Adaptive, safe, and aesthetic.

These three words from Creative Lead Bianca Hanauer perfectly capture the essence of the new Stokke® Yoga™— a unique combined bouncer and swing. Rooted in empathy and guided by the needs of families, Bianca and the Stokke® team dedicated three years to an iterative, research-driven process to create a groundbreaking movement product poised to disrupt the market

Where Stokke® Yoga™ began

Every innovative product starts with a question. For the team behind Stokke®’s latest creation, it was simple: What are families with newborns missing when it comes to supporting their baby’s movement? And how can we help create a safe haven for the child while also giving parents more hands-free time? Creative Lead, Bianca Hanauer Behind the innovation: The story of Stokke® Yoga™ How Stokke® spent three years perfecting the one-of-a-kind design.

Bianca explains the Stokke® design philosophy: “We have this curiosity for people and their lives. What is bothering them? How can we support them? How can we foster the interplay between parents and children?”

To answer these questions, the design team spoke with families worldwide — from the US to China and Germany. Parents opened their homes to share how they soothe and engage their babies, as well as the areas they felt current products fell short. Many were using multiple movement options as babies prefer a variation of movement depending on their mood but still felt unsatisfied with what was available.

With these insights, Stokke® set out to create a product that combined multiple movements, driven by natural human motion, which offered a practical and aesthetic solution for parents and developmental benefits for babies.

Shaped by consumer insight and expert input

Creating a product that embodied all of this was far from straightforward. Conscious of the impact this could have on the early stages of childhood development, a range of physiotherapists and psychologists were consulted from the very beginning. These experts came from Norway, Germany, and China. Oslo-based Pediatric Physiotherapist Vibeke Smith Aulie worked closely with the team throughout the process.

Bianca shares, “It was all about understanding different behaviors and developmental stages, especially in the early years—what babies need, what makes sense for them, and what is recommended or not. This was crucial, as it sets the foundation for everything we do.”

This expert input shaped every detail — from the seat angles to fabric choices—ensuring the product supported healthy physical development. The seat pocket, for example, was designed based on expert advice to provide the right level of support and comfort. Throughout the process, prototypes were tested with families in Norway, Germany, and the Netherlands, allowing the team to refine the design based on real-world feedback. The design also evolved as the team continuously monitored the latest international safety and compliance standards.

Innovation shaped by obstacles

The iterative process allowed the team to iron out every detail along the way. The main challenge was to translate the idea of a combined swing and bounce movement into a working design. It was a true balancing act, whereby even a one-millimeter change to the design could dramatically affect how the product moved, which was especially important considering the age range of the bouncer. The team artfully incorporated the mechanics into the stem of the product, which Bianca referred to as ‘its brain.’ This patent-pending technology ensures smooth, precise motion.

Bianca explains, “It’s important because we designed the springs and ball bearings to respond sensitively to even small changes in weight. In that brief developmental window from newborn to about six, seven, or eight months, babies can double or even triple their weight.” Other changes were driven by functionality and sustainability. The original design included elliptical wooden legs, but after reassessing, the Stokke® team opted for two straight legs to reduce wood usage, making the bouncer sturdier and more sustainable.

One-of-a-kind design

All of this resulted in a brand-new movement product, with everything from the mechanics to the shape having been meticulously researched, designed, and adjusted over three years. The combined swing and bounce movement is the most iconic element of Stokke® Yoga™. These natural and noiseless movements can not only be used separately but can also be combined to mimic the inherent rhythm parents use to soothe their little ones.

Bianca explains the motivation, “No electronics are used in Stokke® Yoga™ and, especially nowadays when everything is so electrified, people really appreciate that there is something that works naturally, and they can move it themselves. The caregivers and siblings can interact with the babies in the bouncer, but the little one can also learn by initiating the movement themselves which also helps grow their confidence.”

This natural movement not only helps children develop their motor skills but offers endless possibilities for movement due to its sensitivity and adaptability, keeping them engaged for longer and adjusting to their mood.

Stokke® Yoga™ is also a premium product that is built to last. With FSC-certified wood and optimized material usage, durability was a key consideration, and the base was rigorously tested to ensure stability as babies grow and become more active. At 4.5 kg, the weight is carefully calibrated for both safety and portability. Material selection was another thoughtful aspect. The team developed a custom fabric blend from mesh with a soft cotton top layer that combines breathability with the comfort of natural fibers, while also being gentle on sensitive skin.

The attention to detail extended throughout the design process. The final product had to blend seamlessly into modern interiors, offering a timeless aesthetic that would suit any interior. As Bianca notes, “Stokke® Yoga™ is more like a furniture piece that’s built to stand the test of time, and even 10 years from now, it will still fit perfectly into your interior because of its timeless aesthetic."

The closest thing to your arms

Bringing Stokke® Yoga™ to life took years of iterative design, countless conversations with families, and expert insights that shaped every curve and function. The result is something more than just a bouncer or swing—it’s a thoughtful, beautifully crafted product that offers families a way to move, connect, and grow together. Bianca sums it up: “And that’s for me the most rewarding part—seeing the joy, comfort, and pleasure that kids experience using Stokke® Yoga™. There’s nothing better.”