bouncers/rockers/swings/bouncinettes...?

sooo I see some really expensive ones... those FP Papasan thingoes & the rainforest one look really cool... and pricey! And it seems that they don't last for ALL that long... so is it really worth it? Then I see heaps of the little chair thingoes (yes I have the jargon down pat!).. rocker/bouncinette kinda things.

So I really have no idea where to start. Do I need one? Should I buy what I want or wait to see if I get given one?
What did you use? Why did you like it? How long did it last?
DId it have vibrations, self-rocking, you had to rock it, baby could rock it? What worked best for you and your baby?

Please bear in mind I ain't gonna ebay (I haven't got time, I'd rather just buy something new if I'm going to buy it). And, to be honest, I don't really mind what i spend (within reason) if it's gonna be a godsend. I hear lots of people say that putting bubba in SOMETHING along these lines is great while taking a shower etc etc.

TIA!
Belfie
P.S. I've got nearly everything else I need now - YAY!!!
P.P.S. Custard is the BEST!

we have a bouncer that we were given that also vibrates isk for short times then he gets grumpy.

we bought a swing for $98 at big w uses batterys is good if ds in mood for it.

other friends kids love them depends on baby so maybe buy 1 or wait and see

Aiden has a Fisher Price rocker with elephants on it. It;s an infant to toddler seat and he LOVES it. It;s an absolute lifesaver I wish Id had it when he was first born. I think it was $60 from Target and they can use it until theyre 18kgs. I don't like the swings thought they were a waste of money but other people swear by them

HTH

I have 2 swings and don't use either one but my DS3 used to go in his swing all the time.. I think swings are a great idea but wait till bub is here and go shopping with baby and put bub into each swing and see how they like it and how you like it

I bought a Rocker for Ds2 and I used it alot. It was just a basic rocker that had a shade on it.. I would say no matter what get one with the shade especially if you are an outdoorsy type of person.. We used to take outrs out when we did yard work or washing and when we went camping.. Then it graduated to a take any where high chair...

We have a basic bouncer/rocker, that can be adjusted all the way from lying down to sitting up (most can I think!) We used to gently rock it for her to go to sleep occasionally but it was more to get her off the floor at times, and when we went visiting we took it with us. We also used it when she started solids as I didn't have a hight chair yet! Those swing ones look great and I know some people swear by them but I wouldn't like bub to get too used to falling asleep in that with the battery powered rocking! Having said that we had a good sleeper so you never know I might be racing out to get one if this bub won't sleep!
Either way I would get one that you can pick up and move around the house easily or take to other peoples houses too if you need to! Good luck lovely! :)

I'd recommend you wait to see what you get given.

We got given 2 rockers. The MIL gave us a basic one which we used for the first few weeks then we moved him to the other one which is a FP newborn to toddler rocker. He just loves it. I've found it very handy to sit him in after he has a feed as he's quite chucky and I can keep him fairly upright in it which helps.

We also have a FP rainforest jumper. Brock is too young to use it yet. We bought it second hand for $50 from a friend. No way I'd spend $180 for one of those. It's already set up and makes great noises and we just know he'll love it.

You may not be keen on getting second hand stuff but my advice is to check out anything your friends or relatives offer you. Most baby things aren't that used and it can save you a lot of money that you can use on other things.

belfie - one thing I have used with my two is the rocker that is adjustable from laying flat to reclined seating position. Once my bubs got to around 10 weeks they wanted to be up higher seeing what was going on. I personally would get a basic one with a hood like another BB'er said for hanging out washing, enjoying sunshine with hubby in the backyard for the first couple of weeks - those nice little sanity savers! - also great to pop bubs in when you are showering and want him with you. I was given a fisher price one after DS was born that vibrated but I didn't like it and it was a bit flimsy (cheaper end of price range I think) - so still ended up buying a basic one with a hood - and don't be fooled by the toy bars LOL they are so cute sometimes :)

To follow-on - I found my highchair a life saver from around 3 - 4 months - we would use it for bubs if they were awake and we were trying to have dinner - of course in the totally reclined position - but that way they could see what was going on at our height.

I haven't had an indoors swing, but have used an outdoors one again for after the first few months for enjoying the sunshine which is good for both mum and bubba!!!

Mixed reports on indoor battery operated swings - bubbas either love em or hate em!

Girl you better get that shopping finished within the next 10 days before D Day!!!! :dance:

Hey lovely ladies,

Thanks heaps for your wise input, that was really helpful. I've decided to wait until after baby is born and a) see what we get given and b) see what baby likes (if we go shopping). Plus I've also realised that with a biggish dog if I have something for outside, I'd prefer something that's a bit raised off the ground so bubba isn't at doggy level. Mmm lotsa food for thought!

Thanks again!
Belfie