There are tons of must-have products when it comes to baby gear and a baby swing is definitely one of them. Not only does it have benefits for the baby, using a swing can be great for the parents too!
Imagine tucking your little one in, and when they fall asleep, you have time to make lunch, fold laundry, take a shower, or even get some work done. Now that sounds like a pretty awesome baby accessory.
But where to start? What are the best baby swings? Why exactly do you need one and what should you look for in a swing set?
Why you should buy a baby swing?
There are many reasons to buy a swing.
First of all, it can help relax your baby. Every parent wants a quick way to calm their little one down when he’s not happy. Baby swings are a great idea, as the gentle movement, combined with soft music, can help calm the most restless baby. Swings can also help with colic.
A swing can be used to rock your baby to sleep. It is not recommended that you always put your baby to sleep in the swing, but it can be an effective method to soothe your baby for a while.
The swing is a great form of entertainment for the baby. There are many different toys and mobile accessories available to ensure your little one doesn’t get bored.
Swings also provide visual stimulation. The movements, sounds and sights of toys and accessories can help keep baby happy and interested.
What to look for in a baby swing?
Before you go out and get a baby swing, here are some important questions to consider before shelling out your money.
Kind of
Do you want a swing that works only with batteries? Or do you want the option to plug it into the wall? Would you prefer one that swings front to back, side to side, or both? Will you leave it in the same place, or do you want to be able to move it or even take it with you?
Comfort
Does the swing sit very low to the ground? Is there enough support for the head and neck in case the baby falls asleep?
Additional characteristics
Does it come with bead bars, light bars, toys or trays? Will the baby be kept engaged enough?
For other considerations before taking the plunge, check out this excellent article .
Keep your answers in mind as you look at our top picks. Here’s a quick look at some of the best models on the market right now.
Best Baby swings in 2022 [Reviews]
Ingenuity Soothe 6-Speed Compact Portable Baby Swing with Music and Toy Bar – Cozy Kingdom
Ingenuity Soothe compact portable swing is the perfect combination of comfort and style! The padded, adjustable seat and headrest made of an attractive and cozy fabric ensure that the baby relaxes easily with the soft movements and sounds of the swing. The seat and headrest can be cleaned in the washing machine. This swing is ideal for babies weighing between 5.5 and 30 pounds.
This is a battery operated design. There are 6 speeds to choose from (with auto shut-off) plus 6 original melodies (with volume control) so you can appeal to baby’s different moods. “WhisperQuiet” technology blocks any mechanical noise during this relaxing swing time.
For additional stimulation, baby can enjoy the two plush toys that are secured to the swing.
In terms of safety, there’s a padded harness that you can adjust as baby grows, as well as a removable headrest. The seat has 2 safe reclining positions. As a bonus, this swing is portable, so you can fold it up to take with you when you travel.
Technical specifications
- Weight: 7 pounds
- Dimensions: 20.1 x 6 x 21.2 inches
- Batteries: 4 C batteries required
- Battery life: 3 hours.
- Minimum weight recommendation: 5.5 pounds
- Maximum weight recommendation: 30 pounds
Pros
- Easy to store, transport and travel with
- Machine washable
- Good bang for your buck
- easy assembly
- Genero neutral
Cons
- The dial is loud and can wake up a sleeping baby
- Headrest may be too large for newborns
- Best for older babies with neck control
- The swing may swing too slowly for some babies to fall asleep
Our favorite feature
We feel that this swing has a great size. It’s compact and lightweight, which means you can easily move it around and even take it with you. That said, it’s also well made, so you don’t have to worry about it breaking easily.
Who is this swing perfect for?
This is the perfect swing for parents on a budget, and for those looking for a compact swing that they can take to the in-laws’ house, on vacation, and anywhere else they want. See more reviews at amazon
Bright Starts Portable Compact Automatic Swing with Melodies
What sets this swing apart from others is that it packs a lot into a very small design. Also, this is a great option for a smaller apartment or for families who don’t have a lot of extra space for baby gear and toys. This swing weighs only 9 pounds. and can be easily folded for storage or travel.
Like many larger models, baby will enjoy 2 safe recline positions, a padded seat, and a padded headrest (which can be removed as baby grows). Both the seat and the headrest can be machine washed.
Much attention has been paid to safety features, including non-slip feet, a 5-point harness, and a toy bar that can be quickly removed if needed. Enhanced weight technology ensures consistent speed regardless of baby’s size. This model is safe for newborns and toddlers up to 20 pounds.
The Itsy Bitsy Jungle Swing plays 6 melodies with a convenient volume control and auto shut-off. Two of the nicest features are the “Taggies” that are suspended from the toy bar and are sure to catch baby’s attention.
Technical specifications
- Weight: 9 pounds
- Dimensions: 5 x 14.2 x 22
- Batteries: 4 C batteries
- Battery life: 24 hours.
- Minimum weight recommendation: 6 pounds
- Maximum weight recommendation: 19.8 pounds
Pros
- Light and easy to transport.
- Does not drain batteries as fast as other gears
- Assembly is a piece of cake
- great price
Cons
- Frame must be unscrewed to remove seat for washing
- very close to the ground
- On the smaller side so may not fit larger babies.
Our favorite feature
Because of small size of this Bright Starts swing, it is a point in favor for those parents who do not have much space. We also love that this option is highly portable and can be taken with you anywhere.
Who is this swing perfect for?
This swing is the perfect option for parents looking for an affordable swing that is compact, reliable, and offers excellent value for money.
Fisher-Price Sweet Snugapuppy Swing and Motorized Mobile
This is one of the most customizable layouts; you certainly have a lot to offer your child. With numerous melodies, soothing nature sounds, 2 types of rocking styles (left to right or head to toe), 6 speeds, and multiple seating positions, you can be pretty sure something will appeal to even the most hard to calm baby The various positions are easy to change with the push of a button. The solid metal frame ensures movement is smooth and secure. Baby will also enjoy interacting with the detachable toys and teether.
This swing is powered by batteries (not included), but also has a plug-in option (AC adapter included). Its “SmartSwing” system allows constant movement regardless of the size of the baby, whether it weighs 5.5 pounds. or 25 lbs.
For added convenience, the swing folds up and can be taken with you (although it weighs a bit at around 20 pounds) and the seat cover is machine washable.
Technical specifications
- Weight: 11.4 pounds
- Dimensions: 14 x 12 x 30
- Pieces: 4 pieces D
- Minimum weight recommendation: 5.5 pounds
- Maximum weight recommendation: 25 pounds
Pros
- It sways quite quickly, which can help babies fall asleep.
- too quiet
- It has 16 songs plus nature sounds.
- 3 seating positions
- machinable machine
Cons
- Some have said that the engine dies quickly
- May not be suitable for longer babies
- Some say the engine is noisy at first
- only clean stains
Our favorite feature
This badboy comes with a 120-volt AC adapter, which is a convenient option to save energy. We also love how this model can detect baby weight, so it doesn’t slow down as your baby grows.
Who is this swing perfect for?
This is a great option for parents who want a consistent swing for their babies. Past customers agree that it puts the baby to sleep in no time.
Graco Simple Sway Baby Swing
This swing from Graco is another example of a design that offers much more than you might expect at first glance. The smaller size makes it ideal for a small apartment or a house that is already full of baby items, toys and furniture. This swing runs on batteries (not included) or you can plug it in if there’s an outlet nearby (or if they’ve run out of batteries). An AC adapter is included.
This compact swing has many cool features: 10 melodies plus 5 different nature sounds, 6 swing speeds, side-to-side motion, 2 vibration modes, a 5-point safety harness, and a toy mobile. The swing weighs about 19 pounds. and is suitable for babies from 5.5 lbs. at 30 lbs.
Although the Graco Simple Sway doesn’t fold up or sway in a traditional head-to-toe style, it has other appealing features that are likely to appeal to little ones who crave a new kind of comfort, safety, and a little fun.
Technical specifications
- Weight: 17.2 pounds
- Dimensions: 30 x 31 x 38
- Pilas: pilas 5 D
- Battery life: 4 hours.
- Minimum weight recommendation: 5 pounds
- Maximum weight recommendation: 30 pounds
Pros
- 2-speed vibration
- plush seat
- 10 songs and 5 nature sounds
- 6 speed
Cons
- Some say there’s not enough head support
- Mounting directions could be improved
- on the bigger side
Our favorite feature
We love that this swing can be plugged into an outlet. That was fantastic news for our battery budget. We also like that there is no auto-off option, which can sometimes disturb a sleeping baby, and no one wants to disturb a sleeping baby!
Who is this swing perfect for?
This is a great parent swing with a bit more space, as this model is not as compact as the others featured here. It’s a sturdy option that may cost a bit more, but our research indicates it’s worth it.
Graco DuetSoothe Swing and Rocker
This largest and most expensive baby swing is perhaps one of the most versatile on the market. Its main selling point is that you can remove the swing seat from the frame and use it as a rocker. The rocking chair has a convenient handle so you can safely carry the baby.
The Graco DuetSoothe runs on batteries (not included) or can be plugged into an outlet. It offers 2 vibration settings, 6 rocking speeds plus two different rocking styles: front to back or side to side. There are 10 melodies plus 5 nature tracks, 3 different seat positions, and a 5-point safety harness to keep baby comfortable and safe. With so many options, you can count on baby being relaxed and entertained for long periods of time.
This swing and seesaw weighs about 20 pounds. and is suitable for newborns (5.5 pounds) and babies up to 25 pounds.
Technical specifications
- Weight: 17.9 pounds
- Dimensions: 30.8 x 24.5 x 36
- Batteries: 4 D batteries for swing and 1 D battery for vibration
- Minimum weight recommendation: 5.5 pounds
- Maximum weight recommendation: 30 pounds
Pros
- 5 point harness
- Made with premium fabrics
- An AC adapter can be used to plug it into the wall
Cons
- Some parents felt it was too noisy
- Rocker is heavy to carry around the house
- not really portable
Our favorite feature
Our favorite feature is definitely the fact that it’s a 2-in-1 product. Let your baby swing or unhook the swing and let them rock on the floor. The vibrate option can be used in both modes. Given the plethora of baby products out there, it’s great to find one that has multiple features that your little one is sure to love.
Who is this swing perfect for?
This is a great option for parents looking to get great bang for their buck. Grace is a well-known brand in baby products, and this swing/seesaw has proven to be extremely popular with parents.
Fisher-Price Deluxe Cradle ‘n Swing- Surreal Serenity – Soothing Baby Swing With Two Swinging Motions
Of all the baby swings we reviewed, the Papasan Cradle Swing has the most bells and whistles (and a higher price to match!).
The draped canopy is what first catches our eye. A sheer fabric falls gently from the top of the swing frame and surrounds baby in a delightful and soothing enclosure. With the push of a button, a simple light show is projected onto the canopy that is guaranteed to capture baby’s attention while stimulating her visual senses. And as the lights flash on the ceiling, you can choose from 16 different melodies, 2 different swing styles (side-to-side or front-to-back), and 6 swing speeds.
The seat reclines in 2 positions and is made of a plush fabric that is removable and machine washable. A 3-point safety harness keeps baby safe at all times. Parents appreciate the convenient volume control as well as the foldable frame that helps with storage and travel.
The sturdy frame and accessories weigh about 22 pounds. and its maximum weight capacity is 25 pounds. Like many other designs, it runs on batteries (not included) or an AC adapter (included).
Technical specifications
- Weight: 22 pounds
- Dimensions: 25.2 x 15.2 x 13.5
- Pieces: 4 pieces D
- Minimum weight recommendation: 4 pounds
- Maximum weight recommendation: 25 pounds
Pros
- 3 adjustable seat positions
- Starlight show from above
- 16 songs and sounds of nature
- Deep and cozy seat
Cons
- Some say the engine is too loud
- Some felt the headrest was too thin
- quite bulky
The feature we love
This swing has a wonderful nest-like feel to it, and we suspect baby gets super comfortable sliding back and forth. The dome projects images of illuminated butterflies as well, which we thought was a unique touch.
Who is this swing perfect for?
This is a great swing in particular for the ladies as it sure feels more feminine. This model also comes with a ton of music and natural sound options – 16 in total. This is more than all the other changes we reviewed.
Final thoughts
Choosing a baby swing is a matter of careful thought and deliberation! Your newborn will spend a lot of time in the swing and choosing the right model is important for both you and your baby.
We hope these reviews will help you choose the perfect one!
Frequently Asked Questions
A swing or baby swing can be very useful for a mother of a newborn baby because it is a safe place where you can place it while you find a few minutes to eat something or take a shower and at the same time have your child close.
It can also help distract or calm the baby with her rhythmic movements, thus giving you a little break.
The important thing is that you choose one that will meet the needs of your baby and yours.
That is why we bring you the 3 qualities that a good swing should have:
Wide base – To ensure that the swing or swing that you are going to buy for your baby brings you peace of mind, it must be stable and durable.
A wide base will help keep the brace from tipping over or falling over if the baby makes strong movements.
5-point safety belt – Although a 3-point safety belt (those that only hold the waist) is useful and helps, you will be much calmer if your baby is fully secured with a 5-point one.
These types of seat belts also secure the baby’s upper body in case she runs up.
Battery or electric – Many swings run only on batteries or batteries which makes them very easy to carry from one place to another.
However, this would be an added expense since the batteries in these large toys don’t last long and are expensive.
The best thing would be for your baby’s swing or swing to have both options so that it is more convenient and economical at the same time.
Movements, lights and sounds – The more you can control what the swing does the better, because if the baby likes the lights and games but not being mixed, then it would help you a lot if you could turn off the movements while the game goes on.
Or if you are going to use it for the baby to relax and maybe sleep, then it may be better to use it without play and just rock it.
Everything depends on each baby, so it is best that you have several options of use available.