Once your child is of the age is support their own head and neck and can sit up, they will be ready for great lengths when it comes to being entertained. That is where jumpers come in to play. Jumpers go by many names – jumpers, jumperoos, exersaucers, activity centers etc.
But they essentially are all the same thing. Your child goes into a seat, their feet touch the floor or a pad and they bounce or jump. Some of these jumpers have toys while some are more basic and do not. We will take a look at some of the top models to see how the compare to each other.
Here are some of the best baby jumpers we like.
- Fisher-Price Luv U Zoo Jumperoo by Fisher-Price (Our Rating A-)
- Baby Einstein Activity Jumper Special Edition by Baby Einstein (Our Rating B+)
- Graco Doorway Bumper Jumper by Graco (Our Rating A-)
- Evenflo Exersaucer Door Jumper by Evenflo (Our Rating B+)
- Bright Starts Bounce-a-Round Activity Center by Bright Starts (Our Rating B+)
- Disney PeekABoo Activity Jumper by Disney (Our Rating A-)
- Jolly Jumper on a Stand for Rockers by Jolly Jumper (Our Rating B+)
- Evenflo Exersaucer Bounce & Learn by Evenflo (Our Rating B+)
- Merry Muscles Ergonomic Jumper by Kidalog (Our Rating B)
- Sassy Inspire the Senses Doorway Jumper by Sassy (Our Rating B-)
- Fisher-Price Rainforest Jumperoo by Fisher-Price (Our Rating A)
- Creative Baby Activity Jumper by Creative Baby (Our Rating B)
*All product links in this article will take you to the latest prices on Amazon.com, scroll down for our in-depth reviews below.
Different Types of Jumpers
There are several different types of jumpers that can entertain your child. Let’s go over the main types.
- STATIONARY ACTIVITY BOUNCER – Most activity bouncers have a seat in the center that is suspender on elastic cords and the whole thing is on a frame that sits on the floor. For the child, the best thing will be the tray filled with miscellaneous toys to play with.
- EXERSAUCER – An exersaucer is not that much different than a stationary bouncer. It has a seat but normally is surrounded by a plastic frame with a bottom where the child will push their feet off of instead of the floor. But the good news for the child is, there is still a tray filled with toys.
- STATIONARY JUMPER – A stationary jumper is pretty basic. It consists of a frame with a seat suspended on an elastic cord. There generally is no other entertainment provided other than the joy your child receives from bouncing.
- DOORWAY JUMPER – A doorway jumper is just that – a jumper that is suspended in the doorway. The seat of a doorway jumper is normally suspended by a bungie like cable while the other end is held to the door frame with a clamp. Doorway jumpers can have toys or can be slimmed down versions with no toys. You must use doorway jumpers from door frames.
Things to Look For When Purchasing a Jumper
Just like any purchase that you make, a jumper has many features that you should consider before you make your purchase. Take these features and details into consideration before you decide which model is right for you and your child.
- Adjustability – Babies grow fast. Buying a baby jumper that allows you to adjust the height as they grow will allow you to be able to use the jumper for a longer period of time. In addition, adjusting the jumper to accommodate your child will ensure that your child is enjoying their time in their jumper more.
- Weight Limit – Be sure to pay attention to the weight and height guidelines of the jumper. They are there for the safety of your child.
- Suspension – The more suspension straps that a jumper has, the more secure your child will be while they bounce. If a jumper only has a single suspension strap, then your child may swing to either side. Look for a jumper with multiple straps.
- Seats – The seats will vary from one jumper to the next. One of the things to look for is a seat that you can adjust the height. Second, can you remove the seat and wash it? Also, ensure that the seats are padded for comfort. Also look for seats that rotate so the child can get a good view of all of the toys.
- Storage – Your jumper won’t be a product that needs to be out in the open every day. Because of this, you may want to look for a jumper that is easy to store. Some models are also portable for use to take to Grandma’s when traveling.
- Entertainment – The choice of entertainment on jumpers is almost endless. Not only are there toys – both hard and soft – some can even be removed. There are also electronic choices that can be made such as flashing lights and sounds.
Some Benefits of a Jumper
Children have a menagerie of equipment and you always wonder if it is necessary or if it does them any good. The jumper is one of those pieces of equipment that makes you wonder, what benefits my child really gets from it. Well, here is a short list of some of the benefits of using a jumper.
- Helpful for Parents – This first one is not really so much for the child but the parent. However, when the parent is happy, so is the child. While the child is in the jumper, the parent can get some housework done, watch a movie they have wanted to see, or even read a book. Just remember, it is recommended to never leave your child unattended while in the jumper.
- Physical Activity – A baby gets lots of activity when they are in a jumper. They are constantly moving their legs when they bounce and some of the seats even twist and turn. When a baby is in the jumper, they are constantly reaching for things and moving their legs. This exercise is fun and valuable to them. Since this is a physical exercise, this benefits the whole body and could be essential in reaching milestones.
- Muscle Development – The baby builds up leg muscle from bouncing but also back muscles which helps when it comes to walking. Most of the muscles that are helped while in the jumper are the neck and legs muscles which can be beneficial in reaching other milestones.
- Mental Stimulation – The toys of the jumper help develop hand and eye coordination while the different shapes stimulate visual senses. Some models of jumpers also have lights and sounds which also stimulate other senses such as auditory senses. As your baby reaches for a toy, hand and eye coordination is helped to develop. The various shapes and sizes of the toys and things stimulate visual senses while your child learns to appreciate the different colors. Also, the music that some jumperoos have can help with your child’s auditory senses.
- Endless Enjoyment – The jumper makes learning new things fun for the baby. Babies can learn early on that learning can be fun and not always boring. With lights, music, spinning seats, and bouncing up and down, your child will enjoy learning new textures, sounds, and sights. And since some jumpers are portable, you can take the fun with you when you go to Grandma’s house or just from room to room.
Some Risks of a Jumper
When not used properly, or supervised properly, a jumper can come with risks. These risks can include:
- Springs on a jumper can pinch fingers. Look for jumpers that have spring covers on them.
- If they come loose, small parts from jumpers can be choking hazards.
- A child can be hurt if they are in a jumper if they do not meet the height and/or weight recommendations. Also, follow the height and/or weight recommendations for safety purposes.
- If you leave a child in a jumper for a long period of time, it could cause shoulder and neck problems. It is recommended for children to play in jumpers around 10 minutes at a time up to three times per day.
Safety Pointers When Using a Jumper
All things in life come with some dangers and jumpers are no exception. However, if you pay attention and are diligent, your child can use their jumper safely with no problem and have fun while doing so.
Here are a few tips to ensure that they stay safe:
- Always use the jumper on a flat surface. Never use a jumper near pools, stairs, or other areas that could be hazardous.
- Keep the area that your child will be jumping free from pointy or sharp objects.
- Toys with strings can be a strangulation hazard. Do not attach them to the jumper.
- Never move the jumper with your child still in it.
- Never leave your child in the jumper unattended.
- Stop letting your child use the jumper when they exceed the height and/or weight limit.
- Jumpers are only to be used by babies who can hold their head up by themselves.
Door Jumpers have their own safety concerns. Here are a few tips that you should be mindful of:
- To get to another room, you need to remove the child from the door jumper or be very careful as you pass them in the doorway. Other children and large animals passing the child in the doorway can knock the child that is in the door jumper into the doorway, or collapse the jumper, causing them to get hurt.
- If your baby gets real excited while bouncing, they could cause themselves to collide into the doorway and harm themselves.
- Holding the door jumper to the doorway is a clamp. If the clamp slips or breaks, your baby will fall to the floor. Some causes of breakage are: simple clamp break completely, faulty clamp, swinging back and forth too forcefully, clamp not installed properly, or molding issues. Always ensure that the clamp is in good condition and installed properly before each use.
- Toys with strings can be a strangulation hazard. Do not attach them to the jumper.
- Never leave your child in the jumper unattended. Keep your child in view at all times.
- Doorway Jumpers are only also only to be used by babies who can hold their head up by themselves.
- Never move the jumper with your child still in it.
- Stop letting your child use the jumper when they exceed the height and/or weight limit.Â
Best Baby Jumpers
Fisher-Price Luv U Zoo Jumperoo by Fisher-Price
Fisher-Price is synonymous with baby products for one reason – they have produced a plethora of baby products for years that are helpful for both baby and parent. The Fisher-Price Luv U Zoo Jumperoo is another quality product by Fisher-Price.
This jumperoo offers a seat that spins 360 degrees, toys of different textiles, a sturdy frame, and it easily adjusts to three different heights as your child grows. Let’s see what else the Fisher-Price Luv U Zoo Jumperoo has to offer.
Here are a few of the cons of the Fisher-Price Luv U Zoo Jumperoo: Overall, the Fisher-Price Luv U Zoo Jumperoo is a great jumperoo.  With its steel frame, you can spin the seat 360 degrees, and you don’t need a door way to install the jumperoo. The Luv U Zoo has many different zoo animals in different textiles to play with and lots of different toys to play with. As your child jumps, the jumperoo has sounds, lights, and music. The jumperoo adjusts to three different heights to grow with your child, the seat pad is removable to be washed, and your child can safely use the jumperoo to 25 pounds. While there are not many negatives, there are a few. This jumperoo is costly, is made of hard plastic, and has a large footprint that makes it not very portable. If your child is short, then they may have a hard time spinning the seat as their feet are not reaching the ground. Otherwise, a great jumperoo. Here are some of the cons: I had high hopes for the Baby Einstein Activity Jumper Special Edition. It has a lot of features that are supposed to be going for it. The seat is higher up and extra padded for comfort and it rotates 360 degrees for access to toys and activities. The piano offers language learning, lights, classical melodies, and piano key tones. There are 5 height settings. There are over 12 activities and include a mirror, bead chaser, and a rattle drum. That all being said, the negatives out way the positives in my opinion. The Baby Einstein Special Edition requires a lot of space and is an expensive jumper. Shorter children will have a harder time getting the seat to spin as their feet will not reach the floor. The jumper is not easy – at all – to assemble. But the most disappointing factors are the last two points. The springs are so tight that the jumper doesn’t have much bounce to it – isn’t that the whole point of a jumper? In addition, it is hard for the Baby Einstein to rotate the full 360 degrees without pressure or force – and what child can do that? This jumper did not fulfill my expectations. Here are a few cons for the Graco Doorway Bumper Jumper: The Graco Doorway Bumper Jumper is a good doorway model. It has a hidden safety cord and leaves no mark on your doorways. Because of its size, it is easily portable and the seat pad can be machine washable. The jumper has non-twist straps, is good for children up to 25 pounds, and can be adjusted for height. The made in the USA jumper has a toy tray and two soft, removable toys. The jumper has a bumper to protect the baby’s head from the sides. The Graco is an affordable model. However, there may be some balance issues where the baby leans to one side, the jumper hangs low, and it won’t attach to large doorway moldings. The jumper does not adjust for tall babies and it does not get good jump range. What it does offer is a simple design with fully enclosed springs to ensure that your little one’s fingers are safe. It is easily portable and has adjustable straps. Let’s see what else that Evenflo Exersaucer Door Jumper has in store for us. Here are some of the cons of the Evenflo Exersaucer Door Jumper: The Evenflo Exersaucer Door Jumper has a few things going for it. The Evenflo will fit standard doorways, has a fully enclosed spring, and the frame seat fully surrounds your child. The jumper is portable, has adjustable straps, and is very affordable. The Evenflo is also machine washable. Unfortunately, the spring is very noisy, is more of a swing than a jumper, and does not have a lot of bounce. There is also no bumper to protect the baby’s head from hitting the doorway and there are no toys or other forms of entertainment on the jumper. This jumper features a unique bounce pad, 360 degree seat rotation for play and fun, and adjustable seat height. Let’s see what else the Bright Starts Bounce-a-Round Activity Center offers. Here are a few of the cons for the Bright Starts Bounce-a-Round Activity Center: There are several nice things about the Bright Starts Bounce-a-Round Activity Center. It has a unique bounce pad, over 12 activities, the seat rotates 360 degrees, and the seat height adjusts. In addition, the jumper is more compact, the seat pad is machine washable, and it has a medium range price tag. That all being said, it has several things that are concerning. The Bright Starts does not have a lot of bounce to it. While it is more compact, the small frame means that it may be less stable. The padded seat is very thin, the toys pull off or break easily, and the paint on the bird chips easily. The seat does not rotate easily and while the center is height adjustable, the seat area just gets shorter making it easier for the child to fall out. All of these factors need to be taken into consideration before purchasing the Bright Starts Bounce-a-Round Activity Center. Here are a few of the negative things about the Disney PeekABoo Activity Jumper: The Disney PeekABoo Activity Jumper seems to be a good solid choice for a jumper. It has many features that you look for in a jumper. The jumper has over 12 activities, the seat rotates 360 degrees, and there is an electronic station with sounds and lights. The fabric seat pad is machine washable for easy clean up. There are lots of great toys and even comes with extra link loops to add your child’s favorite toys. The activity jumper has 4 adjustable height positions and is safe for children up to 25 pounds. It was hard to find things negative about this activity jumper, however, there were a few things. The frame seems a little flimsy and the PeekABoo Jumper is an expensive jumper. The jumper would be more entertaining for the child if the activities were more interactive and less decorative. Overall, it is a great choice for a jumper for your child. The Jolly Jumper can help improve balance, develop coordination, strengthen muscle, and offers firm support for your baby’s spine. Since it is on a stand and breaks down, it is convenient and very portable. Let’s talk about what else the Jolly Jumper on a Stand for Rockers has going on. Here are a few of the negatives for the Jolly Jumper on a Stand for Rockers: The Jolly Jumper on a Stand for Rockers is a great concept. It improves balance, can help develop coordination, can strengthen muscles, and has firm spine support. The portable jumper can be used indoors or outdoors, is easy to set up, has non-slip feet, is height adjustable, and is safe to 28 pounds. There is a harness for safety and while using it the baby’s posture will stay upright. However, the jumper is higher priced than some other jumpers are and it required plenty of space to set up. The biggest disappointment is that it is very difficult to get the baby in and out of the jumper harness with only one adult. Let’s take a closer look at what all the Evenflo Exersaucer Bounce and Learn has to offer. Here are a few of the cons for the Evenflo Exersaucer Bounce and Learn: The Evenflo Exersaucer Bounce and Learn is a pretty basic exersaucer as it doesn’t have any lights or sounds. But it still has some positive points. The seat rotates 360 degrees, it is height adjustable, is great for building skills, and is an affordable model. The exersaucer has rock, spin, and bounce actions and the small frame means it doesn’t take up a lot of space. However, the exersaucer is noisy, the overhead toy is a hazard as a child can hit their head on it, the seat ring has sharp edges, the height adjustable settings don’t work properly and the seat is not padded. While the price is great, this stripped down version doesn’t have a lot to offer. Designed by an occupational therapist, the Merry Muscles supports the baby’s weight by the upper thighs and buttocks without adding pressure to any vital organs. To learn more about the Merry Muscles Ergonomic Jumper, read on. Here are a few of the negatives of the Merry Muscles Ergonomic Jumper: The Merry Muscles Ergonomic Jumper seems to have a lot going on for it. It helps support your child ergonomically, was designed by an occupational therapist, the child will bounce on their soles instead of their tip toes, and you can use up to 30 pounds. The jumper cradles the hips, the front and rear bib of the seat offer head and spine support while ensuring the baby does not fall forward. You can suspend the jumper from a ceiling or door frame, the fabric is machine washable, and the jumper is portable. However, once you put the bolt in your ceiling, that becomes a permanent part of your home, and the doorway clamp must be purchased separately. The Merry Muscles is more expensive than other jumpers, and the suspension cord can be troublesome. The jumper is safe for children up to 25 pounds, has a machine washable seat pad, removable toys, and easy height adjustment. Let’s take a closer look at the Sassy Inspire the Senses Doorway Jumper. Here are a few of the cons for the Sassy Inspire the Senses Doorway Jumper: The Sassy Inspire the Senses Doorway Jumper is a great doorway jumper. It is safe for children up to 25 pounds, has a machine washable seat pad, has six toys that can be removed for extended play, and works on most doorways with a clamp mechanism. The mid-priced jumper is easily adjusted for height. However, the jumper is hard for some babies to jump. In addition, the jumper can swing from side to side and swing the baby into the doorway and the Sassy does not have a bumper guard. Overall, it is a good doorway jumper. The jumper has a musical piano, offers 360 degree seat rotation for playing with all the great toys, is height adjustable, the seat pad is machine washable, and the jumper is foldable and portable. Let’s take a closer look at what all is on offer with the Fisher-Price Rainforest Jumperoo. Here are a few of the negatives of the Fisher-Price Rainforest Jumperoo: The Fisher-Price Rainforest Jumperoo definitely has more positives than negatives. The baby is rewarded with music, lights, and sound when they jump. There is an overhead play bar that is soft-sided as well as a canopy of toys that dangle for play. The jumper offers 360 degrees seat rotation, has spring covers, and is height adjustable to grow with your child. The electronic toy can be activated by play or set to play and there are rattles, drums, and other toys as well. The jumperoo can be folded down for storage, ease of portability and mobility. The seat is machine washable, is a free standing unit, and is a light-weight but sturdy easy to set up jumper. The jumperoo is safe to use until your baby is 25 pounds and helps enhance large motor skills and provides tactile stimulation. However, the Fisher-Price Rainforest Jumperoo is a little more expensive than some other models and has no hooks for additional toys. The jumper has a large footprint but it does fold down for storage when it is not in use. The main issue is that the spin motion of the seat rotation is a little stiff and maybe a little difficult for some babies. Overall, this is a top notch jumperoo. This bright and beautiful jumper has a removable music tray with over five classical music melodies. The 360 degree rotating seat is cushioned and allows your child to view all of the wonders of the activity jumper. The jumper has a caterpillar toy bar, lights, sensory toys, flip book, and a mirror. Let’s take a closer look at what else this Creative Baby Activity Jumper has to offer. Here are a few of the cons for the Creative Baby Activity Jumper: There are quite a few positive things about this beautiful jumper by Creative Baby. The Creative Baby Activity Jumper features characters from Eric Carle’s book The Very Hungry Caterpillar. The seat rotates 360 degrees, is JPMA Certified, is height adjustable, has rubber padded feed, and the seat pad can be washed. There is a removable music tray that has over five classical music melodies and this activity jumper is full of activity for active minds such as a caterpillar toy bar, lights, sensory toys, flip book, and a mirror. However, this jumper is costly, it does not jump very much and it has a large footprint so it takes up a good bit of room. While both Fisher-Price models are great choices, the best jumperoo, in my opinion, is the Fisher-Price Rainforest Jumperoo. It has lots of great features that you would look for in a jumperoo and many that you didn’t even know that you were looking for. There are overhead soft toys as well as a canopy of toys for hours of play. When the baby jumps, they are rewarded with music, lights, and sound. The electronic toy can be activated by play or set by an adult for continuous play. There are lots of animals and toys such as a monkey, an elephant, a rattle, drum spinner, and more. The Fisher-Price Jumperoo enhances large motor skills and provides tactile stimulation. The jumper has 360 degrees of rotation for full interaction, spring covers to protect little fingers, is height adjustable, the seat pad is machine washable, and is free standing. Your child can safely use this jumperoo to 25 pounds or 32 inches tall. This jumperoo is easy to set up, sturdy but light weight, and best of all – folds down for ease of storage, portability, and mobility. When looking for a great jumperoo, you can’t go wrong.
Baby Einstein Activity Jumper Special Edition by Baby Einstein
Nothing is better than seeing the smile on the face of a child. And toys make children happy. The Baby Einstein Activity Jumper Special Edition has a wide variety of toys and activities to bring a smile to your child’s face. The seat rotates 360 degrees so your child has access to all of the activities that the Baby Einstein has to offer. There is also an elevated seat with padding for your baby’s comfort. The Baby Einstein Activity Jumper Special Edition has a lot to offer, let’s take a look at it.
Graco Doorway Bumper Jumper by Graco
Doorway jumpers are a more affordable jumper that is portable and don’t take up as much room as some jumperoos and activity jumpers. The Graco Doorway Bumper Jumper has a sturdy bounce spring with a hidden safety cord that keeps doorways mark free with the no-mark clamp. The seat pad can be wiped clean for light clean up or removed and machine washed for heavier stains. Let’s take a closer look at the Graco Doorway Bumper Jumper.
Evenflo Exersaucer Door Jumper by Evenflo
If what you are looking for is simplicity, then you may be looking for the Evenflo Exersaucer Door Jumper. The Evenflo is nothing fancy. It doesn’t even include any toys, however, you can hook your own on if you like.
Bright Starts Bounce-a-Round Activity Center by Bright Starts
When looking for an activity center that keeps your child’s feet off of the ground, the Bright Starts Bounce-a-Round Activity Center has you covered.
Disney PeekABoo Activity Jumper by Disney
If you are a Disney fan, then this Disney PeekABoo Activity Jumper may just be what you are looking for. This jumper is Minnie Mouse themed and has over 12 toys and activities, a rotating seat, a machine washable seat pad, and an electronic station. Let’s take a closer look at the Disney PeekABoo Activity Jumper.
Jolly Jumper on a Stand for Rockers by Jolly Jumper
Are you interested in the features of a traditional doorway jumper but with more features and on its own stand? That is what the Jolly Jumper on a Stand for Rockers is offering.
Evenflo Exersaucer Bounce & Learn by Evenflo
In the great debate of exersaucer versus jumper, there is no clear winner. However, you may want to try out this exersaucer by Evenflo. The Evenflo Exersaucer Bounce and Learn is height adjustable, has a 360 degree seat, and is affordable.
Merry Muscles Ergonomic Jumper by Kidalog
If you want a jumper that was strictly designed as a form of exercise that is safe and fun for your child, then take a look at the Merry Muscles Ergonomic Jumper.
Sassy Inspire the Senses Doorway Jumper by Sassy
Doorway jumpers are popular because they are low profile, don’t take up a lot of space, are mostly priced well, and portable. All of these things can be said about the Sassy Inspire the Senses Doorway Jumper.
Fisher-Price Rainforest Jumperoo by Fisher-Price
Fisher-Price has come up with another great jumper with this Fisher-Price Rainforest Jumperoo. This jumper seems to have something for everyone.
Creative Baby Activity Jumper by Creative Baby
If you are looking for a themed jumper, then Creative Baby has one just for you. Creative Baby has an activity jumper based on the characters from Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
The Winner