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As you prepare for the birth of your little one, choosing which baby gear to put at the top of your list is an important decision.
Baby rockers are right up there for parents who want a safe place for their baby to sit back, relax, and enjoy the show, which may include a parent scrambling to complete tasks.
Read on to take a look at rocker safety, features to consider, and the best rockers on the market today.
Best lightweight rocker: Fisher-Price Infant-to-Toddler Rocker
Best minimal design rocker: Maxi-Cosi Kori 2-in-1 Rocker
Best high-end rocker: Nuna Leaf Grow
Best rockers for travel: Summer 2-in-1 Bouncer & Rocker Duo and Baby Delight Aura Deluxe Portable Rocker and Bouncer
Best basic model rocker: Bright Starts Minnie Mouse Stars & Smiles Infant to Toddler Rocker
Best budget rocker: Ity by Ingenuity Rockity Rock Soothing Rocker
Best rocker for comfort: Ingenuity Boutique Collection Rocking Seat
Best automatic rocker: 4moms rockaRoo Baby Rocker
Usually designed for newborns up to 6 months, a baby rocker is a chair that sits on a slanted base and rocks gently. Sometimes they convert to a stationary toddler chair.
The rocking motion, which can be operated manually or by a power source, may help to calm and soothe your little one. Some models offer features, such as vibrating seats, hanging toys, and music options. While it may not seem necessary, a baby rocker is still a fantastic chill-out option for your babe.
Though your baby should never sleep in a rocker, they can relax in the reclined position as they gaze up at the world around them. That gives you the chance to go about your activities hands-free or take a seat on the floor and engage with your child.
They’re also a great option for playtime with younger children who wish to play with your baby without being able to hold them. And if your baby should develop reflux, the incline can be soothing after feeds.
In general, it’s safe to use a baby rocker, provided you follow the manufacturer’s weight and safety guidelines, and make sure your specific model is not recalled for any reason. However, there are a few safety precautions to keep in mind.
Always follow the safe sleep guidelines. Since it’s not safe for babies to sleep at an angle, don’t let them sleep in a baby rocker. If you notice that they have fallen asleep, move them to a flat surface. (It’s always safest for babies to sleep flat on their back.)
Make sure babies up to 4 months old sit in a reclined position that’s as close to a horizontal position as possible. This prevents them from leaning forward and suffocating. Change the position of your baby’s head often to avoid flat spots from forming on their head.
Always use the safety harness. The rocker must be stable so it won’t tip over or fold up. The seat must be fairly flat to prevent the baby from falling out. Make sure any included toys are firmly secure to avoid small parts coming loose. If necessary, place nonslip pads under the rocker on tile and wood floors.
Rockers should always be placed on the floor, and never on a table or elevated surface. The vibration of the rocker or motion of the child could cause the device to move and be at risk of falling.
To narrow down your search, think about where you’ll be using the baby rocker and how often.
Consider the following:
- how much space it takes up
- portability
- how it moves (by pushing, battery, or electrical outlet)
- settings, such as sound, speed, and vibration
- ease of assembly
- sturdiness and stability
- comfort of seat
- easy cleaning
- head, neck, and back support
- weight limit
- harness
To help you select the best baby rocker, we’ve chosen the best options based on features, ease of use, and product reviews.
Pricing guide
- $ = under $50
- $$ = $50–$100
- $$$ = over $100
Best lightweight rocker
Fisher-Price Infant-to-Toddler Rocker
Price: $
The Fisher-Price Infant-to-Toddler Rocker is available in two print fabrics and comes with hanging toys so your tot can develop gross motor skills. The comfortable seat is machine-washable and has a kickstand to keep it stationary. It weighs 8 pounds (3.6 kg), and it converts into a toddler rocking chair for kids up to 40 pounds (18 kg).
A few reviewers mention the assembly is slightly complicated but manageable with the correct tools. Several people report the vibrations are not strong enough.
Pros
- It’s easy to clean.
- The rocker has cute contemporary prints.
- It’s lightweight, yet sturdy.
Cons
- There’s no transport handle.
- The assembly instructions are unclear.
- The vibration is weak.
Best minimal design rocker
Maxi-Cosi Kori 2-in-1 Rocker
Price: $$$
The Maxi-Cosi Kori 2-in-1 Rocker has three adjustable height positions and a stationary option. The luxury rocker has a streamlined, modern design that blends easily with any decor. Lightweight and portable, it’s simple to move it to different rooms or stash it in storage.
It’s available in three colors that are easy on the eyes, and the extra-cushiony support is machine-washable.
Pros
- There’s no assembly required.
- It folds flat for travel.
- It’s lightweight, yet sturdy.
Cons
- The rocker doesn’t work well on carpet.
- There’s no auto-rock feature.
- The seat is shallow.
Best high-end rocker
Nuna Leaf Grow
Price: $$$
The Nuna Leaf Grow baby seat and rocker sways from side to side like a leaf falling from a tree. The natural, smooth movement is soothing for little ones, plus the 130-pound (59-kg) weight limit allows older children to use it as well.
The rocker is available in eight neutral color options that blend seamlessly into your living space.
Many people find the rocker is too heavy and awkward to move easily, so it’s best for people who want to keep it in one place.
Pros
- It’s comfortable and supportive.
- The fabric is Oeko-Tex-certified.
- It has a high weight limit.
Cons
- It’s heavy and bulky.
- The noisy Velcro straps may wake up baby.
- There are no reviews on website.
Best rockers for travel
Summer 2-in-1 Bouncer & Rocker Duo
Price: $$
Ideal for small spaces, Summer 2-in-1 Bouncer & Rocker Duo features a calming vibration option and a removable toy bar. The lightweight, portable design folds flat for storage and travel. Plus, the seat pad is machine-washable.
On the downside, customers complain the rocker isn’t sturdy enough, and the vibration feature turns off automatically after 15 minutes.
Pros
- It folds flat.
- It has a lightweight, portable design.
- The rocker doubles as a bouncer.
Cons
- It’s not sturdy enough.
- The seat pad slides.
- It has weak vibration.
Baby Delight Aura Deluxe Portable Rocker and Bouncer
Price: $$$
The Baby Delight Aura Deluxe Portable Rocker and Bouncer comes with a removable toy bar and features a sound and vibration unit (one reviewer says it only plays one song, though).
It folds flat easily so you can store it out of the way between uses. Plus, it comes with a carry bag for travel. The neutral cover is machine-washable and it’s easy to assemble.
Pros
- It’s lightweight.
- The rocker has a sturdy frame.
- It’s easy to assemble.
Cons
- It’s too loud for some.
- There are no separate button for sound and vibration.
- Most reviews are from people who received an incentive.
Best basic model rocker
Bright Starts Minnie Mouse Stars & Smiles Infant to Toddler Rocker
Price: $
The Minnie Mouse Stars & Smiles Infant to Toddler Rocker is easy to assemble and has a machine-washable cover. The lightweight chair has a kickstand that converts it into a stationary seat.
It features a removable toy bar, though several reviewers warn that the toys hang too low and come too close to the baby’s face. Others say the motor is too loud and the vibration is ineffective.
Pros
- It’s lightweight.
- It’s easy to assemble.
- It converts into a stationary seat.
Cons
- The vibration is weak.
- The toys hang too close to the baby’s face.
- Many online reviews were collected as part of a promotion.
Best budget rocker
Ity by Ingenuity Rockity Rock Soothing Rocker
Price: $
The Ity by Ingenuity Rockity Rock Soothing Rocker offers three reclining positions and a machine-washable seat pad.
The soft, subtle colors fit into most living spaces, and it’s easy to take apart and clean. Plus, it’s super lightweight and portable, making it easy to move from room to room.
Pros
- It’s lightweight and portable.
- It’s easy to clean.
- The rocker features three reclining positions.
Cons
- Most online reviewers received a free product in exchange for their review.
Best rocker for comfort
Ingenuity Boutique Collection Rocking Seat
Price: $$
The Ingenuity Boutique Collection Rocking Seat has soft, cushiony fabric in neutral tones for a modern look. The seat easily folds flat for storage and travel. It features three reclining positions and has vibrations, nature sounds, and music options.
Some customers complain that the craftsmanship is poor and the straps are too small.
Pros
- It’s comfortable.
- The rocker is lightweight.
- It folds flat.
Cons
- It’s not sturdy enough.
- It has small straps.
Best automatic rocker
4moms rockaRoo Baby Rocker
Price: $$$
The 4moms rockaRoo Baby Rocker automatically rocks back and forth. While the rocker will save you from buying batteries, you’ll need to be close to a power outlet.
The compact, contemporary seat is available in two neutral colors and has five speed settings. It comes with a removable toy mobile, though it doesn’t move and customers say it’s less than stellar.
Several reviews mention the rocker makes a loud clicking and creaking noise. A few people report the rocker stopped working after a short time.
Pros
- It has a stylish, compact design.
- It connects to your device to play music.
- It’s easy to assemble.
Cons
- The rocker is noisy.
- It may stop working quickly, according to some reviewers.
- The slowest speed is too fast for some.
| Price | Features | Best for | |
| Fisher-Price Infant-to-Toddler Rocker | $ | hanging toys, vibration, converts to a toddler rocker | lightweight |
| Maxi-Cosi Kori 2-in-1 Rocker | $$$ | portable, three adjustable height positions, folds flat | minimal design |
| Nuna Leaf Grow | $$$ | moves from side to side, 130-pound (59-kg) weight limit | high-end |
| Summer 2-in-1 Bouncer & Rocker Duo | $$ | vibration, toy bar, portable | travel |
| Baby Delight Aura Deluxe Portable Rocker and Bouncer | $$$ | vibration, sound, toy bar, carry bag | travel |
| Bright Starts Minnie Mouse Stars & Smiles Infant to Toddler Rocker | $ | vibration, toy bar | basic |
| Ity by Ingenuity Rockity Rock Soothing Rocker | $ | three reclining positions | budget |
| Ingenuity Boutique Collection Rocking Seat | $$ | three reclining positions, vibrations, nature sounds, and music | comfort |
| 4moms rockaRoo Baby Rocker | $$$ | five speeds, toy mobile | automatic |
How long can a baby be in a rocker?
As long as they’re supervised and stay awake, you can leave your baby in a rocker for 20 to 30 minutes at a time. Make sure their head is safely supported and change their position often. For infants up to 4 months old, use the most reclined position to make sure they don’t lean forward, which could cause suffocation.
Can a baby sleep in a rocker?
No, a baby cannot sleep in a rocker since sleeping at an angle is unsafe for babies. If your baby falls asleep in their rocker, gently move them to a flat, firm sleeping area.
What age can a baby go in a rocker?
Many rockers are designed for newborns up to 6 months, though each model varies. Some rockers convert into a chair for older children. Check out the age and weight minimum requirements and limitations for each rocker.
Selecting the best rocker for your babe can be a smooth and straightforward experience once you know what to look for.
Pay attention to safety features and always buy from a reputable brand to ensure quality. The right rocker is sure to provide endless hours of enjoyment for your child.