Before babies are born, they live in a rhythmic world, tuned in to their mothers’ heartbeat and breathing and to the patterns of their movement. No wonder that after they are born, many babies find rhythmic movement soothing. But bouncing and rocking a baby can get tiresome for parents, especially when there are so many other tasks that need to be done. That’s why many parents purchase baby swings to provide that calming motion.
A baby swing isn’t a must-have, like a crib or a car seat. Some parents purchase them and then get very little use from them, because their babies don’t like them. Many more parents, however, call swings lifesavers. “That swing saved my sanity,†more than one mom has been known to remark.
The ten swings reviewed here represent some with cutting-edge technology. They also have practical features, and most have eye appeal.
- 4moms rockaRoo Baby Swing (Our Rating B)
- Fisher Price My Little Snugapuppy Cradle ‘n Swing (Our Rating B+)
- Ingenuity Power Adapt Portable Swing (Our Rating B+)
- Graco DuetSoothe Swing and Rocker (Our Rating B+)
- Graco Glider Elite (Our Rating B+)
- Fisher Price Take Along Swing and Seat (Our Rating B+)
- Ingenuity InLighten Cradling Swing (Our Rating B)
- Fisher-Price Papasan Cradle Swing (Our Rating B+)
- Cozy Kingdom Portable Swing (Our Rating B-)
- Graco Slim Spaces Compact Baby Swing (Our Rating B+)
*All product links and pictures in this article will take you to the latest prices on Amazon.com, scroll down for our in-depth reviews below.
A lot of science has gone into developing baby swings that are safe for babies. Then manufacturers add bells and whistles. Some of the extras may be worthwhile. Other probably aren’t. Read on to learn more about how to pick out and use a baby swing for your baby.
What a Baby Swing Is Not
A baby swing can be a delightful device for your baby and a lifesaver for you, but there are some things a baby swing is not, according to guidelines published by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
A baby swing is not a safe sleeping area. Babies may slump over in such a way that their air supply is compromised. Babies who fall asleep in a swing should be moved to a safe sleeping surface, as hard as it may be for parents to disturb them!
The seat position of greatest recline should be used for babies younger than 4 months, who may not have good head and neck control. Again, the aim is to avoid slumping and keep baby’s airway open.
A baby swing is not a replacement for active moving. If you happen to have a baby who is happy in the swing for long periods of time, you must resist the temptation to overuse the swing.
For one thing, being in a swing for long periods of time can lead to positional plagiocephaly, which is a fancy name for a flat head. Although this condition is rarely serious, it is best to avoid it rather than treat it.
The best way to prevent a flat head is to alternate time in swings and other devices with periods of tummy time and periods when baby is held upright.
Of course, very young babies who don’t have good head control should always have their head supported when being held and should be closely watched during tummy time.
Most authorities suggest that babies not be left in a swing for more than half an hour. Two half-hour periods of use in a day should be the maximum.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has developed safety standards for baby swings. Although serious incidents involving swings are rare, there were 24 reported injuries related to baby swings during the years 2009-2012. These injuries included two fatalities.
The CPSC also maintains a list of product recalls. It is a good idea to register any products you purchase so that you will be notified in case of a recall. Registration can usually be done online.
Ages for Use
Baby swings can generally be used for the first year of your baby’s life, but every case is different.
Many swings say that they are safe for newborns. Some authorities, however, say it is safer to wait until four or six weeks of age to begin using them. If you are unsure whether you should put your newborn into a baby swing, consult your doctor.
Baby swing use should cease whenever babies become so strong and active that they try to get out of the swing by themselves. Usually that occurs around one year of age.
Most swings have an upper weight limit of 25 pounds. Don’t think that because your baby is less than 25 pounds that it is still okay to use the swing. A wiry, strong baby who weighs much less than 25 pounds may not be safe in the swing. Parents are the best judges of when the swing should be put away.
A few swings are designed for smaller infants, and their manufacturers may recommend stopping use earlier, at six or nine months of age.
Baby Swing Basics
Some bouncers also have swinging action, and there are also cradles that swing. This article is not about these devices. This article concerns baby swings of the classic type, although many have added features.
Three elements combine to create a baby swing. You just need a frame, a seat and a motor. That’s it. But with just those three elements, makers have created a wide variety of devices.
Swing seats usually have the basic shape of a regular infant seat and come with a padded seat cover. A few swings come with a seat that can be detached from the swing and used as an infant seat, bouncer or rocker.
Frames are engineered differently, but all should provide a sturdy and secure base for swinging action.
Motors should run quietly and have enough power to move the swing when baby gets heavier.
Compact or Full-Size
Most baby swings fall into one of two categories, portable or full-size.
Full-size swings have a large footprint and aren’t easy to move. If you choose this style, you’ll need to have a spot where it won’t be a tripping hazard. The spot will need to be close to a plug as most full-sized swings use AC power.
The advantage of full-sized swings is that they provide a long swinging arc that is very soothing to babies. They also tend to be taller, which is a mixed blessing. It will be easier to get baby in and out, but the greater height makes them a tad less safe for your child.
Portable swings, on the other hand, are versatile. Most use battery power, so you can easily move them around from one spot to another. They can also travel with you. Most fold for easy transport and storage. They are more practical for small spaces as they take up less room even when in use.
The down side of portables is that the length of the swing is shorter. Also, they are closer to the ground and thus harder to reach. It can be a real chore to get your child in and out of a portable swing. It’s much like doing a squat with a weight that you can’t let go of.
C-section moms may have difficulty, as may grandparents and parents with any type of disability. Also, the controls are often on the side of the seat, making them low enough that you may have to bend or squat to see them.
Since the seat is so close to the ground, portable swings are generally considered safer. Any type of mishap is likely to be minor.
Troubleshooting Your Purchase
Parents tend to be picky about any product that they are going to use with their babies. Still, few products are perfect, and all have the possibility of malfunctioning.
Any time that you buy a product, you run the risk of being unhappy with your purchase. In the case of baby swings, most complaints stem from problems with the motor. Either the motor does not move the swing as it should, or it creates an unacceptable level of noise.
Some companies, including Fisher-Price and Graco, will allow you to return any item purchased online for a refund within 30 days, but conditions do apply.
The item must be in the original box, you must have a receipt, and you will not be reimbursed for shipping. Products that are bought from retail outlets must be returned to the outlet.
Retailers have differing policies for returns. If you purchased your baby swing with a credit card, you may be eligible for certain kinds of purchase protection from the credit card company.
Most baby gear manufacturers offer a one-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. The warranty does not cover damages caused by misuse, incorrect assembly, failure to follow instructions, accidents or normal wear and tear.
In spite of these somewhat onerous conditions, most baby gear manufacturers are eager to please their customers, and you may find that they will work with you to resolve your problem.
If a baby swing malfunctions after the year’s warranty is up, you can often order repair parts and fix it yourself. Check YouTube for how-to videos.
Read On!
Graco and Fisher-Price dominate the baby swing business, and rightfully so, as they have produced reliable products for years. They are being challenged by some newer companies, however, and Kids II is also turning out a competitive line of baby gear.
It will be interesting to see what happens to baby swing product lines as these companies duke it out. Let’s hope that the result is baby swings that are even more ingenious and trouble-free.
You may feel overwhelmed when you start shopping for a baby swing, but this guide will help you decide what features are most important to you and also assist you in finding just the right swing.
One caveat: Manufacturers are constantly tweaking their designs, and so the product you buy could be slightly different from the one described here. Frequently fabrics and accessories are different even when the basic design is the same.
You may also want to check out the best backyard swing sets.
Best Baby Swings
4moms rockaRoo Baby Swing
The rockaRoo is a unique baby swing that looks more like an infant seat than a traditional swing. It doesn’t have a frame in the conventional sense but sits atop a base.
The device moves baby in a smooth, gliding, back-and-forth motion. Because the action does not come from the seat being suspended, it does not take up as much space as a traditional baby swing. Many parents like its sleek look and the fact that they can connect their devices and play their own music for baby.
The rockaRoo is an offshoot of the mamaRoo, an ingenious infant seat that incorporates five different motions to mimic the way that mothers move when soothing their babies. Some labeled the mamaRoo as the first really original baby product in years.
The mamaRoo is considerably more expensive than the rockaRoo. If you like the concept and the overall design, the rockaRoo may work just as well and save you money. If what you like about the mamaRoo is the choice of motions, the rockaRoo won’t fill the bill, as it offers only one motion, although it does offer five speeds.
The rockaRoo seat cover comes in a classic gray fabric. You can buy extra seat pads and infant inserts in coordinating prints.
4moms is a brand name belonging to Thorley Industries. It is a relatively new company specializing in using technology to make innovative products for children. Its products carry the 4moms name because a panel of four mothers provided original advice to the two male founders.
What You May Not Like: Specifications: Age/Weight Range for Baby: Birth-25 lbs. Item Weight: 11.5 lbs. Size of Footprint: 29 X 16 inches (approximate) Power Source: Electric cord Number of Seat Positions: One Swing Speeds: Five Restraint System: 3-point harness Timer: No The Cradle ‘n Swing is a full-size swing that provides a choice of front to back or side to side motion. It is available in several nursery themes and in a deluxe version with a few more features. Fisher-Price excels at cute themes, and this is especially apparent in the Cradle ‘n Swing line. The Snugapuppy model has a seat cover designed to look like an adorable brown-and-white puppy. When baby isn’t in the swing, it looks as if it is occupied by a little doggie. When baby is in the swing, he has cute little doggie ears behind his head. The mobile carries out the theme with miniature stuffed animals. Similar swings are available in other animal motifs, including a bunny, lamb, kitty and monkey. Other swings recreate entrancing environments, like a rain forest, savanna, woodland or butterfly garden. What You May Not Like: Specifications: Age/Weight Range for Baby: 5.5-25 lbs. Item Weight: 20.5 lbs. Size of Footprint: 36 X 39 inches (approximate) Power Source: Electric cord or battery pack Number of Seat Positions: Two Swing Speeds: Six Restraint System: 5-point harness Timer: No TrueSpeed technology keeps swinging speeds consistent by adapting to baby’s changing weight. The company also touts its WhisperQuiet technology that gives baby a restful ride. The Ingenuity line of baby swings is produced by Kids II. Although it’s not as well known as Fisher- Price, the company has been making baby products for 40 years. It is currently producing the Baby Einstein, Oball and Disney Baby lines. This model comes in attractive gender-neutral color schemes. Vesper features grey, turquoise and green, with a cute lion and giraffe on the toy bar. Bingham Bunny is brown and blue and features winsome rabbits, of course. What You May Not Like: Specifications: Age/Weight Range for Baby: 6-20 lbs. Item Weight: 14.3 lbs. Size of Footprint: 14 X 22 inches (approximate) Power Source: Electric cord or battery pack Number of Seat Positions: One Swing Speeds: Five Restraint System: 5-point harness Timer: Yes, in 30-, 45- and 60-minute settings Best of all, the seat lifts out of the swing and becomes a take-it-with-you rocking chair. This versatile piece of baby gear has almost every available feature, at a price that isn’t low but won’t break the bank. Graco is a trusted maker of baby equipment. The company actually claims to be the first baby swing maker. Many parents rely on the Graco Pack N’ Play portable playard when traveling with baby. Graco baby gear usually has an understated color palette, heavy on the gray, and that is true of the DuetSoothe. The colors go well in modern homes but don’t have much visual zing. The swing has small stuffed bears suspended for baby to look at, but no mobile that actually moves. If you live in a small space, the Graco DuetSoothe may not be for you as it occupies a bit of space and isn’t truly portable like some other baby swings. But as long as you have the room, the DuetSoothe is an enticing option. What You May Not Like: Specifications: Age/Weight Range for Baby: 5.5-25 lbs. for rocker, 5.5-30 lbs. for swing Item Weight: 17.9 lbs. Size of Footprint: 33 X 34 inches (approximate) Power Source: Electric cord or battery pack Number of Reclining Positions: Two Swing Speeds: Six Restraint System: 5-point harness Timer: No Looking more like a gyroscope than a baby seat, the swing is also sure to get everyone’s attention. It offers a host of other cool features as well. For starters, the seat can be removed from the swing and used as a bouncing chair. In addition to the usual songs and nature sounds, the chair also provides vibration. A canopy shields baby’s face in case you want to go outdoors. It’s a lot of baby swing for a price that falls into the moderately high range. This model doesn’t require a lot of space for operation, but it also doesn’t fold up for easy storage. Even when the seat is removed, the base cannot be folded. Graco offers a line of gliders. This model is in the mid-range for features and prices. You can get a glider for quite a bit less or considerably more. This model comes in two color schemes. The Pierce has a neutral palette of grays and, black. The Sylvia adds a perky pink to the basic gray. What You May Not Like: Specifications: Age/Weight Range for Baby: 5.5-30 lbs., 5.5-19 lbs. for bouncer Item Weight: 23 lbs. Size of Footprint: 28 X 24 inches (approximate) Power Source: Electric cord or battery pack Number of Seat Positions: Three Glide Speeds: Six Restraint System: 5-point harness Timer: Yes In both modes, the seat boasts an array of entertaining sounds. In the stationary mode, it also features vibrating action. Parents will appreciate its affordability. The swing is currently available in three color schemes. One is a subdued taupe palette, one is a brighter jungle theme, and the third is a pretty pink. What You May Not Like: Specifications: Age/Weight Range for Baby: Birth until baby tries to climb out. Maximum weight 25 lbs. Item Weight: 10 lbs. Size of Footprint: 20 X 25 inches (approximate) Power Source: Battery pack Number of Seat Positions: One Swing Speeds: Six Restraint System: 5-point harness Timer: No Another product of Kids II, the Ingenuity Inlighten has a clever base design, too. The swing has the wide base needed to keep baby safe, but the frame folds for easy moving from place to place and for more efficient storage. Baby will never feel shut in with this wide open design, and a rotating seat makes it easy to turn baby without moving the seat. Everyone knows that babies are happier when they can see their parents or siblings, and this swing makes it easy. This unique design also means that baby can move in three directions. Some models of the swing are designed so that the seat can be lifted out and used as a rocker. That feature raises the cost of the swing quite a bit. Finally, the swing comes in a number of lovely motifs, including three animals: Lullaby Lion, Lullaby Lamb and Zoo Zoo Zebra. What could be cuter? What You May Not Like: Specifications: Age/Weight Range for Baby: Birth until 20 lbs. Item Weight: 23.4 lbs. Size of Footprint: 35 X 34 inches (approximate) Power Source: Battery pack or AC power Number of Seat Positions: Multiple Swing Speeds: Six Restraint System: 5-point harness Timer: Yes, with three settings First, the swing moves either back-and-forth or side-to-side. Second, there’s an entrancing mobile that lights up at night. Third, a filmy canopy adds a sweet touch. Available in butterfly or starlight motifs, this swing is a baby entertainment complex! The Papasan Cradle Swing also comes with the more usual features: music and sounds, adjustable seat, dual power sources and washable seat pad. It’s on the high end price-wise, but after all, you’re buying a swing with more than the usual number of features. What You May Not Like: Specifications: Age/Weight Range for Baby: Birth until baby tries to climb out. Maximum weight 25 lbs. Item Weight: 22.4 lbs. Size of Footprint: 44 X 41 inches (approximate) Power Source: Battery pack or AC power Number of Seat Positions: Two Swing Speeds: Six Restraint System: 3-point harness Timer: No You’ll be even happier when you learn that this Kids II product has many of the features of the company’s more deluxe swings. Super light and portable, the Cozy Kingdom swing can travel with baby almost anywhere. This same basic blueprint is available in other motifs, including a swing that’s pretty in pink. What You May Not Like: Specifications: Age/Weight Range for Baby: Birth-20 lbs. Item Weight: 9 lbs. Size of Footprint: 14 X 22 inches (approximate) Power Source: Battery pack Number of Seat Positions: Two Swing Speeds: Six Restraint System: 5-point harness Timer: Yes Choose the shorter setting to keep baby closer to the ground. Choose the higher setting to make it easier to get baby in and out of the seat. The swing is foldable and portable. Its light weight means that you won’t dread moving it around. You may even want to take it with you to grandma’s house. The carry handle makes transporting it a snap. The swing comes only in battery-powered form. There is no AC cord. That is a drawback for some parents. Not only do they have the expense of buying batteries, but also the batteries may fail at inopportune times. The swing comes in two fabric choices. Linus is an animal print paired with two yellow hang toys. Alma is a flower print and is paired with two brightly colored hanging flowers. What You May Not Like: Specifications: Age/Weight Range for Baby: 5.5-25 lbs. Item Weight: 13.5 lbs. Size of Footprint: 22 X 16 inches (approximate) Power Source: 4 D batteries Number of Seat Positions: One Swing Speeds: Multiple Restraint System: 5-point harness Timer: No The Graco DuetSoothe Swing and Rocker combo gets the nod! Its assortment of features will please most parents. The medium height means that it’s easy to get baby in and out, and the controls are easily accessible and readable. In addition, it facilitates babies’ biggest needs – to see their parents and be with their parents. With the swing that turns in all directions and the removable rocker option, the DuetSoothe promotes bonding with baby while also giving mommy a little break. The DuetSoothe isn’t totally noiseless, but it shouldn’t get on the nerves of baby or parents. Parents have enough stress in their lives and shouldn’t have to put up with with noisy motors or tinny music. Those who want a smaller swing or one that is foldable will find other options on the list. The Ingenuity Power Adapt Portable Swing is definitely a top pick. The innovative rockaRoo was a contender for best overall swing, but it does not have the versatility of the DuetSoothe. The Fisher-Price Cradle ‘n Swing line has lots of fans, but some users report that it is noisy. Baby swings may feature lots of bells and whistles, but in the end it’s all about movement. That’s the focus of the DuetSoothe. In swing format, it gives baby a choice of two swinging motions. In rocker format, it offers gentle back-and-forth action or calming vibration. These choices should make for a happier baby and parents who can relax a little, too.
Fisher-Price My Little Snugapuppy Cradle ‘n Swing
In the world of baby gear, Fisher-Price is known for creating items that are loaded with features but affordable in price. Nowhere is this more obvious than with baby swings. The Fisher Price website lists over 30 baby swings. It can be challenging indeed just to choose the best swing for your baby from the Fisher Price line.
Ingenuity Power Adapt Portable Swing
The Ingenuity Power Adapt Portable Swing offers the convenience of a portable without the cost of batteries. When you don’t want to plug in, you can use the swing in battery mode, and batteries will last up to three times longer due to the company’s patented Hybridrive technology.
Graco DuetSoothe Swing and Rocker
The Graco DuetSoothe is all about choices. It gives you two directions for baby to swing, three directions for baby to face and two vibration speeds. Need a sound track? Choose from ten melodies and five tracks of nature sounds. There’s a plug so you can save on batteries and a battery pack when you need portability.
Graco Glider Elite
If you’re a fan of lawn gliders, you’ll understand the appeal of this type of baby swing. The Graco Glider Elite moves with a smooth and gentle gliding action that is quite different from conventional baby swings.
Fisher Price Deluxe Take Along Swing and Seat
Another two-in-one model, the Fisher Price Take Along converts from a portable swing to a stationary baby seat. The conversion is carried out by simply snapping a strap in place to hold the swing still. There’s no complicated dis-assembling or re-assembling.
Ingenuity InLighten Cradling Swing
This baby swing adds lights to the action. The LightBeams electronic mobile is sure to get baby’s attention, but the Ingenuity Inlighten Cradling Swing has more innovations up its sleeve. There’s a clear sleeve to slip in a smart phone or other device so that baby can enjoy personalized pictures and music.
Fisher-Price Papasan Cradle Swing
If you’re looking for a baby swing that creates a magical environment, too, look no further. The Fisher-Price Papasan is just your ticket. Here’s the blueprint.
Cozy Kingdom Portable Swing
If you don’t want to pay a lot for a baby swing, the Cozy Kingdom Portable Swing will win your heart and your pocketbook. You’ll be captured right away by the whimsical motif and simple design.
Graco Slim Spaces Compact Baby Swing
If your budget and your space are limited, you’ll like this basic baby swing. The open design means that it’s easy to put baby in and take baby out and easy to keep an eye on your child. It also has adjustable legs.
And the Winner Is!
