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About bouncers, rockers and swings
Bouncers, rockers and baby swing chairs are used to help keep baby entertained.
They are not without risks though. Your baby should always be supervised when in these products. These products are not safe for baby to sleep in.
New product safety rules
New mandatory standards for these products were introduced on 18 July 2024. Businesses have 18 months to meet the new rules.
The new standards aim to reduce the risk of death and injury from products that babies do or may fall asleep in.
Risks and injuries from the product
Remember to put your baby to sleep in a safe environment.
Always put baby on their back on a flat, firm and level surface with their head and face uncovered. Remove any pillows, soft toys and sleep aids.
Babies can suffocate in a bouncer, rocker or swing if they:
- fall asleep and are left in the product instead of moved to a safe sleep environment
- have started to roll and move into a position that blocks their airways or covers their face.
Babies can fall out of a bouncer, rocker or swing and suffer serious injuries if it’s:
- placed up on high surfaces
- used to carry a baby around
- used with babies who are able to roll or can move the product.
Babies are also at risk of strangulation or burns. Don’t set the bouncer, rocker or swing up within reach of:
- blinds
- curtain cords
- heaters or other electrical appliances.
Things to look for when buying the product
Babies can be injured while using bouncers, rockers and swings. For this reason, 2 new mandatory standards have been introduced that suppliers must comply with by 19 January 2026.
Babies can be injured while using bouncers, rockers and swings. For this reason, there’s a mandatory standard for inclined non-sleep products.
Design and construction
- It has a safety harness. A good safety harness should go over baby’s shoulders, round their waist and between their legs.
- The base is wide, solid and sturdy. The base should be wider and longer than the area where the baby lies.
- It has rubber tips on the base to stop it ‘walking’ as the baby bounces, rocks or swings.
Marks and labels
Suppliers will be required to comply with the mandatory standards from 19 January 2026. From this date, bouncers, rockers or swings:
- must have a safety warning statement
- the safety warning statement must be easy to read and clearly displayed
- must state that you should not use the product for your baby to sleep in or leave them unsupervised.
Second-hand bouncers, rockers and swings
If you decide to use, buy or borrow a second-hand bouncer, rocker or swing make sure:
- the product hasn't been recalled
- it includes the instructions for safe assembly and use
- all of its parts are in good working order.
For tips and more information, see Buy second-hand products that are safe.
How to use the product safely
Keep your baby safe by following this guidance.
Set up the bouncer, rocker or swing safely
When setting up or adjusting your bouncer, rocker or swing, make sure you:
- follow the product assembly and adjustment instructions
- follow product guidelines for your baby’s age, size and development
- remove the child from the product before making any adjustments
- stop using the bouncer, rocker or swing when your baby starts to roll.
Create a safe environment to use the bouncer, rocker or swing
To keep your baby safe, make sure you:
- always supervise your baby in these products
- use the harness every time
- set up on a flat floor away from stairs and other potential hazards
- never place a bouncer, rocker or swing on a raised surface, like a table or bench
- never carry your baby in the bouncer, rocker or swing
- remove any pillows, soft toys, sleep comforters or sleep aids
- keep the bouncer, rocker or swing away from heaters, stoves, blind and curtain cords.
Sleeping in a bouncer, rocker or swing is unsafe
It is unsafe for your baby to sleep in a bouncer, rocker or swing.
These products often have soft padded surfaces and place your baby in an inclined and restrained position. This can put babies in a chin to chest position which restricts breathing and increases the risk of injury or sudden death from suffocation.
If your baby does fall asleep in their bouncer, rocker or swing, make sure you wake and remove them as soon as possible and put them in a safe sleeping environment.