Best Baby Swings: Pampers Parents Help You Pick!
Baby swings can be a huge help for parents. They come in handy for calming a fussy baby, and they provide a safe place to put your baby when you need to get a few things done nearby. There are a ton of baby swings on the market, and we're here to help you find the best swing for your little one.
To create this article, we asked Pampers Parents to vote on their favorite baby swings and give their recommendations about what to consider when choosing one. Read on to find out which are the best baby swings based on the votes of more than 3,000 Pampers Parents.
What to Consider When Choosing a Baby Swing
Knowing what bells and whistles some swings offer will help you select the best baby swing for you and your little one. Pampers Parents recommend you consider these kinds of factors when choosing a baby swing:
Safety
Check the swing doesn’t fold up unexpectedly or tip over easily. A wider base may help reduce the risk of the swing tipping over.
Each swing has a weight limit. Be sure your baby doesn’t exceed the maximum weight limit. Keep in mind, some swings also have a minimum weight limit.
If the swing comes with a mobile, make sure the toys can’t be pulled off by your little one.
Avoid swings that hang from door frames. It’s better to use swings that rest on the floor on a secure base.
Comfort
Consider choosing a swing with removable layers of padding that you can take off as your baby grows. A reasonably padded seat will help keep your baby comfortable, but if there's lots of extra padding that can’t be removed, this can take up too much room in the seat, and your baby will outgrow the swing sooner.
Seats that allow you to adjust the recline will help keep your baby comfortable as he grows. A newborn baby can’t hold his head up and needs a more reclined position in the swing, while an older baby with better head and neck control can safely sit in a more upright position.
To prevent your baby from slipping out of a more upright seat, check that there are shoulder straps, especially if the swing can be adjusted to more than a 50-degree angle.
Portability
Though portable swings sometimes have a shorter range of motion, they are generally smaller and lighter, easier to move around the house or take with you when you travel.
Extra features
Most swings come with the basic swaying motion, but some baby swings offer a variety of movement styles to keep your baby entertained.
Some swings play music and soothing sounds for your baby. Keep in mind that you’ll have to listen to that music, too!
Some high-tech baby swings let you connect an MP3 player, so you can set it to play whatever music you’d like.
Many swings offer vibration — a relaxing addition that may help soothe your baby.
Add-on toys are offered with some swings. Examples include hanging plush animals, a motorized mobile, and even spinning light projectors.
Ease of use
Before settling on a baby swing, consider how easy the swing is to use. Will it be easy to get your baby in and out of it? Is operating the swing straightforward?
Look at how much work it takes to clean the swing. Removable fabric that can be thrown into the washing machine is handy, as are surfaces that are easy to wipe down.
Power source
There are wind-up baby swings on the market, but battery-run or electric models are more common.
Battery-run swings are more portable, but they of course require battery changes.
Some battery-run swings come with rechargeable batteries.
Electric swings need to be kept near a power source, so they are less portable.
Types of Baby Swings
As you search for the best baby swing, you may be wondering what the difference is between a swing, a bouncer, a jumper, and a glider:
Swing. This product swings back and forth without your baby needing to move.
Glider. This has a smooth swinging motion without any jerks. It mimics the motion of a nursery glider chair. Gliders are newer to the market.
Bouncer. Lower to the ground than a swing, it bounces when your baby wiggles or moves in the seat. Some swings double as a bouncer.
Jumper. A jumper is the one where your baby has to kick off from the floor so that she can bounce up and down.
For Pampers Parents, the top types of baby swings include
standard swings
portable swings
budget swings
high-tech swings.
Safety Tips During Usage
Once you’ve got the perfect swing, here are some important safety tips to consider when using it:
Don’t let your baby sleep in her swing. If your baby falls asleep, move her to her crib right away.
Limit the amount of time your baby spends in her swing. Her still-soft skull can flatten a little if she is left in the same position for too long.
Check that your baby is secure as she swings and that she can’t slip out.
Standard Baby Swings
One of the benefits of a full-size swing is the larger swinging range of motion. Plus, these standard swings offer great features while still being super easy to operate. Although these standard swings aren’t true portable swings, some are compact enough to move around a bit more easily than regular full-size swings. These are the top swings that thousands of Pampers Parents voted for.
1. Graco Simple Sway Baby Swing
Why pick this one? This swing offers a soothing side-to-side sway with six speeds to match your baby’s mood. Plus, with the two-speed vibration feature, it’s a great bet to relax your little one in no time. It also features 15 songs and sounds, and a plush toy mobile to keep your baby entertained. This swing has a five-point harness. It also has a removable head support to keep your baby comfy.
Note that this swing doesn’t have an automatic shut-off, so you might accidentally drain the batteries if you forget to turn it off. It also comes with a plug-in option, which is great for saving money on batteries.
Highlights: This swing is a bit more compact than most full-size swings, so it’s perfect for smaller spaces.
Details
Price*: about $112.00 on Amazon.com
Pampers Parents review: It’s great to pick a swing that has multiple speeds because your baby might enjoy a different swing speed depending on her mood.
2. Fisher-Price Elephant Safari Cradle 'n Swing
Why pick this one? This swing offers two swing motions along with 16 songs and nature sounds to help calm and amuse your baby. With two swinging directions, you can rock your baby either from side to side or from head to toe. In time, you’ll find out what your baby likes best.
The plush seat insert with head snuggler will help your baby feel more secure. Bonus: The plush head snuggler looks like an elephant, so it’s cute for baby photo ops. The overhead mobile with three soft elephant toys will help keep your baby enchanted.
Be aware that because the base of this swing is quite wide, it may not fit in narrower spaces. This model may be best if you plan to keep a swing in one place for longer periods. The seat doesn’t detach from the swing, so if you want to move your baby, you’ll have to take her out of the swing.
Highlights: This swing senses your baby’s weight and the swing’s speed adjusts to it, so the swing shouldn’t slow down as your baby grows. Additionally, the seat can be adjusted to both a recline and a deep and comfy seat for when you want your baby in a more upright position.
Details
Price*: about $127.62 on Amazon.com
Pampers Parents tip: A seat that is comfy is important. Make sure your baby has good back support in the swing.
3. Graco Glider LX Gliding Swing
Why pick this one? The smooth and gentle motion of a glider swing is ideal for helping to soothe your baby. The smaller frame means it takes up less room in your home. With six gliding speeds, you can find just the right pace for your baby. Ten melodies and five nature sounds help entertain your baby. This swing comes with a five-point harness.
The overhead toy bar with cute little plush toys can be moved out of the way when you want to move your baby in and out of the swing. Keep in mind, however, that the overhead toys are attached only with Velcro, and an older baby might be able to reach up and pull them off.
Highlights: The gliding motion is smoother than the standard swing motion; plus there is a timer mode to help extend battery life.
Details
Price*: about $88.20 on Amazon.com
Pampers Parents tip: Take a good look at glider swings if your baby doesn’t like to be bounced around too much.
Portable Baby Swings
Portable baby swings can come in handy if you travel often, or if you want to be able to easily move the swing around your home. Portable baby swings are also a great choice if you want to take the swing to the home of someone who’s looking after your little one, like your baby’s grandparents.
Ingenuity Convert Me Swing-2-Seat
Why pick this one? This combo swing converts from a swaying swing into a vibrating seat. In swing mode, there are five speeds to help you find the perfect tempo for your baby. This swing also has Whisper Quiet technology for nearly silent swinging. There are eight soothing melodies and three nature sounds you can choose from.
The overhead bar with a cute plush toy pivots and can be moved out of the way when you’re ready to scoop your baby up. The headrest is removable, so you can either keep it or remove it depending on which is more comfortable for your baby. This swing has a five-point harness and non-skid feet.
Keep in mind that you’ll need to remember to turn off the vibrating feature manually. Otherwise, the batteries will drain quickly, even with the “hybridrive” technology that can make batteries last longer.
Highlights: This swing folds up easily for traveling and the fabric can be taken off to be washed.
Details
Price*: about $89.99 on Amazon.com
Pampers Parents tip: A safety harness is important, for sure, but another thing that’s great is a comfy safety harness! Make sure the harness on the baby swing you choose won’t annoy your baby.
Graco Slim Spaces Compact Baby Swing
Why pick this one? This is a full-size swing that can easily be folded down for storage. Plus, the height on this swing is adjustable from full height to a shorter height, depending on your needs. The five-point harness has a soft fabric cover. The head support can be removed as needed. The seat pad is machine washable.
This swing has adjustable speeds and an overhead toy bar with two plush balls attached to entertain your baby. Keep in mind that this swing doesn’t have any built-in audio and the overhead toys might not be very stimulating for some babies.
Highlights: This foldable swing has a carry handle, which is great for easy portability.
Details
Price*: about $134.97 on Amazon.com
Pampers Parents tip: If you’re getting a travel swing, double check to make sure it’s easy to fold down and set up again.
Fisher-Price Deluxe Take Along Swing and Seat
Why pick this one? This portable swing offers six swing speeds and it converts easily into a calming vibrating baby seat. With SmartSwing Technology, this swing senses your baby’s weight and automatically adjusts the speed to avoid slowing down as your baby grows. Plus, this swing starts without a push. The 10 melodies and nature sounds along with two sweet bird toys overhead will keep your baby amused and relaxed. The soft, padded seat comes with a plush newborn insert for a comfy fit.
It comes with a five-point harness and non-skid feet to help keep your baby secure. This swing folds flat for easy storage and is incredibly light for easy portability. Be aware that the overhead bar on this swing isn’t movable, so it be tricky to get your baby in and out.
Highlights: This super portable swing offers great swing motion settings with the added benefit of converting into a vibrating seat. These options might just do the trick and help you soothe your baby.
Details
Price*: about $79.99 on Amazon.com
Pampers Parents tip: Make sure the safety harness straps aren’t loose when your baby is in the swing.
Budget Baby Swings
An affordable baby swing doesn’t mean you have to be cheaply made or lacking in soothing features for your little one. Pampers Parents voted for the KidCo Swingpod as a great swing that won't break your budget.
KidCo Swingpod Infant Portable Swaddle Swing
Why pick this one? Although swings can come in handy when you need free hands, this swing is hand held. The swaddle strap keeps your baby secure as you swing. This baby swing was created to help calm colicky babies.
This model not only acts as a swing but can be used as a handy portable changing pad as well. The Swingpod easily fits into most diaper bags or backpacks.
Keep in mind that while manually swinging your baby can be a great thing, sometimes you might prefer to have your hands free and keep your baby in a free-standing swing instead.
Highlights: This baby swing and baby swaddle combination is portable and packable.
Details
Price*: rel="noopener noreferrer" about $32.76 on Amazon.com
Pampers Parents tip: If you can buy more than one baby swing, consider buying rel="noopener noreferrer" a standard swing along with this one.
High-Tech Baby Swings
High-tech baby swings offer state-of-the-art features that standard swings just don’t. If, for example, having Bluetooth compatibility or a smoother swinging motion is important for you, then a high-tech swing is worth considering for your baby.
Graco Sense2Soothe Swing
Why pick this one? The new Graco Sense2Soothe Swing with Cry Detection Technology has a built-in microphone that can help detect your baby’s cries. If this swing senses that your baby is crying, it responds by adjusting the settings to another one of the eight motions, three speeds, two vibration settings, and 15 songs and sounds. The cry detection feature can be turned off, if you prefer. The Parent Mode option lets you save your baby’s favorite settings.
The Graco Sense2Soothe has a three-position reclining seat. Being much heavier than the other swings on this list, this swing isn’t great from a portability standpoint.
Highlights: This swing doubles as a detachable portable rocker. You can easily remove the rocker from the heavy base for when you’d like to carry your baby from room to room with you.
Details
Price*: about $284.48 on Amazon.com
Pampers Parents tip: If you get a swing with a lot of features, spend time with your baby to see which ones he likes best. It’s amazing to see how music or the swing speed affects his mood!
There is a lot to consider when deciding which baby swing is best for you and your baby. But, no matter which one you end up choosing, your little one is sure to love spending a little time in her baby swing. Plus, having some time with your hands free while knowing that your baby is happy and entertained is a huge help to you, too.
Recall Notice
Before buying a product, always check that it’s approved and hasn’t been recalled on sites like the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). *Prices are correct at the time of writing.
How We Got These Results
We surveyed thousands of parents in the Pampers Community and asked them to choose the products they love the most, and to share their views on specific products and product categories. Based on the survey responses, we have taken the top product picks and added our own research to create this article. The aim is to help you choose the right product for you and your family. We might receive commissions on purchases made from the links in this article, but the products featured are the Pampers Community’s top choices.
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