Top 5 Baby Bouncers

I made the mistake of leaving a baby bouncer off my list of "must-have" baby gear. While pregnant, I imagined my post-baby life as blissful and serene. I was taking a minimalist approach towards parenthood. In my naïve pre-mommy mind, I'd never need a baby bouncer. Alas, the first week home with my daughter I quickly changed my mind and decided to purchase a bouncy seat for my daughter.

There's a huge assortment of bouncy seats available--from the sublimely simple to the wonderfully interactive. Here's a look at the top five best baby bouncers available.

Boppy Cradle in Comfort Bouncer
$49.95
Pink or Blue

One look at this cozy bouncer and you'll be sold. It's simply so inviting. Boppy (known for their indespensible breast-feeding pillow) has crafted a plush round nest for your baby. Their bouncy seat includes a vibrating setting as well as music and nature sounds. When it comes to entertainment, there's a removable toy bar with two dangling plush toys. Why is this my favorite? When I touched the faux suede cover (which removes for machine washing), I found it irresistible. With two seat positions, this bouncer will accommodate your baby from birth to six months.

Fisher Price Rainforest Bouncer
$50

If you are going to go in for a battery-operated bouncer, go for this excellent design. It's not meant to blend seamlessly with your furniture-this chair is for baby's entertainment. What you sacrifice in style you'll gain in sanity. With this chair, you'll buy yourself enough time to prepare a meal, organize your thoughts or even take a shower. What's there for baby to look at? How about a monkey playing peek-a-boo or a flying toucan! As your baby touches the hanging toys, he'll learn about cause and effect and maybe develop a modicum of coordination. Fussing will likely be terminated when you turn on the vibrating switch or the rainforest sounds. Supplying batteries and figuring out the assembly are the major hassles with this bouncer.

Graco Travel Lite Folding Bouncer
$59.99
Central Park pattern

If you're a mom on the move, you'll love this bouncer from Graco. It comes with a carry bag so you'll never have to leave baby's favorite recliner behind when you travel. A plush head support keeps baby's head safely supported while bouncing and a removable activity bar will keep him/her happily distracted. This handy bouncer also comes with a canopy-an essential feature for a family that likes to spend tine outdoors. As far a bouncing, the Graco's got two vibrating settings, and a choice of acoustics: soothing nature sounds or classical music.

Oeuf Baby Lounger
$98
Four colors: beige/pink stripe, beige/neutral stripe, pink quilted, and blue quilted

Two years ago, after I begrudgingly saw the error in my ways, I purchased a few baby accoutrements for my well-appointed home. I fell in love with this piece of baby furniture: The soft modern colors worked with my home's interiors and the bouncer was free of any bells and whistles. Downside: This meant any bouncing action had to come from me. I became very adept at bouncing my daughter in this seat with one foot while editing articles on my Mac. Yes, this is one of the most stylish seats, but it comes at a price.

bloom Coco Lounger
$300
Four seat colors

If you really want to live a glamorous post-baby life, check out the designs from bloom. Their high-end rocking seat befits any
contemporary home. Constructed of thick "plexistyle" Lucite base and a cushy leather-like seat, this lounger provides a smooth rocking motion. And baby will be safely nestled inside this cutting edge seat thanks to a 5-point harness. While your baby is enjoying the gentle swaying motion, you'll love that unlike so many items for baby this one doesn't require assembly.