Why do I need a baby swing?
If you have ever experienced life with a newborn then you know having a baby swing is a must! I cannot tell you the number of mamas I talk to that sing the praises of swings when it comes to calming and soothing their little one. Seriously – a total game changer!
This article is packed full of so much great information! You will find information about how to choose a baby swing and swing recommendations for seven different categories. If you are expecting a little one or have a little one at home already, you certainly don’t want to skip this one!
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Choosing the best baby swing
Much like most baby products on the market, choosing a baby swing can be an overwhelming task. There are so many out there to choose from that it can be near impossible to figure out which is best for your little one. Rest assured, I’ve got you covered!
What to look for in a baby swing
There are a few big things you should look for in a baby swing. Safety is obviously a big one. Like most baby equipment, swings should also go rigorous safety checks by the manufacturer. With that said, it’s always a good idea to make sure the swing has passed these tests.
Another thing to consider is size and portability. Some are big and bulky, while others are small and compact. If you want to move the swing to different parts of the house or travel with it, make sure to pay attention to the weight and footprint of the swing.
Last, but definitely not least, price. Baby swings can get pretty darn fancy. The more bells and whistles, the bigger the price tag. Determine what features you can’t live without and do some research to find one that fits your lifestyle while not breaking the bank.
Questions to consider before choosing a baby swing
To help narrow your search, there are some questions to consider before choosing a baby swing:
- How much space do I have? Like I said, some baby swings are bulky and have quite a large footprint. In order to accommodate a swing like that you must have the space. If your space is limited then I would recommend a more compact swing that folds up when not in use.
- What is the maximum weight limit? Baby swings are typically made for smaller babies. This doesn’t mean there aren’t swings out there that can safely hold larger babies, you just need to do your research if this is something that’s important to you.
- How portable is the swing? Some people want to park their baby swing in one, central location. Others might need something smaller that can frequently be moved from room to room.
- Does the swing transform into something else? There are some baby swings that also double as a lounger, bouncer seat, rocker, or something else! Cool, right?!
- How safe and stable is the swing? Don’t make the assumption that the swing has endured thorough safety inspections. You want to be more than sure there aren’t any recalls and that the swing is sturdy and safe.
- Is it easy to clean? Spit-ups, spills, and blowouts are bound to happen. To make your life easier, find something that is easy to wipe down, disassemble, and throw in the wash!
- How much technological knowledge is required? There are some super fancy baby swings out there. Some of them require the use of an app, some require bluetooth connection, and others rely on other forms of technology.
Best baby swing categories
The categories for different baby swings are endless, including price, portability, size, and everything in between.
Below, I’ll break down our top 7 baby swing recommendations! If you want to skip ahead and view all the swings in one place, click the button below!
1. Best overall baby swing
About the swing
This swing offers a lot of appealing features without being too over the top. With 6 different swing speed options, it’s sure to soothe your little one. In addition, this swing offers two-speed vibration for additional comfort.
It comes with a deep, plush seat and head support to ensure your baby stays comfortable and safe. The small frame design makes it easy to put just about anywhere in your house and to move around if needed. The maximum weight recommendation is 30 pounds so it should last you and your little one for quite some time!
Pros of the Graco Simple Sway Swing
This swing comes with lots of perks! For one, the price point is appealing considering everything that is offered. At under $120 this swing will ensure you and your baby are happy customers!
The swing has 6 speeds, 2 vibration speeds, and 15 songs and sounds. It has a built-in mobile with 3 soft toys and can be plugged into a power source or run on batteries.
Cons of the Graco Simple Sway Swing
Some mamas reported that the swing was too basic. In my opinion, it has just the right amount of “fluff” without being over the top. But if you are looking for a high-tech swing then this one isn’t for you.
Another potential downside – even though it has a smaller footprint, I still wouldn’t consider this a portable swing. If you need something that is compact, you will probably want to go with another option.
Who is this swing for?
To me, this swing is your standard, middle-of-the-road product. If you are a parent looking for something to get the job done well, without all the fancy add-ons, then you are in the right place!
2. Best budget baby swing
Ity by Ingenuity Swingity Swing
About the swing
Weighing just over 4 pounds, this small and compact swing offers a lot of bang for your buck! It has an adjustable 5 point-harness to keep baby safe and offers 6 different speeds. This swing is super compact and portable – it folds up and has a handle for easy transfer. You can get all the above (and more!) for under $60!
Pros of the Ity by Ingenuity
One of the biggest perks of this swing is the price! Other advantages include the compact size, ease of portability, and built-in toy bar.
Cons of the Ity by Ingenuity
This swing gets the job done but is pretty basic. If you are looking for something with more bells and whistles then you probably want to look elsewhere.
The maximum weight recommendation for this swing is 20 pounds. If you want something that might last you and your baby a little bit longer, you might want to look at other options.
Who is this swing for?
This swing is perfect for the budget conscious parent that’s looking for something portable and compact!
3. Best compact baby swing
Graco Slim Spaces Compact Baby Swing
About the swing
This swing is compact and folds up for quick and easy storage. It is specifically designed to save space and can easily be moved from room to room. You can adjust the speed of the swing to find the perfect pace to best soothe your little one.
Pros of the Graco Slim Spaces Compact Baby Swing
I think the biggest and most obvious perk of this swing is the compact size and portability. With a name like “slim spaces” this swing is as good as it gets in the compact swing world!
Another bonus is the price tag. This is a solid, stable, and safe swing from a reputable brand for under $100. The maximum weight limit on this swing is 25 pounds so it holds a little bit more than others.
Cons of the Graco Slim Spaces Compact Baby Swing
This swing is still fairly basic when compared to all the swings on the market. It features a toy bar and adjustable swing speed but otherwise nothing fancy going on here.
Who is this swing for?
This swing was designed with the space conscious parent in mind. Whether you want to be able to fold it up and take it to another room or just tuck it somewhere out of the way, this swing is for you if you are trying to save some space.
4. Best portable baby swing
Munchkin Lightweight Baby Swing
About the swing
With 5 different motion levels, this swing emulates the natural sway of a parent rocking their baby. You can control the settings from a digital touch display screen or with the included remote.
An added bonus? You can use bluetooth technology to stream music from your phone! Plus, the swing itself doesn’t even weigh 9 pounds – it’s the perfect portable option!
Pros of the Munchkin Lightweight Baby Swing
This swing is easy to put together, one-step assembly, and can be taken apart in seconds. It quickly disassembles into two parts, making it super easy to move, store, or transport.
All the fancy technology features, touch screen, remote, and bluetooth are added bonuses! Not to mention, the swing is pretty modern and sleek looking too!
Cons of the Munchkin Lightweight Baby Swing
This one is going to cost you quite a bit more, which I’m sure you assumed after reading about all the features. At just under $200, this is definitely one of the more expensive baby swings on the market.
Munchkin does offer several “extras” to go with the swing but they are an additional expense. For example, the listed price tag doesn’t include the toy mobile, travel case, or seat cover. Granted, the additional items aren’t super expensive but if you are paying close to $200 then it would be nice for them to at least throw in the mobile!
Who is this swing for?
All in all, this swing (if it’s in the budget!) is a really good option. If you are someone that is drawn to high-tech products then you should seriously consider this one!
5. Best 2-in-1 baby swing
Graco DuetSoothe Swing and Rocker
About the swing
The removable swing seat doubles as a portable rocker. There’s even a big carry handle attached to make moving it around the house easy. And three different seating positions allows baby to swing side to side or front to back.
In addition, there are 6 swinging speeds to ensure you find the right pace for baby. The seat also has a two-speed vibration feature so baby soothing can continue while in rocker mode.
Pros of the Graco DuetSoothe Swing and Rocker
The obvious pro is the swing and rocker combo. Between the 6 swing speeds, 10 classical melodies, 5 soothing sounds, and 2 vibration settings – this swing offers a lot of features. It also has a maximum weight limit of 30 pounds so you will be able to use it longer than some of the others.
Cons of the Graco DuetSoothe Swing and Rocker
The biggest con is that it’s big and bulky. Weighing in just over 20 pounds, this swing has a wide base and takes up a good amount of space. The other downside is the price. This swing and rocker combo will cost you close to $200. Though, when you think about the fact that you are getting 2-in-1, the price tag doesn’t seem quite as bad.
Who is this swing for?
This swing is made for those that want the luxury of having a swing and a rocker seat all wrapped into one. If you are a parent looking to kill two birds with one stone then definitely put this one on your list!
6. Most splurge-worthy baby swing
4moms MamaRoo Multi-Motion Baby Swing
About the swing
Another fancier, tech-savvy option that includes bluetooth capabilities, a user-friendly app, and Wi-Fi smart home integration! This swing includes 5 different motions, 5 different speeds, and 4 built-in sounds. You will also find an interactive toy mobile that doubles as handheld toys.
You can use the 4Moms app to easily adjust motion or speed as well as music volume. Finally, this swing is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home.
Pros of the 4Moms MamaRoo Multi-Motion Baby Swing
A big pro of the MamaRoo is its small footprint. Unlike the Graco DuetSoothe, this swing is more compact with a smaller base.
Another perk is that the cover and toy mobile are machine washable. Spills and blowouts are inevitable so being able to easily wash the cover is essential. All the fancy technology features are an added bonus!
Cons of the 4Moms MamaRoo Multi-Motion Baby Swing
When I think about the MamaRoo, two big cons come to mind. The first is the price. With newer features and updated technology components it’s no wonder why it’s one of the higher priced swings on the market at nearly $275.
Another disadvantage is that the swing needs to be plugged into a power source at all times. This means you are somewhat limited on where you can put the swing.
Who is this swing for?
Despite the price tag and power source thing, the MamaRoo is a very popular baby swing – and rightfully so! It’s a high-tech, high-end baby product so it draws a lot of attention!
7. Best outdoor baby swing
Little Tikes Snug ‘n Secure Swing
About the swing
I know this doesn’t exactly fit in with all the other “indoor” baby swings but I wanted to put it on your radar for when your little one is a bit older. This swing is made for children from ages 9 months to 4 years of age and can support up to 50 pounds.
It has adjustable stay-put straps and a lock to ensure your little one’s safety. And when your child gets a bit bigger you can conveniently store the T-bar out of the way when it’s no longer needed. This swing isn’t meant to take the place of a traditional baby swing but can be purchased in addition to.
Pros of the Little Tikes Snug ‘n Secure Swing
Everyone loves a Little Tikes product. There’s a reason the company has been around for over 50 years – they make good quality products at an affordable price.
Which leads me to my next point, the price! At under $30, this swing should be able to fit in just about anyone’s budget. It will also encourage you to get outside more with your little one. The fresh air and Vitamin D can do wonders for mood and mental health.
Lastly, the swing grows with your baby – all the way up until they are 4 – that’s a lot of bang for your buck if you ask me!
Cons of the Little Tikes Snug ‘n Secure Swing
I honestly can’t think of many cons with this swing. The biggest one that comes to mind, and it’s not even a big con if you ask me, is that it can’t be used until baby is 9 months old. Again, not really a true con since it’s primarily a safety thing but that is the only one that I can come up with!
Who is this swing for?
If you are looking for an easy way to spend some fun, quality outdoor time with your little one be sure to add this swing to your list!
Looking for more baby gear recommendations?
Swings are one of the many important baby gear items you might want to consider purchasing before baby’s arrival. If you are feeling stumped, overwhelmed, and stressed about what other gear is essential, you absolutely will want to get your hands (and eyes) on my FREE Baby Registry Guide!
This 150-page guide will walk you through the process of creating a registry and help you make informed decisions about the items you’ll actually need! Broken into nine essential sections you will find pros and cons of items, a varying range of prices to accommodate everyone’s budget, and shoppable links!
Just fill out the form below, and we will send it straight to your inbox!
