Why Evolve, Baby Back Health, And More!

Vittoria Allen - September 28, 2022

When it comes to regulations on a variety of industries, in many cases, the European market can't be beat. In the categories of beauty, health, food, and more, European standards are strict, and boast of high standards. In fact, a lot of the foods and beauty products we use on a regular basis in the United States are illegal in the EU. So, what does this have to do with Ergobaby? Well to start, we're a global company! Our Ergo family spans the entire globe with stores and markets in the Americas, Europe, UK, Australia, and Asia! That means our products need to meet the standards of our global audience. And as with food and beauty products, our global markets have extremely high standards for the baby products they support and for a good reason! AGR, a German organization, is the gold standard for back health certifications. And right now, Evolve 3-in-1 Bouncer is the only bouncer on the market that's AGR certified. SHOP Ergobaby Bouncer According to AGR certifications, a bouncer must provide:

Ergonomic comfort and developmental support for your child through…

...easy positioning of the child in the baby bouncer, which can be adjusted to the size of the child. A newborn insert, or another constructive option for positioning is needed for full-term newborns, weighing approx. 2.5 kg or more, up to the age of 4 to 6 months (head support must be provided)...
... a spread-squat position for the legs This is important for the healthy development of the hip joints (M-position of the legs) and the spine of the child.
... ergonomic spinal support, such as an ergonomic newborn insert in the first months or an ergonomic design of the baby bouncer that provides enough space for the small body to develop while at the same time providing lateral support.
... developmentally appropriate support for the head. The head must have enough space when stretched backwards (reclining) and also when turning. This ensures that the baby’s chin isn’t pressed against their chest. It also makes sure that the child can breathe without restriction.
... a comfortable sitting and lying position in line with the child’s age and developmental stage. This is achieved, for example, by using different developmentally appropriate positions, ranging from a lying position for newborns to a sitting position for older babies and toddlers.
... avoidance of over-stimulation and fostering of self-regulation. Too much stimulation can quickly lead to overwhelm, and the more external stimulation the baby is exposed to, the more is needed to calm them down. Sometimes less is more.
... a natural rocking motion. Whereby the child’s head must always be in the most elevated position. This prevents or minimises reflux or vomiting.
... an optimal temperature inside the baby bouncer (e.g. through breathability of material).

The baby bouncer must...

...be ergonomic, simple, quick, safe and easy to use. This is achieved, for example, through clear control elements and a reclining surface that is accessible from all sides.
... be light weight and compact to ensure easy and practical carrying.
... allow a clear view of the baby at all times.

Handling, care, safety and free of harmful substances:

Make sure that the cover can be easily changed, i.e. removed, and is washable.
Similarly, make sure that the baby bouncer is easy to look after and therefore easy to clean. This creates the right conditions for good hygiene.
Unintentional collapse of the baby bouncer must not be possible. Look for appropriate safety mechanisms that prevent this from happening but that still allow easy use.
Pay attention to good stability; the baby bouncer shouldn’t slip, even on smooth surfaces, and needs to be sturdy, i.e. it shouldn’t wobble.

Minimum requirements

Simple, quick, safe and back-friendly use
Easy to carry
Covers that are easy to change and wash
Easy to clean
Clear and safe control elements
Good and secure stability
Unrestricted view of the baby
Optimal and safe positioning of the baby in the bouncer
Legs in spread-squat position
Ergonomic and developmentally appropriate support of the spine
No overstretching of the torso
Support of the pelvis
Ergonomic position of the head & free head movement
No constant heel support
Unrestricted breathing
Comfortable and developmentally appropriate sitting and lying positions
Avoidance of over-stimulation and fostering of self-regulation
Natural bouncing movement controlled by the baby (head at highest point)
Optimal temperature in the baby bouncer

Also appropriate

Accessories/toys that promote development.
The baby bouncer should be multifunctional, e.g. be convertible so that it can be used for a significant period of time from birth onwards.
The baby bouncer should be able to be assembled, set up and collapsed without the use of tools.
The newborn insert should have a snug fit and be easy to attach and secure to the baby bouncer..

How does Ergobaby's bouncer compare to other leading brands?

Evolve Bouncer Infant Insert

Our infant insert was designed with guidance from Pediatric Orthopedist, Dr. Robert Cho. Dr. Cho is a pediatric orthopedic surgeon, Chief of Staff of Shriners For Children Medical Center Pasadena, and Clinical Assistant Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at UCLA. During his residency, he rotated at Shriners Hospital for Children in Philadelphia where he developed his passion for treating children with neuromuscular and orthopedic disorders. He is fully integrated into the mission of providing world class orthopedic care to children from all walks of life throughout the Southwestern United States and internationally. Dr. Cho became the Chief of Staff of Shriners Hospitals For Children Los Angeles and helped to orchestrate its move to its new home at Shriners For Children Medical Center Pasadena. Dr. Cho has presented papers, posters, and presentations all over the United States as well as internationally including in Switzerland, France, Mexico, Japan, and China. He is also involved in healthcare advocacy--he was an invited member to the National Orthopedic Leadership Conference in Washington D.C. to discuss the state of healthcare and orthopedic surgery with the United States Congress. In this blog, Dr. Cho shares his thoughts as a doctor and a dad on the importance of bouncer safety. SHOP Ergobaby Bouncer

As a parent who used a competitor's bouncer for both of my girls, I can confidently say that knowing what I know now, it wasn't ideal. While most brands will boast that "no infant insert is needed", it really is better to have one. You may notice when parents of infants use their bouncers, they end up adding blankets or support so that their little one doesn't slip down, or to add more comfort, which is actually an unsafe practice. The infant insert makes it unnecessary to add more things to the bouncer space and supports your little ones from head to hip with a gentle cradle so they are securely in place with head support (helping to avoid flat head), neck support (while their muscles aren't developed yet), back support with a gentle curve, and hip support with the healthy "m" seat.

ErgoPromise

Superior quality. Safe, happy babies. Ergobaby never settles for less than exceptional. From materials to workmanship, our products are built to last for years to come as your baby — and family — grows. That’s why the Evolve Bouncer comes with the ErgoPromise LifeTime Guarantee. If you find a manufacturing or material defect, we’ll replace your bouncer or part at no charge. ERGOBABY LIMITED WARRANTY POLICY AND GUIDELINES Ergobaby products were designed to carry and comfort the most precious cargo of all. With this in mind, we use exceptional materials and workmanship to create products that families trust day after day, and in many cases, baby after baby. We strive to exceed your expectations not only for comfort and ergonomics, but also quality and durability, and stand behind all our products with outstanding customer service and warranties as described here.