Top Baby Gear for Home-Daycare - Bouncers, Swings & Playmats

Home-daycares aren't known for being large and offering a massive amount of space. Most in-home daycares are made up in a large bedroom or living room, with providers making due with the space while still offering the children plenty of room to play in. My home-daycare is set up in a large den, which has been renovated to fit my needs of the children I care for. I have the basic necessities that all home providers should have, with a little extra indulgences. This post is dedicated to the gear that have come in handy and have been a lifesaver when I am caring for an infant. There isn't always a hand or arm available to hold the infant, so where do I turn? Continue reading.....

Baby Bouncers
I've cared for infants as young as three weeks of age and as much attention as they need, the toddlers and preschoolers don't always allow for me to devote this without interruptions. I really enjoy baby bouncers for younger infants who are unable to sit up, especially if the bouncer comes with toys attached and music to keep the baby entertained. My choices for bouncers would be:

Fisher-Price - Infant-to-Toddler Rocker, Elephant

At only $30, you can't go wrong. Neutral design, durable and easy to clean with just a quick wash in the washing machine. The music is great for keeping an infant entertained while setting up a project for older children or preparing a meal.

Bright Starts - Fun on Safari Bouncer

Coming in just under the $23 mark, this bouncer is great for newborns up to five months. It is another neutral design that provides a soft comfortable seat along with neat toys that the infants never get tired of. This bouncer is very slip-resistant and I've placed this on the table when preparing lunch without any problems at all. The toy bar is easy to remove with just one hand and provides easy access when baby is being placed in, and taken out of.

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Swings

When it comes to baby swings, portablilty is key. I've cared for a two three-week-olds at once with my four older children and swings are a livesaver! They really allow for the infants to be comfortable with a rocking motion and it's amazing how much my children loved them. For my choices in infant swings:

Fisher-Price Adorable Animals Fold & Stow Swing

This swing folds flat which is one of the greatest features in a swing. The reclining seat is great when you are rocking a baby to sleep or when you want the infant propped up to view activities. The mobile is netral gendered which comes in handy, too. The music is an added bonus. For around $80, it's a little pricey but this swing has been great for the almost three years I've had it with around seven infants who have used this on a daily basis at one point.

Bright Starts Portable Swing - Fun on Safari

Every home-daycare needs a portable/travel swing. This one is a favorite of mine especially with smaller infants because I can easily lift this with one hand and transport it to another room (such as the dining room). The toy bar is great for keeping an infant's attention while you tend to other children and the travel portability comes in handy during circle/story time, so you can keep a close eye on an infant while still sitting amongst your other children. At around $43, this swing is awesome.

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Play Mats/Gyms

Play Mats are a great addition to any daycare with infants. My daycare schedule allows for me to devote two hours to my infants while the older children are napping, and play mats are handy to have when practicing tummy-time. Just like with the infant swings, I like mats that are portable and easy to fold away. My choices for play mats include:

Sassy-Stim - Gym Tummy Time and Play Mat

This may look small, but it really is generously sized. The lady bug design is pretty girl-orientated, so this mainly gets used by my little girls. Parents have raved about the mat being simple while still allowing their infant to exercise and provide necessary skills such as reaching for toys. I love this and it's not too tough on your budget at $29.

Disney - Winnie the Pooh Playtime Gym

This play mat has held up wonderfully compared to previous ones that I've purchased. It's pricey for a mat ($45), but I think it's something that is worthy of investing in. The toys couldn't be more easy to clean and disinfect, and they are activated by an infants touch which helps teach the infant the cause-and-effect concept. It's so simple to grab a mat and place an infant on it when you are directing storytime and rounding up children for an activity.

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This rounds up my post regarding Bouncers, Swings and Playmats. I shop around for versatile, portable and convenient gear that will last while still keeping my budget in mind. I'm constantly looking around for new gear, so keep checking back for updates. My next post will be more of my favorite infant gear including walkers, jumpers and playstations.