A motor bounces baby according to your settings, but you have to convert it into a bassinet using your own motor skills. | Image: Elvie
The Elvie Rise is an app-controlled baby bouncer that can be converted into a bassinet without moving the baby. Unfortunately, it costs $799 and isn’t suitable for tots over six months of age.
Of course, much less expensive bouncers without motors and apps also go flat for nap time, which is why Elvie’s pitch leans heavily into baby’s safety. As we’ve learned, baby tech is often peddled to anxious parents based on fear, not practicality.
According to Elvie’s own study, “at least 67 percent of babies aged 0-3 months routinely sleep in a product that is not deemed safe for sleep during the day and the night.” Rise follows the AAP’s sleep safe guidelines, which require a firm, flat mattress, breathable fabrics, and retractable straps.
Elvie’s “SootheLoop” tech records whatever bounce intensity and duration you desire, which can then be automatically repeated. In manual mode, bouncing can also be controlled by baby-power alone. It’s up to the caregiver to lift the bouncer into bassinet mode and hoist the blinders when baby grows tired.
Bouncer mode is suitable from newborn to six months of age, according to the company, or until your sub-20lb spawn starts to sit upright on their own. The bassinet is only suitable until junior hits five months, or starts to push up on hands and knees.
Decent portable bassinets that follow AAP guidelines start around $140, while highly regarded bouncers can cost $200. $799 could be justified if that 2-in-1 convenience and motorized bouncing really speaks to you — just don’t lose the charger. Too bad the company doesn’t make a dumb version without motor or app because it does look nice.
On the bright side, the Elvie Rise is way cheaper than a Snoo or that poop-detecting crib, and it doesn’t require a monthly subscription.