REASONS TO BUY
No assembly
Easy-to-clean cover
Excellent bounce
Grows with baby
REASONS TO AVOID
Expensive
No interactive element
BabyBjorn Bouncer Balance Soft Review
A high-quality bouncer that provides a womb-like lulling
A bouncer like the BabyBjorn can be useful for soothing baby and keeping stimuli at a minimum.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
RELATED: Best Baby Bouncers
The Skinny
The BabyBjorn Bouncer Balance Soft works until your child weighs 20 lbs or starts trying to sit up. Once your child has learned to walk and sit down unaided, flip the seat cover and use the product as a child's chair. Combining quality and comfort, the BabyBjorn provides a baby-friendly place for your little one to hang out near you while you enjoy some hands-free time. Because it's lightweight and folds flat, it's easy to transport or store when not in use. We like that the cover is easy to remove and wash; however, it requires air drying. Also, a seat of this quality comes at a price. It's one of the most expensive options in the best baby bouncer lineup. However, its quality gives us no qualms about its long-term potential, and we think it's worth adding to your baby's entertainment gear.
Editor's Note: We updated this review on May 30, 2023, due to adding new products to the competition. We describe the performance of this award-winning baby bouncer in this gear review.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
BabyBjorn Bouncer Balance Soft | |||||
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| Awards |  |  | |  | |
| Price | $210 List $203.99 at Amazon | $200 List $199.00 at Amazon | $140 List $139.98 at Amazon | $94 List $69.00 at Amazon | $40 List $42.22 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | A high-quality, womb-like bouncer that provides a natural rocking motion | An all-around top-quality bouncer that's sturdy and durable | A stylish rocker with a fold and size that's travel-friendly | A simple bouncer that gets the job done at a reasonable price | Despite being very inexpensive, we have concerns over this low-quality bouncer |
| Rating Categories | BabyBjorn Balance Soft | Ergobaby 3-in-1 Evolve | Maxi-Cosi 2-in-1 Ko... | Baby Delight Alpine... | Bright Starts Playf... |
| Quality & Comfort (40%) | |||||
| Ease of Cleaning (30%) | |||||
| Foldability (20%) | |||||
| Assembly (10%) | |||||
| Specs | BabyBjorn Balance Soft | Ergobaby 3-in-1 Evolve | Maxi-Cosi 2-in-1 Ko... | Baby Delight Alpine... | Bright Starts Playf... |
| Manufacturer Weight Range | Bouncer: 8 - 20 lbs Toddler Chair: max 29 lbs |
Bouncer: 5 lbs 8 oz - 20 lbs Toddler Chair: max 29 lbs |
max 20 lbs | 0 - 6 mths, max 20 lbs | 0 - 6 mths, max 20 lbs |
| GearLab Measured Weight | 5 lbs | 8 lbs 6 oz | 5 lbs 5 oz | 4 lbs 8 oz | 4 lbs 5 oz |
| Dimensions L x W x H (without toy bar) | 31" x 15.5" x 22" | 33" x 16.5" x 18.5" | 28" x 16.5" x 18.5" | 28" x 18" x 21" | 20.5" x 18" x 18.5" |
| Fold | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Motion | Bouncing | Bouncing | Rocking | Bouncing | Bouncing |
| Toy Bar | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Vibrating | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| Toddler Conversion | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Machine Washable Cover | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Show full specification details ▼Hide full specification details ▲
Our Analysis and Test Results
BabyBjorn began in 1961 by Bjorn Jakobson, who was struck by the idea of creating a safe place to set an infant, leading him to design the company's first product, a baby bouncer. BabyBjorn remains a family-owned business, producing long-lasting products such as baby carriers, baby bibs, potty chairs, and more. They stand behind simplifying everyday life and nurturing closeness so that families can enjoy the journey of parenthood.
Performance Comparison
The high-quality BabyBjorn is an excellent choice for soothing little ones into a peaceful and calm state.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Likes
The BabyBjorn Bouncer Balance Soft will fit the bill if you are looking for a top-ranked baby bouncer that provides quality and comfort. It checks all the boxes even despite being simple in appearance.
Our little tester was comfortable in this BabyBjorn seat, and the fitted fabric seat evenly distributed the baby's weight. According to the manufacturer, this seat is ergonomically designed to provide optimal support for your baby's back, neck, and head. We also appreciate that the seat material meets the requirements of the OEKO-TEK Standard 100 for baby products. This is a bonus that not many other bouncers offer.
The BabyBjorn requires manual operation or your baby's movements to bounce. Compared to others, it bounces effortlessly. It's sensitive to your baby's movements, so when your baby waves their arms and legs, this causes natural rocking. You can adjust the seat to three different recline positions, and there is sling-like material in the baby's foot area.
Babies can make a mess, so we prefer a bouncer with an easy-to-remove cover that is machine washable and tumble dryable to make clean-up easier. The BabyBjorm's cover couldn't be easier to use than others. Undo the elastic loops from the hooks at the base, and the whole cover slides off. We also appreciate that the hooks are exposed, making the process easy. The fabric seat is machine washable but requires air drying.
This lightweight bouncer folds flat, making it easy to move around the house, stow, or take on the go. We appreciate the minimalist nature of the base compared to bulkier competitors. Those living in smaller spaces may feel the same.
We greatly appreciate that the BabyBjorn requires no assembly. Just unbox and unfold, and it's ready to go for soothing or entertaining your baby.
Younger infants enjoyed the lower stimulation and gentle movement of the BabyBjorn.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Dislikes
Although there isn't much to dislike about the BabyBjorn Bouncer Balance Soft, there are a few things to point out. The high price tag may put some people off. However, many babies enjoy this bouncer, and it has the long-term potential to be used with multiple children over time. Some babies may want more entertainment than this bouncer offers, and a BabyBjorn Toy for Bouncer is available for an additional purchase.
Unlike most of the competition, the harness on the BabyBjorn has a simple plastic button and slot connection instead of plastic buckles. While not a deal-breaker, it's not as quick to use. Considering that buckling can accidentally pinch the baby's skin, we appreciate that this system eliminates that risk.
The BabyBjorn's harness is all about simplicity.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Should You Buy the BabyBjorn Bouncer Balance Soft?
If you are determined to purchase a high-quality bouncer, we think there's a good chance that the BabyBjorn Bouncer Balance Soft will become an everyday baby item in your home. It's a sturdy, well-made, easy-to-use, high-quality baby bouncer that many babies love. If your budget allows, we think it's worth every penny.
A bouncer like the BabyBjorn can be useful for soothing baby and keeping stimuli at a minimum.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
What Other Baby Bouncers Should You Consider?
The Ergobaby 3-in-1 Evolve Bouncer is the next best thing to the BabyBjorn Bouncer Balance Soft. While it's also expensive, it's a top-quality, durable bouncer with the same longevity. For more budget-friendly options, consider the Baby Delight Alpine Deluxe, a contender that's less money, but you must also reduce your expectations, or the Maxi-Cosi 2-in-1 Kori Rocker.
Manufacturer Video
—
Molly Bradac & BabyGearLab Review Team
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