Every parent knows the profound relief of being able to park your newborn somewhere for a few minutes, so you can attend to your most basic needs, like showering or making a meal.

That’s why there’s a $3.4 billion global industry devoted to baby bouncer seats, which safely harness your child while creating a pleasant bouncing motion that infants love, because it reminds them of being in the womb. Bjorn Jakobson, who founded BabyBjörn, first invented a bouncer in 1961, creating a product that continues to be a best-seller for the brand.

Over the years, other companies have tried to update the bouncer, but it has sometimes led to tragedy. Fisher-Price, for instance, created a seat with an electronic rocking motion and twirling mobile, but it has led to more than 100 infant deaths. The soothing bouncing motion often helps babies sleep, but can be dangerous because he or she can suffocate on the fabric in........

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