In the early days of parenthood, the bouncer seat or the bouncy seat can be an invaluable piece of baby furniture that will allow you to keep your baby close while you take a quick shower or have a quick bite to eat. Bouncy seats, however, do carry some risks. So here’s a handy checklist for you to remind you what you should and should not do when it comes to baby bouncer seats.

  • Always use the bouncer on the floor, never on a countertop, table or other elevated surface. Always ensure that the surface you place the bouncer seat on is stable and level.

  • Never place the bouncer on a bed, sofa or other soft surface because there have been instances of babies having suffocated when bouncers tipped over onto soft surfaces.

  • Always use restraints and always ensure that you adjust the restraints to fit snugly.

  • Never, ever move too far away from your baby while she is in the bouncer seat. Stay near and watch the baby.

  • Stop using the bouncer when a child can sit up alone or weighs 20 pounds or reaches the weight limit on the label. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommended weight and age limits.

  • Look for a certification seal from the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association, which means the model conforms to independent safety standards.

  • Place the bouncy seat well away from hazards like heaters, window cords, and monitor cords.

  • While your baby is in the bouncer, don’t carry it by the frame or toy bar.