I was so excited to receive this Fisher Price Newborn Rock ‘n Play Sleeper in the mail for my review. I am a huge fan of Fisher Price products and have always gone to them for my newborn gear including my swings, bouncers and toys! The quality is superb and they seem to last through many children. Violet is my 3rd baby in just over 3 years and while all of our gear is still in great condition I was excited to get something new!
My new baby Violet loves her new rocker!
Happy Baby
I am adding this rocker to things you should have when you come home with baby. You can see my post of things I used in baby’s first 2 weeks here. I am not a full co-sleeper or a full attachment parent, but I like to have my babies near me every moment. I think it provides the littlest people with a sense of security and trust when they open their eyes and see a caretaker. This little sleeper works perfectly for my schedule and parenting style as it is higher up than most bouncers and lets her sit right by me when she is relaxing or taking a little cat nap and gives me a little babywearing break. I can easily rock it with my leg and it also slides easily across the floor when you tip it up so you can move baby from room to room without lifting the piece off the floor or waking baby.
While we do not use this sleeper at night, it meets industry standards for a bassinet and can be used for baby to sleep in at night in lieu of a co-sleeper or bassinet. It elevates baby’s head which gives baby a better view and makes sleeping babies more comfortable. Many babies sleep better with thier heads elevated. This position can help both with breathing and with stomach issues such as reflux.
Where We Use the Rocker
The rocker’s height is great for being next to me while typing or eating lunch, but it is not really high enough to go near my bed. Violet would be much lower than my mattress height, so I prefer the co-sleeper as I can make it level with my bed. However, I think this is a great option if your bed is lower, you are not co-sleeping or you need the elevation. Still, we use this everywhere but by the bed!
Newborn Rock 'n Play Sleeper
As a travel bed for little ones, this rocker was awesome and can hold babies up to 25 pounds! It weighs almost nothing and folds up to almost nothing in a flash! We took it to Charleston for an overnight and it easily slipped in the back of the car next to our suitcase and easily fit in between the bed and the wall in the room. It took about 5 seconds to fold it up versus 5 minutes (or more if you hit a snag) with a pack ‘n play. In your home it could just as easily slip under a bed or in a closet for storage. This is a huge plus!
Fits in Tight Spaces
We also take this to restaurants and love having Violet out of her car seat and in her own place next to us. You can easily carry it with one hand and it is so convenient and so much safer and more comfortable for babies. It fits easily next to the table and lets mom enjoy her meal!
Basically we use this rocker all over in the house and out of the house because it works so well for our little one. I would say we use this more than the swing or the bouncer because it puts baby Violet so close to us and provides such a calming and safe place for her.
Great Things About the Rocker
The rocker took all of 5 minutes to put together. This includes taking the tape of the shipping box. It was that simple. There were no screws or strange small parts to figure out.
Miracle of all baby gear miracles, the cover easily attaches to the frame and stays attached and just as easily comes off for washing. Finally!
The rocker is lightweight, compact and extremely easy to move around or store. You can (and we do) take it anywhere!
This sleeper is a jack of all trades. Baby can sleeep, baby can relax, baby can play!
There is a cute little toy bunny and a pocket on the outside for baby stuff. I keep a burp cloth, some wipes and a paci in there with the bunny!
The high sides are fabulous for newborns. I have a Fisher Price bouncer upstairs that we have had for 5 years and used for all of our kids and passed around to other babies and everyone loves it. They no longer make it and I was really trying to find one for downstairs. It too has wonderful high sides for extra support and a feeling of safety for babies. They just came out of the womb and many babies prefer to be in tighter spaces. This is why we swaddle them! In the picture below you can see violet in the standard style of bouncer these days and you can see that she is falling a little to the side. You can also see how the product comes and the size versus the bouncer. We weren’t using the bouncer much because she seemed uncomfortable at her young age.
Bouncer Lacks Support
In the rocker she does not fall to the side at all and while she has freedom to move, her neck and torso are fully supported.
Violet Chillin' Out in Rocker
The design is simple and does not require batteries. I will admit sometimes I miss the good old vibration feature but after much thought and observation of my 3 and 1 year olds I have decided it is wonderful to have something that does not fascinate them. Sophia and Miles can help to gently rock her, but there is no music or toys on it to make them go crazy! You can see Miles “helping” violet above.
Things I Would Like to See
The legs attach to the rocking frame with the standard pins and I would love if the height was adjustable. Just a couple of inches would provide a lot of versatility for moms who wanted to sleep next to their babies. An extra couple of inches would make a big difference.
The color and design is gender neutral and very cute, but I always like when a product is available in a “natural” color. Creams and beiges and browns are also gender neutral but feel more modern and more easily blend in with home decor.
I would love a toy bar that could attach to the sides when Violet gets a little older. This would give her a little entertainment while not leaving her on the floor when my kids and dog are running around!
Overall Opinion
I love this rocker from Fisher Price. It was exactly what I was looking for to keep Violet near but give me some hands free time. I have used in more places and situations already than any other piece of baby gear, and that is saying a lot.
You can purchase the Newborn Newborn Rock ’n Play Sleeper for approximately $50 from many baby stores and online retailers.
I would highly recommend this product. The Fisher Price Rock ‘n Play Sleeper gets a big Mommy Words Woo Hoo!
Disclaimer: Thank you to Fisher Price and MomSelect for providing me with this product free of charge in exchange for my honest review. The opinions expressed are 100% my own.
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I am the Ringmaster of this circus. I have 3 small children who don't know what that means so I just say "Boss" and they get that. I am a mom who loves to write, build things, make things and love on my kids and my hubs. I am also in the midst of a love affair with social media. Always busy, usually laughing and never without words. Thus, Mommy Words. 
{ 35 comments… read them below or add one }
Twitter: bookishpenguin
March 1, 2010 at 9:40 am
Hmmm, I like it. I might have to add this to my registry.
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Twitter: mommywords
March 1, 2010 at 10:33 am
I seriously love it. I usually would not do a review without a giveaway but when I like something THIS much! It is a definite add to the registry.
Twitter: bookishpenguin
March 1, 2010 at 2:21 pm
Added! I’m worried about the bassinet fitting in our bedroom (it’s a really tight squeeze in there just for us) so this might be an answer to those worries!
.-= Candice´s last blog ..Happy Award =-.
Twitter: mommywords
March 1, 2010 at 9:10 pm
I am posting pics of our mini co-sleeper setup this week so you can see how big it looksi n the tiny space next to our bed! This woule be a good alternative though.
I found this site after searching rock n play misshapen head. My son needs physical therapy and has a flat head that he also needs a helmet for. I suspected the rock n play could’ve caused this because he spent most of six months in it. He is now 7 months and our ins. won’t cover it. We are stressing because it costs $1500 for the helmet. I loved it until this has happened. I will make a call to Fisher-price and inform them of this as well.
Hi, did you find anymore info on this? My daughter was pretty much in the rock n play for the first 3 months of her life and now she has a mishaped head and her head favors to one side. She did two PT sessions and they also suggested we look into a helmut. After some intensive stretching, she has slightly improved, but her head shape is still irregular. Please let me know if you made any progress!
Awesome review. If my kids were little I would run out and buy it.
I was always a fan of FP when my boys were little. Now they are 7 and 12 so we moved on (well, they did).
Thank you for stopping by and following (actually reading). Sorry I am returning late.
.-= Bibi´s last blog ..Good Bye February – Hello Sunshine =-.
I think this will be going on the list for baby #2! we didn’t have much besides a small borrowed travel swing that we hardly ever used for Staci, but I know with a toddler running around I will need a safe higher place to put said kiddo when I need a babywearing break as you mentioned. I agree, would love to see this in a brown!
.-= Megan´s last blog ..Happy 11 months darling girl! =-.
Twitter: blahggy
March 1, 2010 at 1:18 pm
We just got the Fisher Price Little Lamb Swing for when our daughter is born. Would you sugget having both? It seems like this could be a good product to keep at the grandparent’s house.
.-= Liza´s last blog ..Ow, Today Hurts =-.
Twitter: mommywords
March 1, 2010 at 9:09 pm
I would suggest both if you can afford it. We have the same swing (papasan style) in the natural style but it is not easy to move around and stays i our living room. It is great for when baby wants to chill but it is not easy for mom and dad to really look at baby in the swing or be near her. This Rock n Play moves from room to room easily (or to Grandma’s house) and when not in use could easily be stored anywhere. You can see in the picture folded up it is the width of a heating grate in the floor! Congrats on the upcoming addition – when are you due?
Twitter: blahggy
March 2, 2010 at 9:07 am
That’s helpful, thanks. I’ll either add it to my registry or convince my folks that it’d be great for them to have. My dad’ll probably buy up half of Babies R’ Us for their house. That is, if he can’t make it out of things he finds at Home Depot.
I’m due June 1st! Just started my third trimester! Thanks for the congrats! Congrats to you and your *adorable* new addition, Violet!
.-= Liza´s last blog ..Ow, Today Hurts =-.
Twitter: mommywords
March 2, 2010 at 9:52 am
For $50 you can’t go wrong. Or – by June I am sure some will be on ebay or Craigs List. Fisher Price is really good quality stuff and this has the EASIEST cover to wash so you could easily get a second hand one for $20.
Mmmm Home Depot is my best friend! As I start putting more DIY stuff up for babies and kids you should show your dad some of the ideas. I have built some great stuff (in my humble opinion) for my kids and plan on starting to get them all up on the blog!
Twitter: blahggy
March 2, 2010 at 7:04 pm
Must have had pregnant brain as I didn’t realize that it was pretty inexpensive. And now reading “Happiest Baby on the Block” I think I’ll practically travel with a swing!
Oh, I can’t wait to see your DIY stuff. My dad is putting up wainscotting in the nursery – all his idea – and he’s building a shelving unit/toy chest. Would love to show him your ideas as you post. And, if we do them, I’ll send photos along!
.-= Liza´s last blog ..Ow, Today Hurts =-.
Your Violet Grace is so precious! Congratulations on growing one adorable people!
.-= Lori @I Can Grow people´s last blog ..Oliver! =-.
brit, what’s the difference between the swing on your Top 20 List and this Rock n’Roll sleeper? Do they have different functions and do you need or recommend having both? My sis’ baby is 1 month on May 1st and I was looking for something for both mommy and baby.
Twitter: mommywords
April 29, 2010 at 2:37 pm
Hi Mika! The rock n play sleeper does not come with any toys or bells or whistles and actually quslifies as a bassinet so it can be used for naps as well as bedtime close to mom. The swing is battery powered (although there is also a plug in version) and in our house is used more for entertainment than sleep. I use the rocker a lot more than the swing but I would say that if one has the room and money I would have both a sleeper and an entertainer (swing or bouncer really).
Also, the swing reclines for babies and then sits up a little for older babies so the entertainment factor steps up when baby is older. It comes with a tray that has toys on it and can hold snacks or something.
Congrats Auntie! Are you stateside now?
thanks for the reply, brit. unfortunately, fisher price doesnt offer the rock n play sleeper in the UK
nor will amazon US ship baby stuff to the UK. i showed my sis your review and now nothing else will do except the rock n play sleeper lol. we’re getting someone to buy it in the US and ship it over to london!! i’m still in asia but will move back west maybe in a year 
Twitter: mommywords
May 11, 2010 at 10:11 am
Oh man that stinks! Violet still loves hers so it is worth it! I also got this little toy that fits on it (and car seats and stuff) It is awesome I will try to send you the link to send to your sister. Can’t wait until you are back as I would LOVE to see you and I don’t think I am planning a trip to Asia with 3 little ones in the near future…as much I would love to.
Nice blog for learning what’s in for kiddos.
If any one uses the baby slings across their chest to hold their infant baby, they want to check out the recent recalls.
This is a great review! Thanks! I think this sleeper sounds like exactly what we need for our baby due in August. I’ve been looking for something to use at night and around the house that will last longer than a standard bassinet. I’d love to get a co-sleeper but the only one that will work with our low-height bed is the Universal model, which is more expensive than their other models and not available used in my area (I’ve been scanning CraigsList for months! Tons of mini co-sleepers but not a single universal!) I also love that it folds up so small! I hope it works as well for us as it did for you.
Twitter: mommywords
June 11, 2010 at 1:08 pm
Me too Violet is almost 5 months old and she still loves it! I actually just put together her actual crib last night! Congratulations on your pregnancy. Stay tuned because I have a bunch of giveaways for newborns coming up!
Fisher Price definitely produces quality stuff, and this little rocker is no exception. I have two children, and I only wish that this rocker was available a couple of years ago! Your review will definitely help mommy’s (and daddy’s) make a quick decision to purchase this sleeper.
.-= mona @ fisher price batcave´s last blog ..Privacy Policy =-.
Hi – I have a question. I saw this and was super excited about the product. Your review is awesome. I was also looking on amazon before I found your review and I was wondering what your thoughts are on the reviews that say it causes flat head and tight neck / shoulder muscles? Did you have any trouble with that?
Thanks!
Twitter: mommywords
October 21, 2010 at 9:14 pm
Hi Lindsay. I was just thinking I should post an update on this product because Violet is now 9 months old and we still love it! I don’t know how many hours a day could possibly “cause” flat head but we have had no problems. She still occassionally naps in this and sleeps in it when we travel. I will be sad when she is too big
I am very sensitive to the flat head because my son Miles was born with sever plagiocephaly and needed a Doc Band to reshape his skull. I would have noticed anything like this with Violet.
I’m not really sure how it could cause a sore neck in a baby (or how you would know) but we have not had any problems like this.
Thanks for your comment!
My hubby and I are expecting any day now and got one of these at our baby shower. I’m pretty excited to use it with our new baby (this is our first one), but he is a little concerned about any risk of SIDS with the sides being fabric, as opposed to mesh. Any thoughts here? I think it’s fine because the baby will be strapped in while seated, but he’s a bit more tentative. Is there any Consumer Reports reviews about this product? I have been unable to find one.
I am also wondering if anyone else has experienced a flat spot on the head. My son sleeps in the Rock n’ Play all night for about 12 hours. He has a flat spot about an inch and a half in diameter on the back of his head. He seems very comfortable in the sleeper. He has bad reflux and has been sleeping in it for about 2 and 1/2 months.
Twitter: mommywords
January 25, 2011 at 10:19 am
JoAnne, Violet is my 3rd child and actually just turned 1! While she still doesn’t sleep through the night, when she was a baby she spent a significant amount of time in the Rock n Play sleeper and alwasy had a bald, slightly flat spot even while sleeping in the crib. Actually, all of my babies had this. I don;t know how old your son is but usually that spot goes away as they get older and can hold their necks up more while they are awake. Between the car seats, the floor and sleep newborns are on their backs a lot. If you are concerned I would ask your pediatrician but from my experience reflux is terrible and good sleep is so important to a baby. If it is helping him sleep but you are worried about the hours, you could do more tummy time during the day or choose a part of that 12 hours to have him on his tummy near you while he sleeps. We had to do this with my 2nd child, who was born with Plagiocephaly (a severely misshaped head). He slept on his tummy during the hours that we were awake and near him (8-12pm) and then we flipped him to his back for the hours where we slept. Good luck!
Thanks for your fast response Brittany! I feel much more at ease reading your comments. I will definitely check with my pediatrician just to be on the safe side.
We also use this as a bassinet in our very small bedroom. While my son sleeps great in it, I have 2 big concerns: 1) It is very, very hard to transition the baby to a flat crib. It’s almost like he doesn’t know what to do with his arms and legs as they flail around. 2) I have seen on other website concerns that the hard back of the sleeper can lead to flat spots on the baby’s head as well as cause problems with neck development. So, I will continue to use it along with other seats during the day as needed but will no longer have my son sleep in it at night.
I just received this as a gift from my registry. On babies r us it had tons of great reviews, and since my husband and I didnt want to spend more money on a co-sleeper (we already have the crib set up) we opted for this.
However, after reading some reviews on Amazon about this rocker, I’m a little nervous. Some mothers have stated that after months of their child sleeping in this rocker, they have not only became flat headed, but began to suffer from neck/shoulder problems and needed physical therapy. Have you heard anything about a recall or any thoughts on this?
Twitter: mommywords
March 3, 2011 at 10:48 am
I have not heard anything about a recall and I did do a search for you last night. I did not have any problems with a flat head and believe me, I would be the one to notice. My son Miles was born with Plagiocephaly and actually did not sleep on his back at all for more than a few hours a day. He had a doc band (one of the helmets) at 3 months to remove the shape of my pelvis from his skull
So anyway, we are very sensitive about this. Having said that, Violet actually moved her head a great deal in the seat and often slept with her head to one side or the other. We also got a toy bar for the seat and attached it so that during play, she was encouraged to move her head. In my experience she was able to move around quite a bit and did not have any problems with her neck or shoulders. Violet nursed multiple times a night (and still does) and was never much of a long sleeper so she did not spend 12 plus hours a day in this as some of the mothers I saw post negative reviews said. A baby can develop a flat head in a car seat or even just laying on their back too long not moving their head. Babies should be moved around a given the chance to explore and put on their bellies a good amount of time with mommy or daddy watching.
Anyway, I adored this and used it even after the infant stage for naps and relaxed play. It is approved for up to 20 pounds so we literally used it until Violet was about 9 months old and would rock it forward herself as her abdominal muscles tried to sit up.
Good luck with your decision and congratulations!!! Let me know if you have any other questions and please visit again. I have lots of giveaways for baby stuff!
I love this but debated on putting in on my registry as we already have a pack and play with a bassinet insert and thought thats what this lil surprise would be sleeping in when she got here. (preg with baby #5, oldest is 15 youngest is 5 and we thought we were done and on the pill!) Also I don’t like the pink one but want a girly look. I found one in the Butterflies pattern and I LOVE it! BUT its only sold at target and I haven’t seen it at any of the Targets around me and online there is one review but it says out of stock
I added it to my registry and am just hoping by the time my baby shower comes around they have them in stock online or better yet in the stores. I love how compact it folds and also the incline. I, like you wish it came with a toy bar but once I get it. I will see what I can do to get my hubby to work some thing out 
Twitter: mommywords
March 3, 2011 at 10:24 am
I had the yellow one and really it didn’t bother me for a girl. We used it all the time and it was actually much more useful than the pack n play for showers or while mommy was on the computer. I loved that I could have it anywhere in the house so easily. It also traveled with us everywhere and we never had to use a hotel pack n play. I loved that. Even better, I found the perfect toy bar on amazon that also works on the infant car seat. I can’t say enough wonderful things about it! On the 10 hour drive to Disney and in the parks I was so glad I had something for Violet to play with. It is called the tiny love musical stroller bar. Here is the link. http://www.amazon.com/Tiny-Love-Musical-Nature-Stroll/dp/B002BSHTVW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=baby-products&qid=1299165603&sr=8-2 There are a couple of them but this is the one we had and it fits perfectly on the rock n sleep too! Congratulations on the new baby! I want more so badly but hubs is currently stuck on 3. Boo
Awesome! thanks for the link. I walked into my local target yesterday and just for fun checked in the baby section and GUESS WHAT??? they actually had ONE. just one and its the first time I ever saw it. So even tho we added it to my registry we also bought it. My thinking is its such an awesome product if no one else buys it then at least I’m not missing out and got the one I want..and if someone else does well than we can always return it
Thanks for the congrats, we had pretty much decided we were done at 4, 2 girls 2 boys. Then when number four was 10 mnths old and I was diagnosed with MS and had to start meds. I made peace that yes 4 would be it. We donated (to family,friends and charities) every and anything baby or that didn’t fit my kids. Well I was having ins problems and hadn’t been on the MS meds (BUT still on the pill) for almost a yr and then I got sick. lol 2nd time I thought flu when it was really a baby. So now the youngest, who turned 5 in december, at the end of may he will not be the youngest anymore, instead he will be the big brother!!
lol you never know maybe hubby will reconsider once the other 3 start growing up more
Hi, I purchased this rocker for my twins. I just put it together and find that it is very hard underneath the baby. Did anyone find this a problem?? I feel like it won’t be comfortable for them. I’ve read all the great reviews and haven’t seen anyone talk about this….but I am considering returning them. Any thoughts?!?
Thanks!!!
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