Safe Spots for Tiny Humans (So You Can Shower)
Showering with a newborn baby in the house can be challenging for several reasons. Firstly, newborns require constant attention and care, including feeding, diaper changes, and burping. This can make it difficult to find time to shower or take care of personal hygiene needs. Secondly, it can be hard to ensure the safety of the baby while in the shower, as they are delicate and vulnerable to injury.
Additionally, some mothers may feel anxious about leaving their newborn baby unsupervised, even for a short period, which can make it challenging to take time for themselves. Balancing self-care with the demands of caring for a newborn can be a significant challenge for new mothers, and showering is just one aspect of this complex balancing act.
At some point you may need to shake out that messy top knot, take a shower, and feel human again – but where do you put the baby? Bouncers, swings, rockers, and playards can be a blessing when you need to steal a moment for yourself to fix dinner, get some work done, or chase a toddler (may the odds be ever in your favor).
Some Favorite Baby-Holding Baby Gear
Skip Hop Silver Lining Cloud 2-in-1 Activity Floor Seat
Skip Hop’s Silver Lining Cloud floor seat is décor friendly (no bold primary colors here) and a supportive spot to entertain your little one. A convenient multipurpose tray can be used for snacks (just remember, always supervise your baby while eating) and three charming toys are included: A sun rattle, star spinner, and moon bead mover will keep your baby busy and engaged.
The Bugaboo Stardust is a sleek and stylish option that also happens to be lightweight and super compact. It opens and closes in just seconds, and has a small footprint (ideal for travel or use in more confined spaces). It also comes with a zip-in bed for newborns and younger babies, replacing a separate bassinet for nap time.
Baby Bjorn Bouncer Balance Soft
This lightweight bouncer (only seven pounds) doesn’t take up much space and folds flat for easy storage and portability. The soft and snug design evenly distributes weight for ergonomic support, and once outgrown, it can be converted to a toddler chair. The bouncer rocks with your baby’s natural movement, and there are several age-based toy bar options for added sensory stimulation.
The Maxi-Cosi Cassia is really lightweight for a swing (just ten pounds) and has a space-saving frame if you’re square foot challenged. It has five swing speeds, plays a dozen soothing sounds and lullabies, and has a midcentury vibe we love. An auto detection system senses fussiness and triggers the swing if your baby needs a little extra TLC.
Oribel PortaPlay 4-in-1 Foldable Activity Center
Oribel’s activity center will entertain your baby with bounces and delightful stage-based toys. Use the Stage 1 toys from months 5-8 (these toys focus on exploration, grasping, and vision). Use the Stage 2 toys from months 8-12 (these toys focus on self-awareness and understanding cause and effect). Once your little one outgrows the activity center, it transforms into a play table.
Ergobaby 3-in-1 Evolve Bouncer
Designed in tandem with a pediatric orthopedist, Ergobaby’s Evolve Bouncer grows with your baby from newborn to toddler. A newborn insert keeps even the tiniest of bodies supported, and three adjustable heights offer customized comfort at every stage of development. The Evolve allows your baby to rock themself—no batteries or outlets required—so this bouncer is lightweight and portable. An optional toy bar is available for older babies that need more stimulation.
This lightweight and compact bouncer doubles as a rocker: An adjustable kickstand allows you to quickly and easily adjust between modes. The adjustable calf support ensures your growing baby is comfy and supported, and the OptiVent fabric will keep your baby cool. The vibration is battery powered so you won’t have to worry if you’re close to an outlet, and a multi-sensory toy bar is included.
Graco Soothe ‘n Sway LX Swing with Portable Rocker
Graco’s Soothe ‘n Sway LX is a budget friendly swing that doesn’t skimp on features. The swing doubles as a portable rocker and the multi-direction seat means your baby can enjoy front-to-back or side-to-side rocking. Adjustable speeds and soothing vibrations help keep your baby content, and if they’re feeling more playful, a toy bar with two plushies ups the entertainment quotient.
Skip Hop Explore & More Baby’s View 3-Stage Activity Center
Skip Hop’s activity center gives your baby a colorful and contained space for self-directed play, converts to a walker when your little one is ready to cruise, and then can be used as a toddler-sized play table. The Explore & More has over two dozen developmentally appropriate activities including a peek-a-boo owl, musical light-up piano, and hedgehog bead spinner. Its modern design and soft palette is a hit with parents, too.
Chicco E-Motion Auto-Glider & Bouncer
This automatic glider gently cradles your baby while mimicking a parent’s sway by sliding side-to-side. The timer offers ten minutes of uninterrupted rocking, and advanced motion-sensing technology can restart the timer with a gentle nudge (or baby’s movement). If you’re in the mood to go old school, you can switch modes to a standard bouncer that will move with your little one.
Finding What’s Right for You
Albee Baby is the oldest family-owned specialty baby shop in the US, and we pride ourselves on providing our customers with the best assortment of baby products anywhere, at fair prices, always. We’re committed to being an inclusive resource for parents, and hope you’re feeling empowered to find the right baby gear for your family. Still have questions? Feel free to contact our baby gear experts at 877.692.5233 or by email at [email protected].