There were many a time the only way I could get DD to sleep was to bounce her off in the bouncer. It never did her any harm. There was even a period where the only way she would have a day sleep was IN the bouncer. She eventually went back to the bassinet. She was always in the same room as me when sleeping in the bouncer (usually at my feet) so I didn't worry about it. And if it meant she slept - I was happy!!!!