Jumperoo vs exersaucer vs walker
A jumperoo or an exersaucer or a Walker?
There are so many toys and devices for babies available and one question parents are often asking themselves when they have a young baby is should I get a jumperoo, an exersaucer or a walker.
The 3 toys have a lot of similarities but many differences as well. This article explores the 3 different devices and factors which may influence your decision when buying.
The 3 toys have a lot of similarities but many differences as well. This article explores the 3 different devices and factors which may influence your decision when buying.
Comparison Table
Feature |
Jumperoo |
Exersaucer |
Walker |
Approximate Age (will also depend on baby's development and weight) |
4 months to 1 year |
6 to 12 months |
4 months to walking |
Approx maximum weight (will vary dependent on make and model) |
25 pounds |
25 pounds |
25 pounds |
Approx Price |
$80 - $100 |
$50-$100 |
$45-$80 |
Age Recommendation and Weight
The chart shows that the age recommendations and maximum weight limit are very similar.
So all three, jumperoos, exersaucers and walkers are similar in the fact that they babies can use them during the second half of their first year as long as they don't exceed the weight limit.
Price
The price does differ between the three, with jumperoos being the most expensive so this might factor into decision making.
The other thing that might affect your decision is the and the ways each toy is used.
jumperoo
  
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What Is a Jumperoo?
A jumperoo allows babies to jump up and down (instead of in a doorway bouncer). Normally the play music have lights and toys which babies to play with. Pros Developmental Skills
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Entertaining
Time Limited
They don't last for young. My son used his from about 4 months to 11 months and by 11 months he had really grown out of it. If you have a heavy baby, they may reach the weight limit quite early on so it's a good idea to buy a jumperoo early on.
Price
They are quite expensive especially as they only last for a short amount of time. However, you can pick them up cheaper secondhand and you can resell them secondhand to get some of the money back.
Verdict - having had a jumperoo for my own baby, I would highly recommend one. They are invaluable for the times when you need a few minutes free with both hands and babies love them.
- Really good for entertaining young babies who love jumping up and down. My son had one of these and absolutely loved
- Once you have finished with your jumperoo you can sell the item secondhand as long as it is kept in good condition. Quite often you can recoup quite a lot of the initial outlay
Time Limited
They don't last for young. My son used his from about 4 months to 11 months and by 11 months he had really grown out of it. If you have a heavy baby, they may reach the weight limit quite early on so it's a good idea to buy a jumperoo early on.
Price
They are quite expensive especially as they only last for a short amount of time. However, you can pick them up cheaper secondhand and you can resell them secondhand to get some of the money back.
Verdict - having had a jumperoo for my own baby, I would highly recommend one. They are invaluable for the times when you need a few minutes free with both hands and babies love them.
Exersaucer
  
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What is An Exersaucer?
An exersaucer is a stationary playstation. Babies can stand and turn around in the exersaucer before they can walk. They can play with the toys. Most exersaucers allow babies to turn around in their seat. Some also offer a jumping action but not all. If you want baby to be able to bounce and jump, it's probably better to go with a jumperoo. Pros Lots of toys
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Development Skills
Time Limited
- Like the jumperoo the toys on the exersaucer can help reach developmental milestones. Grabbing toys, moving, pulling and pushing toys all help develop fine motor skills. Batting toys can help with hand and eye co-ordination.
Time Limited
- Again, like the jumperoo, exersaucers are time limited and for most babies will have a time span of 6 months of use.
- Considering the short time of use, they are quite expensive. The cheapest ones can be a lot cheaper than it costs for a jumperoo so this may factor into your decision making.
Walker
  
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What is a Walker?
A baby walker is a wheeled device in which a baby is placed and which supports a baby so he or she can move itself about a room with its feet before they are walking. Pros
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- Walkers tend to be cheaper than jumperoos and exersaucers
- Once babies have managed to learn how to use the walker, they are mobile. This means that you really have to keep a very close eye on baby to prevent any accidents from happening. Therefore it's not a good option if to put baby in if you need to make a phone call etc.
Other Considerations
There are lots of other things you may need to consider when using a jumperoo, exersaucer or walker:
Space
Many of these devices take up a lot of space. However many come in space saver forms which fold down between uses. This may be worth considering if you are short on space.
Don't overuse
It can be tempting to put babies in these devices for quite a lot of time. Obviously like with most things, it's not a good idea to leave babies in these kind of devices for too long when their muscles and bones are developing. 10 minutes at a time and 20 minute in total per day is a good guideline.
Safety
Safety is always a parent's number one consideration and you advice will always tell you, never to leave your child alone in one of these devices. A walker will take an extreme amount of supervision as you are enabling your baby to be mobile so they can easily get to things they may not otherwise be able to reach. Some walkers have also had safety issues such as tipping over, so it's worth checking reviews to make sure this is not an issue with any walkers you may have.
Adjustable height
Babies come in different sizes and grow extremely quickly, so in order to make sure that the jumperoo, walker or exersaucer is the right height for your child and that it lasts your child as they grow, it’s worth making sure the device you get has some adjustable height settings. Most toys you can get will have at least 3.
Space
Many of these devices take up a lot of space. However many come in space saver forms which fold down between uses. This may be worth considering if you are short on space.
Don't overuse
It can be tempting to put babies in these devices for quite a lot of time. Obviously like with most things, it's not a good idea to leave babies in these kind of devices for too long when their muscles and bones are developing. 10 minutes at a time and 20 minute in total per day is a good guideline.
Safety
Safety is always a parent's number one consideration and you advice will always tell you, never to leave your child alone in one of these devices. A walker will take an extreme amount of supervision as you are enabling your baby to be mobile so they can easily get to things they may not otherwise be able to reach. Some walkers have also had safety issues such as tipping over, so it's worth checking reviews to make sure this is not an issue with any walkers you may have.
Adjustable height
Babies come in different sizes and grow extremely quickly, so in order to make sure that the jumperoo, walker or exersaucer is the right height for your child and that it lasts your child as they grow, it’s worth making sure the device you get has some adjustable height settings. Most toys you can get will have at least 3.
Top 10 Jumperoos, Walkers and Exersaucers
So here are some of the top and bestselling jumperoos, exercausers and walkers to choose from.
Fisher Price RAinforest jumperoo
  
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The Fisher Price rainforest jumperoo has been around for years. It has over 6000 reviews on amazon.com and has a massive 5 star overall rating. This jumperoo has stood the test of the time and with the excellent reviews it is hard to go wrong.
Features include: ✔️ 3 position adjustable seat height ✔️A variety of toys including animals to bat, a spinner, a mirror and lots more ✔️360 seat rotation ✔️Lightweight at 16.45 pounds so can be moved around farily easily. |
Jumping and playing with the toys can activate lights and sounds which rewards baby for their movement. Babies love this.
The seat is washable so the jumperoo is easy to keep clean.
Evenflo Exersaucer Triple Fun Active Learning Center
  
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This great thing about this exersaucer is that it can be used for many years. Start of use from 4 months as an exersaucer. As baby grows into a toddler and a preschooler the exersaucer converts into clean, sturdy table for coloring, playing, and more.
Features include: ✔️ It's height adjustable. The foot support platform adjusts to the perfect height. ✔️ Play table with 25+ developmental activities ✔️360 seat rotation ✔️Lightweight at 15 pounds so can be moved around farily easily. |
The unique discovery window lets baby see their feet while they play to learn cause and effect
And the clip-on toys can be positioned based on baby's abilities
And the clip-on toys can be positioned based on baby's abilities
Joovy walker
  
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This is a fantastic walker but it the large tray also gives the walker a dual use as a high chair as well.
The walker has a large base which gives peace of mind that the walker offers great stability. Features include: ✔️ It's height adjustable with 3 settings ✔️ The seat pad is supportive and comfortable and machine washable ✔️Folds flat for easy storage and travel ✔️Oversized wheels |
If you're looking for a dual use walker this could be the one for you. It's designed with safety in mind. The removable dishwasher safe tray makes it good to give babies snacks in as well.
