Both seasoned and new parents are well aware of the rapidly evolving stages of a tot under 12 months. Most parents crave the hands-free relief provided by an activity center, and it can be tough to find something to keep baby occupied that’s safe yet entertaining. With a wide range of play gyms, jumpers, and activity centers on the market, sorting through all the options to find an ideal solution can be challenging. The Fisher-Price Rainforest Jumperoo promises a perfect solution, but does it serve its purpose? To find out, I brought it home and had my 10-month-old son use it. Read on for its pros, cons, and primary features so you can make an informed decision for you and your child.
Design: Fun and engaging but slightly bulky
While some baby bouncers require a doorway, the Jumperoo stands on its own. The design of the Rainforest Jumperoo is slightly bulky and wide. Weighing 18 pounds, the system takes a little bit of elbow grease to pull out of the box and assemble. That being said, the weight is a necessary safety feature—when a baby jumps, the metal springs stretch and contract, which would be unsafe without the weighted base. The Jumperoo springs are also covered in fabric to prevent pinched fingers. Once assembled, the system is 37 inches tall and 32 inches wide in each direction. With a jungle theme, the colors are bright and cheery. The primary hue is light green with multicolored toys and a neutral base of taupe and off-white. The cushioned seat design is similar to a bucket swing with leg holes and a supported back. Your baby can be lowered down into the adjustable seat, which has three height positions to accommodate a growing infant. This seat seat appears to be comfortable for both sitting and bouncing. The Jumparoo stimulates the sight, hearing, and touch senses of a growing child. Interactive toys and activities include two soft hanging animals (a monkey and a tropical bird), a peek-a-boo tiger (accessed by pushing a button), a spinning rattle lizard, a rainbow with a rotating sunshine, a spinning wheel, and an electronic component with lights, music, and other sounds. (Three AA batteries are required but not included.) It also has an on/off switch, which turns on lights and noises activated by movement. Also, a 360-degree design means the baby can play with the toys on each side. However, it’s unlikely that a child will be able to turn the seat on their own to access other sides. Overall, The Rainforest Jumperoo is designed to be an excellent solution for babies in the supported-sitter stage. Whether your tot is not quite sitting, crawling, or pulling themselves up yet, this activity center will keep them safe and engaged while you have your hands free. The one downside? Although the product folds up into a “nesting” position for moving and storage, this folded position is not particularly compact and doesn’t fit back into its original box.
Entertainment Value: Worth its price tag
The Fisher-Price Jumperoo kept my son busy for semi-long stretches while I had my hands free to tidy up the room around him. The interactive activities, lights, and toys are stimulating and engaging while encouraging cognitive development. For a child who’s not quite standing on their own, like my son, the Jumperoo promotes a level of confidence. My son was thrilled to be able to remain upright without help for a period. The Jumperoo encourages independent play and provides parents with the freedom to tend to other things around the home while their child is safe and entertained.
Age Range: Ideal for supported-sitter
The Rainforest Jumperoo is an excellent activity center for infants in the supported sitter stage who can hold their heads up for long periods. The manufacturer categorizes the jumper as a product for children between 6 and 12 months of age. It has a weight limit of 26.5 pounds and accommodates infants up to 32 inches in height. (Safety recommendations call for the child’s feet to be not quite flat and not quite tip-toed, which allows them to bounce without harming their knees or ankles.) Some babies may be ready to use the Jumperoo before 6 months, and others might continue to love it past their first birthday. In general, the Jumperoo is ideal for infants who aren’t able to pull themselves up or stand independently yet. Also, crawlers might become bored with the activity center, as they’re known to protest against prolonged confinement.
Ease of Cleaning: Quick and hassle-free
Made primarily from plastic and metal, the Rainforest Jumperoo is easy to clean. A damp cloth or disinfectant wipe can be used for a quick once-over to get rid of germs and sticky residue left from tiny fingers. The seat comes with a polyester cloth cover, which is easy to remove. It’s machine-washable and approved for drying in a standard dryer. After I washed the cover on a gentle cycle, the material maintained its initial condition, and it wasn’t difficult to place back onto the seat.
Price: Just about average
Retailing for around $100, the Rainforest Jumperoo sits right in the middle of the price range for infant activity centers. While it’s not particularly cheap, the secure design and entertainment aspects of the activity center make it well worth its price tag. It’s a great choice for a baby shower gift, too!
Competition: A saturated market
COLOR TREE Activity Center Baby Jump & Rocking Chair: If you’re looking for something at a slightly lower price, the COLOR TREE Activity Center sells for about $90. It offers similar 360-degree play with three stages that grow with your baby. Skip Hop Explore and More Baby’s View 3-Stage Interactive Activity Center: For about $130, you can get the Skip Hop Explore and More, which provides 25 developmental activities for both hands and feet. Oribel PortaPlay 4-in-1 Foldable Travel Baby Activity Center: Retailing at roughly $130, the Oribel PortaPlay offers similar infant engagement, but it folds up compactly, making it more portable than the Jumperoo. Need some help finding what you’re looking for? Check out our list of the best baby boy gifts. If you’re in the market for a secure activity center that encourages your child to reach developmental milestones, the Fisher-Price Rainforest Jumperoo is parent-approved. Whether you need two minutes or 20, the Jumperoo provides parents with hands-free peace of mind. With a competitive price tag and features that entertain as promised, it’s an essential product for the 6-to-12-month stage.
