For babies that can't get comfy in traditional bouncers and rockers, a baby bean bag could be the perfect solution. Comfy and supportive, they provide the perfect place to lay your little one down safely and securely.
Not only are they great for posture and supporting your baby, but they're also easily portable which is great for travel and moving from room to room. They're also easier to clean as you can often pop the cover in the washing machine for a good thorough wash, unlike some baby bouncers and rockers which can be trickier to clean.
Best baby bean bags shortlist
• Best baby bean bag for warmth: Snug Oat Gaga Baby Bean Bag – Buy now at Amazon
• Best for soothing colic and acid reflux: rucomfy Beanbags Gaga Baby Bean Bag – Buy now at Amazon
• Best personalised baby bean bag: Personalised Baby Bean Bag Gift Pack – Buy now at Etsy
A baby bean bag is often filled with dried beans or polystyrene balls. They mould to your baby's shape and size, making them feel comforted and snug. Some newborn bean bags also come with an adjustable safety harness - ideal for when they start to wriggle about!
The best baby bean bags for your nursery
Best for soothing colic and acid reflux
Description
Also available in pink and grey, this adorable star patterned baby bean bag from rucomfy is perfect for newborns aged 0-6 months. Designed with a concealed zip, it's made from 100 per cent polyester and can be easily removed and washed, so you can keep your little ones beanbag clean and fresh. The beads are designed to mould around your baby to help prevent flat head syndrome.
Review: "Helped so much, gone from a crying and screaming baby (also used a warm wheat bag) - within 20 minutes he was burping (huge burps) to a happy kicking baby - which then resulted with huge trumps - a settled baby 🥳🥳🥳 and a relived mum"
Pros
- Good for acid reflux and colic
- Comfortable cosy soft material
Cons
- Some parents were concerned about the bag tilting
Most durable
Description
This pre-filled bean bag is made from a cosy soft velvet and the base is made from a PVC coated waterproof polyester which is strong and durable and very importantly wipe clean. Measuring 73cm (L) x 55cm (W) x 40cm (H) approx. It can be used from birth up to 9 months to give your new baby a comfy, cosy place to rest, secured in a harness.
The baby bean bag comes with a unique safety feature, where the zipper tag has been removed to prevent your child from accessing the filling material to prevent choking. A paper clip (provided) is required to release the zipper lock for opening the bean bag for grown-ups. It also features a double stitched seam for durability and to avoid spillages of beans.
Grandparent review: "Ordered the baby bean bag bed for newborn. It's perfect! Our grandson is so relaxed on it. Had one before for granddaughter. They wash fabulous and keep their shape well worth the money."
Pros
- Durable
- Safety features
Cons
- Limited choice of designs
Best personalised baby bean bag
www.etsy.com
Description
A beautiful and unique gift for any new baby, this gift pack comprises a lovely soft bean bag with two washable covers, one with 3 point safety harness for babies up to 1 year old, and the other for when baby becomes a toddler. These covers can be personalised to match a selection of accessories including a rounded bib, comforter, hat, bandana, and cute booties. The seat material is luxuriously soft with velvet while the base material is a PVC coated polyester that's waterproof, strong, durable, and wipe clean.
**Review: "**Lovely gift for new baby, arrived quickly considering it was personalised. Parents were very grateful as she wouldn’t sleep in the day but as soon as she lay on this was fast asleep. So soft and good quality"
Pros
- Can be personalised
- Makes a lovely gift
Cons
- Limited colour choice
Best for multi-use
Description
This is more of a stylish cushion rather than a bean bag, but it serves a similar purpose and would look great for baby photoshoots. If you do go for this option be aware that it doesn't include a harness so should only be used when the baby is under supervision. Available in yellow and grey, it's a great multi-use option, perfect for play, picnics, crawling, tummy time and lounging.
Review: "My daughter is now 8 weeks old and I honestly wish I bought it sooner. Not only does it make reading and singing to her easier but she's also settling in it by herself (she doesn't usually settle unless someone is holding her, she's a fussy baby 😅). I also really like how soft it is, and how easy it is to fasten and tighten. Definitely recommend if you have a baby that doesn't like being put down like mine. Life saver"
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Easy to transport
Cons
- Not very firm
Best for growing with your baby
www.wayfair.co.uk
Description
Let your little bundle of joy lie comfortably with this cute baby bean bag lounger. This bean bag includes an adjustable 3-point safety strap to keep your baby safe and secure and a reversible washable zip-off cover which can then be removed making the bean bag suitable for toddlers. Ideal for baby's who suffer with baby reflux, it's a firm cushion that supports their posture as they grow.
Review: "The bean bag was a present for our new great grandchild due in October. The delivery was so quick and our granddaughter is so pleased with it, as she nor us had seen one before."
Pros
- Easy to wash
- Lightweight
Cons
- Doesn't last very long past the newborn stage
Best baby bean bag for warmth
Description
We love the super cosy design of this beanbag and think it would look super stylish in every home. These bean bags fully support your baby’s body, ensuring they are comfortable and content whilst resting. The bean bag is made in the UK with an adjustable safety harness to keep baby secure. The machine washable cover is great for cleaning any accidents with ease and it's suitable for newborns up to 6 months. The soft fleece adds extra warmth and comfort making it ideal for winter. Mum review: "Super cosy and comfy! Can’t wait to have my little one in this! Great quality of material, will definitely be buying from here again!"
Pros
- Warm and cosy design
- Easy to wash
Cons
- Not ideal for bigger babies
Best safari themed bean bag
www.rucomfybeanbags.co.uk
Description
With a bold pattern of jungle leaves, trees and safari animals, this colourful Safari Gaga+ will look great in any home or safari-themed bedroom or nursery.
Filled with thousands of beans, this beanbag will mould to the shape of your newborn and the harness will keep them securely in place. Once your little one reaches toddler age, you can detach the harness, giving this bean bag great longevity as bean bag they can use for years. The Safari Gaga is covered in snuggly white cuddle soft fabric, with a water resistant layer, protecting the beanbag from any little accidents. The cover of this bean bag is machine washable for easy cleaning and you can even personalise your bean bag for an extra £5 if you wish.
Review: "Really pleased with this bean bag which is for my second grandchild due shortly. Fast delivery and excellent customer service."
Pros
- Fun design
- Can be personalised
Cons
- Limited designs
Are baby bean bags safe?
As long as you purchase a bean bag that is specifically designed for babies, they are perfectly safe to use. Baby bean bags are firmer than normal bean bags, with a flatter surface area, so there is little risk of your child rolling over and struggling to breathe. Having said this, you should never leave baby unattended in a baby bean bag.
Baby bean bags also feature adjustable straps or a harness, helping to keep your baby in place, but you should never lift or move the bean bag with the baby inside.
It is important that you do not leave your baby unattended in the bean bag - it is a handy and comfortable place to pop them while you're busy in the same room, or for them to relax and watch TV but they are not designed for sleep. Baby bean bags are suitable for short, supervised times during the day and are not designed for sleeping or lounging in for long periods, similar to a baby sleep nest.
The benefits of baby bean bags
Support and comfort: Anyone who has sat in a bean bag knows how comfy they are, and how they mould to fit the body. They're soft as well as supportive, providing that perfect middle ground. They also help keep your baby upright and can prevent flat head and acid reflux.
Portable: Let's face it, a lot of baby bouncers can be a pain to carry and move around the home. Bean bags are light, easy to transport, and you don't have to worry about damaging your walls when you're trying to manoeuvre them up the stairs.
Easy to clean: Lots of baby bean bags have wipe-clean surfaces or removable outer layers that can go straight in the wash when your baby creates a mess.
Multi-functional and stylish: Another downside of bouncers is that when your baby grows out of them, that's it - another bulky item to go up in the loft or to try to sell on eBay so you can clear the clutter and actually move in your own house again. But bean bags have a much longer shelf life than a lot of newborn nursery products. Often the straps are removable, so your child can continue to use their bean bag as they grow, as a comfy reading chair in their room, or perhaps a snuggly spot to store some of their favourite teddies. They're a useful spot for adults to perch too, and could even be used as a footrest! Available in a range of patterns, you're sure to find one that suits your home and your child's nursery decor.
About the author
Lorna White is the Senior Digital Writer at Mother&Baby. After running the Yours magazine website, specialising in content about caring for kids and grandchildren, she has now brought her expertise to the UK's #1 leading pregnancy and parenting website. After graduating with a First Class Degree in Journalism, Lorna enjoys writing about a huge range of topics to help parents and babies. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her two young sisters, dog walking and enjoying the outdoors with her family.