Rocking a newborn back and forth in your arms is a well-known and effective way to soothe and calm them, even the most fussy ones. However, if your arms are tired and you’re in need of a break, it might be time to consider investing in a baby swing.
With features like adjustable reclining positions, remote controls, and built-in music options, baby swings provide a secure and comfortable spot for your baby to relax, play, and observe their surroundings. As a result, they have become a must-have item on many new parents’ baby registries, offering a much-needed break for tired arms and an enjoyable experience for babies alike.
We will take a closer look at the best baby swings available, comparing and reviewing their features, benefits, and drawbacks and hopefully by the time you are done reading this guide, you can hopefully select one that suits you best.
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall Baby Swing: Graco Simple Sway Swing
- Best Budget Baby Swing: Bright Starts Whimsical Baby Swing
- Best Luxury Baby Swing: 4moms MamaRoo Multi-Motion Baby Swing
- Best Baby Swing Bouncer Combo: Graco Soothe ‘n Sway LX Baby Swing with Portable Bouncer
- Best Gliding Baby Swing: Graco DuoGlider
- Best Baby Swing For Small Spaces: Maxi-Cosi Cassia Swing
- Best Portable Baby Swing: Ingenuity Comfort 2 Go Portable Swing
- Best Baby Swing With Remote Control: Munchkin Lightweight Baby Swing
- Best Baby Swing For Big Babies: Nova Baby Swing
- Best Baby Swing For Fussy Babies: Graco Sense2Soothe Baby Swing
In This Article
HappyBabyHub’s Best Baby Swings Picks
Graco Simple Sway Swing – Best Overall Baby Swing
- It has a small footprint
- The seat is large
- Plays music for about an hour
- The headrest pillow is detachable so it can be washed
- The swing makes some mild noises
This swing has a smooth, side-to-side swaying motion that is perfect for soothing your little one. You can customize the swing’s settings to meet your baby’s specific needs, ensuring they feel comfortable and at ease.
You can power the swing using either batteries or an electrical outlet, so you can use it anywhere in the house. Plus, with two different vibration settings and six swing speed settings, you can find the perfect combination that your baby loves.
The swing also comes equipped with 10 classic songs and 5 natural sounds to help lull your baby into a peaceful sleep. And the deep, plush seat with detachable head support provides your baby with maximum comfort while they relax in the swing. And, for added safety, the swing includes a 5-point harness to keep your little one secure during every session.
Bright Starts Whimsical Baby Swing – Best Budget Baby Swing
- The swing is easy to assemble
- The legs fold up easily as does the seat for easy storing
- Baby can be entertained by 6 ribbon tags and two (removable) hanging toys
- There’s a 5-point harness to secure baby
- The swing is designed to hold babies up to 20 lbs whereas others are higher
This budget-friendly seat swings gently like a monkey from tree to tree, providing the ultimate in relaxation for your baby.
With the 2-position reclining feature, your baby can find the perfect angle for ultimate comfort. And to keep your baby company while they swing, two amusing toys dangle from the toy bar, which is effortless to remove if desired.
Swing time is song time, thanks to the six cheery tunes that play, providing entertainment for your little one. And, to ensure your baby stays secure in their plush seat, a movable 5-point harness keeps them safe and snug.
4moms MamaRoo Multi-Motion Baby Swing – Best Luxury Baby Swing
- The harness is a quick conversion from 3-point to 5-point
- The swing can be adjusted for the perfect recline level. It’s a sliding bar adjustment with a lever lock
- The easy zip-off cover and mobile balls are machine washable
- 4moms app can match your natural rocking motion with a movement/speed combination on the swing
- Expensive
Unlike other baby swings, the MamaRoo was designed to move like you do, replicating the rhythms and movements of parents to provide the most comfortable place for your baby to sleep when you can’t hold them.
The movements of the MamaRoo were inspired by parent input, making it the perfect option if you are seeking a hands-free period while your infants explore their surroundings in comfort.
This baby swing has five different movements, five speeds, and four noises that you can customize to suit your child’s preferences and keep them happy and delighted. You can use the 4moms app’s “Find Your Roo” function to help identify the motion and speed combination that is most similar to your own, facilitating a smooth transfer from your arms to the swing.
Graco Soothe ‘n Sway LX Baby Swing with Portable Bouncer – Best Baby Swing Bouncer Combo
- It’s not hard to remove the bouncer from the swing foundation
- Very well made
- 5-point harness for safety
- Great for small spaces
- The vibration is a bit loud
The Graco Soothe ‘n Sway LX Swing with Portable Bouncer is an incredibly versatile and adaptable baby swing that offers double the pleasure with its 2-in-1 benefits. Not only does it provide a cozy and comfortable place for your little one to relax and enjoy, but it also serves as a portable baby bouncer with convenient carry handles.
The multi-direction seat of this swing ensures that your baby can enjoy side-to-side or front-to-back swinging while facing right, front, or left. With adjustable swing speeds, you can discover the perfect tempo for your baby’s preferences, and the 3-position recliner guarantees your baby’s comfort.
An additional convenience of the Graco Soothe ‘n SwayTM LX Swing is its AC adaptor, which eliminates the need for constant battery replacements. And with the 5-point harness, you can be assured that your little one will remain safe and secure while enjoying the swing’s many features.
Graco DuoGlider – Best Gliding Baby Swing
- It has straps to lock the baby in
- The swing can rock forward & backward
- Has about 8 songs/sounds the baby can fall asleep
- It’s not too high off the ground
- Vibration doesn’t have a timer and is hard to recognize as on or off
Create a cozy, peaceful sleeping space for your little one with the gentle reclining feature of the DuoGlider Swing and Rocker. With just one hand, you can easily lower the swing seat to transform it into a secure and snug rocker for your baby to rest in without being disturbed.
The soothing motion of this nursery glider-like swing is designed to provide ultimate comfort to your baby, and its versatile design allows you to keep your little one close by while you attend to other tasks.
In addition to its reclining feature, the DuoGlider also boasts two-speed vibration, six swinging speeds, and a variety of sound and music options to keep your baby relaxed and content. You can also choose between battery power or the convenient plug-in option for ultimate flexibility.
Maxi-Cosi Cassia Swing – Best Baby Swing For Small Spaces
- Easy to assemble
- Flexibility to have back-and-forth and side-to-side swinging is a huge plus
- Songs are super soothing and a nice variety to help put the baby into the sleep zone
- The ability to use batteries or A/C power makes this easy to move from room to room without running for an extension cord
- The cord is not the longest
With an automated motion detector, this swing is both intelligent and aesthetically pleasing. It instinctively understands when and how to rock your baby, helping them settle down when they’re feeling fussy.
One of the best features of this swing is its 360-degree rotation, which allows you to maintain eye contact with your little one at all times. Additionally, the Cassia boasts a space-saving design that weighs roughly 10 pounds less than the average housecat, making it easy to move from room to room as needed.
It also comes with a removable and machine-washable cover, so you can keep it looking as good as new for years to come. The swing has two toys to entertain your baby, two reclining modes for maximum comfort, and a plush newborn inlay.
Ingenuity Comfort 2 Go Portable Swing – Best Portable Baby Swing
- It’s small and folds easily
- Several different swing speed settings and 2 volume settings for music
- Lays flat for a more comfortable sleeping position for baby
- Nice neutral color
- Clips to secure babies into the seat are a little rickety and don’t always unclip very easily
The Ingenuity Comfort 2 Go Portable Swing may be small in size, but this swing has a plethora of features that will keep your baby content and relaxed. Thanks to its automatic sway settings, 12 calming melodies, and 2 reclining positions, your little one will feel as if they are being cradled in your arms.
Furthermore, the swing includes three practical timer settings – 30, 45, and 60 minutes – that can help you get some much-needed work done.
Whether you’re traveling around the house or going on a trip, this portable swing can provide your baby with the comfort and security they need to relax. The padded footrests and side support ensure that your baby is as comfortable as possible while the adjustable 5-point safety harness will give you peace of mind.
Munchkin Lightweight Baby Swing – Best Baby Swing With Remote Control
- Play your own choice of music through the Bluetooth speakers
- Suitable from birth to 6 months
- Lightweight, foldable, and easy to transport
- Great for small spaces
- The buttons are touch screen and they are a bit finicky
This baby swing has a small footprint, making it easy to fit into any room. One of the best things about this swing is that it mimics the comforting side-to-side rocking action that most newborns love, making it the next best thing to being held in your arms.
You’ll have complete control over the swing’s functions with the included remote, allowing you to adjust the motion sensor, set a timer, and choose from a variety of relaxing sounds. Weighing in at less than 10 pounds, this compact baby swing can easily be broken down into two pieces, making it a breeze to store away.
Your baby will be soothed by the sounds of Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, and Chopin classical music, or one of eight ambient noises. And if your little one has a favorite song, you can easily pair the swing with your phone via Bluetooth and stream it directly.
Nova Baby Swing – Best Baby Swing For Big Babies
- Easy to install
- The netting add-on is nice
- Big enough for larger babies
- Having the remote to turn it on, off, or adjust is great
- It has a wide stand
The Nova Swing designed is ideal for bigger babies and it comes with 10 pre-programmed lullabies, Bluetooth and USB connectivity options, an auto-off timer, and a cushy cushion. It’s specifically designed for infants weighing less than 20 pounds and between the ages of 0 and 6 months.
The swing comes equipped with three hanging plush animals that are sure to amuse and delight your little one. And with the 5-point harness and mosquito net, your child will always be safe and secure.
Operating the Nova Swing is a breeze thanks to its cutting-edge IMD touch panel and remote control. And the sleek and contemporary design makes it a favorite among moms. Installation is quick and easy, and the soft, machine-washable seat cover ensures that cleaning is a breeze.
The Nova Swing also comes with anti-skid grips installed on the sturdy metal base, providing added stability and safety. And rest assured, the Nova Swing complies with all relevant ASTM and FCC requirements, ensuring that it meets the highest safety standards.
Graco Sense2Soothe Baby Swing – Best Baby Swing For Fussy Babies
- Cry detection works well
- The design and patterns are nice
- Super easy to put together
- Has many different nature/soothing songs
- Mobile does not move on its own
This swing is uniquely designed to respond to a baby’s cries in order to help calm them down. With a built-in microphone that picks up on the infant’s screams, the swing is able to automatically adjust its settings until the baby is content.
It offers eight calming movements, three different speeds, two vibration settings, and a selection of 15 music and noise options. This makes it effortless for parents to select the perfect combination that will calm their baby down and help them relax.
To make things even more convenient, the Sense2Soothe Swing comes with a Parent Mode setting. This feature enables you to save your baby’s preferred calming settings, so you can easily recall them the next time the baby is feeling fussy.
When the Cry Detection mode is turned off, the Sense2Soothe Swing can be used as a standard swing. It also has a 3-position recline, 2-speed vibration, and a multi-direction seat that can be used as a portable baby rocker. This versatility allows you to use the swing in various ways, depending on your baby’s needs and preferences.
How To Choose The Best Baby Swing?
- Safety: A crucial aspect of a baby swing is providing a secure space for your infant, and therefore, having a seatbelt is of utmost importance. Look for swings that feature a 3- or 5-point harness to ensure your baby’s safety.
- White Noise: White noise can be a miraculous aid in getting a baby to sleep, particularly in noisy and busy households. Babies associate whooshing sounds with the safety of their mother’s womb, so the more noise options a baby swing has, the better. This way, you can always find a soothing sound for your little one.
- Vibration: For greater comfort, infants will benefit from both the swinging motion and vibration in a baby swing. This can help recreate the secure feeling of the womb. When selecting a swing, be sure to consider if it has vibration settings.
- Batteries/AC Adapter: While not all motorized baby swings have both options, many do. If portability is important to you, ensure that the swing has the option of using batteries as an alternative power source. This allows you to place the swing anywhere, not just near an available power outlet. However, batteries can be costly and inconvenient to replace.
- Seat Type: Baby swings come in a variety of seats, and for older, more active babies, low-to-the-ground seats may be a wise choice to avoid falling out of the swing. Hanging chairs that function as swings are also available for younger babies and can provide a secure and comfortable place to relax.
- Weight Limit: If you’re looking for a swing that will last beyond three months, make sure to check the weight restrictions on your options. Some swings have “grow with me” features, allowing them to be used as a seat until your child is a toddler.
Are Baby Swings Worth The Money?
Baby swings can be a useful tool for soothing a fussy or colicky baby, and they can provide a safe and comfortable environment for infants to rest and relax. However, they are not a necessity for all families and are not suitable for all babies.
If you anticipate that your baby may have difficulty sleeping or calming down, a swing may be a worthwhile investment. However, it’s important to keep in mind that a baby swing should not be used as a replacement for human interaction or other forms of play and movement. It’s also essential to supervise your baby when they’re in the swing and never leave them unattended.
In addition, it is important to check for recalls as many swings have been recalled in the past.
Are Baby Swings Safe?
Baby swings can be a safe and effective way to soothe a fussy or colicky baby, but it’s essential to use them properly and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines (1). When used correctly and under appropriate supervision, baby swings can provide a safe and comfortable environment for infants to rest and relax.
According to a study, infants typically spend 3 to 4 hours of their daily awake time in a car seat, stroller, or swing (2). Therefore, it is crucial to make sure that the baby swing you choose meets high standards for safety, comfort, and functionality.
Should Babies Sleep In A Baby Swing?
While it may be tempting to let your baby sleep in a swing, it is not recommended as a regular sleep environment. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), babies should always be placed on their back on a firm, flat sleep surface free of any soft bedding or other items that could pose a suffocation risk (3).
Sleeping in a swing for prolonged periods may increase the risk of suffocation, strangulation, or other hazards such as positional asphyxia or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). In addition, a baby’s neck muscles may not be strong enough to keep their head from flopping forward, which can interfere with breathing.
How Long Can A Newborn Stay In A Swing?
Newborns should not be placed in a swing for an extended period of time. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), babies should not be left in a swing for more than 30 minutes at a time (4).
What Age Is Best For Baby Swing?
Generally, baby swings are suitable for use from birth until the baby is able to sit up on their own, which is typically around 6 months old (5).
However, it’s important to note that different baby swings have different weight and height restrictions, so it’s essential to check the manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure that the swing is appropriate for your baby. There are some models that are only suitable for use for up to 4 months for example.
