Design and Features
The BabyBjorn Babysitter Balance is a modern version of the basic net bouncer your mum and dad used to bounce you in when you were a child. It has a strong stable base and a non-toxic cotton and polyester cover.
It features an ergonomic reversible cover, a three level recline plus flat fold, plastic foot rest and a removable three point harness. It comes in black & silver.
You can also get an organic seat version in black or white and an air version (which is great for allowing additional ventilation around your baby) which retails for $249.95.
It is suitable for use for babies from newborn to 2 years.
Performance and Drawbacks
This BabyBjorn Babysitter Balance is very easy to set up and use. You just take it out of the box and it’s ready to go.
The three level recline allows you to adjust it to suit your baby's age and interests, once you get used to it it's easy (and safe) to adjust the level with your baby in the bouncer. The Babysitter Balance also folds flat which is great for easy transport and storage.
The cover is ergonomically designed to support your baby’s head, back and bottom. Rather than just have a bottom ‘dip’ like other bouncers it actually has a ‘seat’ which supports your baby’s bottom so they are not suspended by their crotch. The downside of this seat is that if your baby has a little whoops-a-daisy gravity can result in a nasty mess. You can buy a Cozy Cover as an optional accessory or a cloth nappy will do the trick if this is a problem for you.
It has been a problem for our little baby tester so we know from experience that the seat unit is easy to remove and wash and comes up clean and fresh every time.
Apart from its obvious quality, what sets the BabyBjorn Babysitter Balance apart from other bouncers is its longevity of use. Once your baby outgrows the harness you can remove it and it becomes a toddler seat suitable for use until 2 years. Also this bouncer is built to last so it should see your though your first baby plus a few siblings, cousins or friends.
The biggest drawback of the BabyBjorn Babysitter balance is trying to get an infant in it. It’s difficult the undo the buttons on the harness with one hand (when you are holding your baby in the other). If you try to slide your baby in their floppy legs fold up underneath them. This becomes less of a problem as your baby grows and their legs get stronger.
Some children really love the toys and lights on bouncers and the Baby Sitter balance doesn’t come with any. You can buy a non toxic wooden toy bar which is nice but an additional expense. Of course no lights and music is a plus for some parents.
You can expect your baby to entertain themselves by bouncing independently at about four months old.
Conclusion
When I was at a Baby Show recently I heard one mum say to another (pointing to the Babysitter Balance) ‘If you want a bouncer get that one, it’s the best. Don’t worry about the price’. That’s pretty much the best wrap a product can get in my opinion.
BabyBjorn products are often discounted at the larger baby chains, keep an eye out for the Baby Balance on special.
If you are buying a second hand one just be a little cautious, pre-June 2009 Babysitter’s (black/silver, white/air, black/air) were recalled due to small pieces of metal found in the cover. This was a contained problem but you should check with your hands or a magnet just as a precaution.
About BabyBjorn
BabyBjorn is a Swedish company that has been making baby products since 1973. In addition to the Babysitter Balance they make a range of feeding and bathroom accessories and parents favourite, the BabyBjorn carrier.
