before meals and snacks, not after.