What is the difference between BabyBjorn Bouncer vs Mamaroo? Which one is right for you?
Like many parents, you have done a lot of research on baby bouncers and swings, and end up loving both BabyBorn manual bouncer and 4moms Mamaroo automatic swing.
Both BabyBjorn Bouncer vs Mamaroo have their unique features and you feel that they are all necessary. The dilemma is that a bouncer is an expensive item and it will cost a fortune to get both.
That’s what brought us here: in this article, we will compare BabyBjorn Bouncer and 4moms mamaRoo Baby Swing. You can always jump directly to the product review section.
Related Post:
Our Final Verdict
BabyBjorn Balance Soft is best for parents who need a portable bouncer that can last a long time.
4moms MamaRoo is best for busy parents who can’t keep their babies entertained all the time.
Difference Between A Baby Bouncer and A Baby Swing
A baby bouncer is a device for a baby to sit inside and use her body movement to move the device up and down or from side to side.
A baby swing is a device made of a padded seat that hangs from a frame. Like a bouncer, a baby swing is also used for a baby to sit inside.
Both baby bouncers and swings are used for newborns and infants. Their main purpose is to calm down and soothe babies using a rocking motion that babies are used to.
The key differences between a baby bouncer and a baby swing are:
Which Is Better for Babies: Bouncer or Swing?
Bouncers and swings have their own strengths and weaknesses. Which one is better for you is dependent on what you want to accomplish.
If you want a device that provides comfort and calms down a crying baby, you can choose either a bouncer or a swing because this is the primary purpose of both devices.
If you want a device to keep your baby entertained while you can attend to other house chores, then a baby swing is better for you. A baby bouncer requires more interaction from another adult.
If you are looking for a device that is portable for travel, then a baby bouncer is better because it is lightweight, foldable, doesn’t require a power outlet, and is easy to collapse.
Some researches show that automatic baby devices may hinder a baby’s motor skill development. If you are worried about extended uses of automatic devices, then a baby bouncer is a better choice is it uses a baby’s natural movement.
Benefits of Baby Bouncers and Swings
Baby bouncers and baby swings provide infants with the rocking motion that they were used to before they were born. This soothing sensation keeps babies calm and content.
Additionally, small infants tend to have reflux easily. Without the ability to hold their heads straight, sitting in a bouncer or swing is one of the few ways for them to stay in an upright position. This can help reduce reflux and spitting up.
On the other hand, baby bouncers and swings help keep a baby entertained so that parents can take a break to attend to other urgent personal or household matters.
Comparison of BabyBjorn Bouncer vs Mamaroo Swing
In this section, we will give a comprehensive comparison between BabyBjorn Bouncer Balance Soft and 4moms Mamaroo Baby Swing
1. Types of Motion
Similarities: Both the BabyBjorn bouncer and Mamaroo swing produce a rocking motion that is calming and soothing to babies.
Differences: BabyBjorn is set in motion by the baby’s own movements. The seat bounces up and down as your baby moves her arms, legs, or body.
4moms Mamaroo Baby Swing has five pre-programmed motion patterns that you can choose from. It bounces up and down and sways from side to side.
Additionally, Mamaroo has five levels of adjustable speed.
2. Type of Seats
Similarities: Both BabyBjorn bouncer and Mamaroo Swing have fabric seats that can be removed for cleaning.
Differences: The seat of the BabyBjorn bouncer is built into the frame. The seat is made with durable fabric and is not padded. However, the shape resembles a basin and is moldable. Therefore, it fits any body shape. Additionally, the seat can recline in three positions.
The seat of the Mamaroo Swing is an oval container with fabric padding. The seat is attached to a wide standing base. Additionally, the seat is supported by a half-oval metal frame, therefore, the seat can be adjusted to any position up to full recline.
Another thing is that the material on the seat of Mamaroo is thicker and velvety. It may feel more comfortable for some babies.
3. Safety Strap
Similarities: Both BabyBjorn Bouncer and Mamaroo Swing have a T-shaped safety strap that a baby must wear to sit securely in the seat.
4. Power Source
Differences: BabyBjorn is manually powdered by a baby’s own kicks. Parents can give the bouncer a gentle push if their baby is too little or too tired to move the bouncer. The benefit is that you don’t need to worry about the device running out of power or looking for a power source.
4moms Mamaroo must be powered by an AC adapter and it doesn’t take external batteries. That means it needs to be near an electric outlet to function.
5. Portability
Differences: BabyBjorn is portable and suitable for travel whereas Mamaroo is for home use only.
In terms of size and weight, BabyBjorn can fold flat and weighs only 5 pounds. Once folded, it measures 35″ x 15.5″ x 4.5″. 4moms mamaRoo Baby Swing measures 33″ x 19.5″ x 25.5″ and is not foldable. It weighs 19 pounds.
BabyBjorn can easily fit inside a car or bring as check-in luggage for air travel. Since it doesn’t require a battery, you can use it outdoors for picnics or camping.
Mamaroo can only be used indoors and the most you can do is to move it from one room to another.
6. Entertainment Features
Differences: BabyBjorn doesn’t come with any additional entertainment features. The only way to use it is to let the baby sit inside and rock the bouncer.
Mamaroo features a sound machine with four built-in songs. Additionally, it has an MP3 port for you to connect an MP3 player or your phone with the baby swing so that you can play custom music.
On top of the sounds, mamaRoo also comes with three removable interactive toys: a rattle, an unbreakable mirror, and a crinkle ball. You should take note though there are no replaceable toys for sales if you lose them.
7. Connectivity
Differences: BabyBjorn cannot be connected to any mobile device whereas Mamaroo can be controlled through your phone.
You need to download the application and enable Bluetooth to connect to the swing. Once connected, you can control the swing’s motion, speed, type of music, and the volume of the sounds.
That’s also why many parents love 4moms Mamaroo because it’s easy to control and adjust settings.
8. Ease of Cleaning
Similarities: Both BabyBjorn Bouncer and Mamaroo have removable fabric seats that are also machine washable. You can also spot clean small stains on the fabric.
Differences: Unlike BabyBjorn which uses a metal frame that is almost fully covered in fabric, Mamaroo baby swing has a plastic base that needs to be dusted frequently.
9. Length of Use
Similarities: Both BabyBjorn and Mamaroo can be used for infants between 0 to 6 months.
Differences: The age limit is 0 month to 2 years for BabyBjorn and 0 to 6 months for Mamaroo. The weight limit is 8 pounds (3.5kg) to 29 pounds (13 kg) for BabyBjorn and birth to 25 pounds (11.3kg) for Mamaroo.
Even though the upper weight limit is similar for both devices, the manufacturer of Mamaroo suggested that a baby should stop using the swing once she can sit unassisted (around 4 to 6 months). BabyBjorn is intended to be used by both infants and toddlers.
Therefore, BabyBjorn has a much longer life span (18 months more) than Mamaroo.
10. Price
Differences: BabyBjorn has two models – Bouncer Balance Soft and Bouncer Bliss. They are identical models with the only exception of color. Additionally, BabyBjorn has different models using cotton or mesh fabric. Depending on the color and material, a BabyBjorn bouncer ranges from $180 to $250.
4moms Mamaroo 4 Baby Swing also comes in various types of material: nylon fabric, cool mesh fabric, and plush fabric. It also has many color options. The price for a Mamaroo baby swing ranges from $160 to $250.
Comparison Table
If you like to quickly refer to the manufactures’ specifications of BabyBjorn Bouncer vs MamaRoo Swing, here is a side-by-side table with the most important specs.
| Spec | BabyBjorn Bouncer | 4moms Mamaroo Swing |
|---|---|---|
| Age Range | 0 to 2 years | 0 to 6 months |
| Weight Limit | 29 lbs | 25 lbs |
| Safety Strap | T-shape | T-shape |
| Seat Padding | No | Yes |
| Power | Manual | AC adapter |
| Foldable | Yes | No |
| Toys | No | Yes |
| Built-in Sound | No | Yes |
| Remote Control | No | Yes |
| Size (L x W x H) | 35″ x 15.5″ x 4.5″ | 33″ x 19.5″ x 25.5″ |
| Weight | 5 lbs | 19 lbs |
| Price | Check | Check |
BabyBjorn Bouncer vs Mamaroo Swing Reviewed
1. BabyBjorn Bouncer Balance Soft
Top Pros:
Top Cons:
BabyBjorn is loved by many parents especially those who believe in wholesome and natural options.
For most parents, BabyBjorn is the most convenient option. Not only is it lightweight, easy to transport, and space-saving, but it also requires no assembly.
In terms of comfort, the BabyBjorn seat uses moldable fabric that can comfortably fit any baby’s body shape. The deep basin seat is supportive and flexible.
The number one reason that most parents choose BabyBjorn is to avoid dangers caused by electric-powered baby devices. As we mentioned in the precautions of using bouncers and swings, these devices may cause delayed motor skills development, infant suffocation, and SIDS.
On top of risk prevention, not needing a power source also means flexibility. You can literally use the bouncer anywhere: inside the house, on the deck, on the lawn, on a campground, or in the waiting area of an airport.
Another benefit of manual rocking is that babies can learn cause and effect as they figure out that they can make the bouncer move by kicking their feet.
BabyBjorn swing has an amazingly long life span of 2 years. Therefore, it can keep your child entertained well into toddler age.
The downside is that BabyBjorn doesn’t rock automatically. For many parents, this is almost a mandatory requirement as it is the only way for them to get a break.
2. 4moms MamaRoo 4 Baby Swing
Top Pros:
Top Cons:
For parents who prefer an automatic baby swing, 4moms MamaRoo is one of the best options.
The biggest advantage of MamaRoo is its diverse settings: five motion patterns, five speeds, an adjustable seat, and adjustable volume.
Unlike BabyBjorn, the seat of MamaRoo doesn’t have fixed position settings. Instead, you can slide the seat on the holder to get to any angle. If your child is tired, you can set the seat container flat so that your baby can lie on her back.
Another thing many parents love is the ability to control the swing through a mobile app. This is useful when you are monitoring the baby in another room and need to change the settings of the swing.
That’s why MamaRoo is ideal for busy parents who need to take care of house chores or work from home while watching the baby.
There are two main limitations of MamaRoo. One, it is not portable and requires an electric outlet. Therefore, you won’t be able to take it with you on a day out. Another limit is that it’s suitable for infants up to 6 months. For an expensive item that costs more than $200, many parents need to consider if it’s worth the investment.
Tips for Using Baby Bouncers and Swings
While it’s tempting to keep your baby in the bouncer or swing so that you can do other things, there are some critical precautions that you should always keep in mind.
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission’s research shows that there were 1600 cases of child injuries involving portable baby swings in 2009.
The rule of thumb is that a baby must be under a caregiver’s supervision while using any nursery device such as a rocker or swing.
The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend using sitting devices such as swings for routine sleep. So if your child falls asleep in a bouncer or swing, gently move them to the crib and place them on their back.
Additionally, the Injury Prevention Committee of the Canadian Pediatric Society recommends that a child should wear safety harnesses while in a baby swing. This can help prevent suffocation or SIDS.
When Do Babies Outgrow A Bouncer or Swing?
Typically, a baby outgrows a bouncer or swing by 6 months. At that time, many babies are capable of self-soothe. By then, most babies can hold their heads up and may have even started crawling. They won’t be interested or have the patience to sit in a bouncer or a swing.
Some baby bouncers such as the BabyBjorn Balance Soft can be used for toddlers up to the age of 2. By then, the main purpose is to provide a place for your child to sit down and take some rest.
Final Words
Even though most parents want to select the most natural and organic devices for their babies, not everyone has the luxury to keep their baby entertained all the time. That’s why we recommend 4moms MamaRoo Baby Swing for parents who are buying a swing early and who really need additional assistance to soothe the baby. If you want to buy a nursery device that can last a long time and is easily portable, we recommend Babybjorn Bouncer Balance Soft.
Allen Yeung is a technology enthusiast and has over 10 years of experience in advanced engineering, IoT, and supply chain management. He is an expert in the field of robotics and automation. He is an expert in the field of STEM education for children.
