No parent can hold their baby every minute of the day. That’s why the best baby swings distract infants just long enough—with rocking, mobiles and lullabies—to give parents a much-needed break from the near constant holding required in those first few months. The gentle motion of a baby swing, such as our top pick the Graco DuetConnect LX Swing And Bouncer, is designed to calm infants much the same way that gentle rocking in a nursery glider or babywearing in a carrier does. Many of the best baby swings play nursery rhymes or nature sounds, as well offer various vibration settings for additional soothing. They often pull double duty as infant seats and bouncers, offering a safe place to temporarily deposit baby while the caregiver grabs a snack, loads the dishwasher or just catches their breath.
“When used with proper supervision, they are a great way to soothe babies,” says Dr. Rebekah Diamond, a pediatric hospitalist and assistant professor of pediatrics at Columbia University. “Some babies love them; others prefer rockers or other baby holders. So feel free to try out as many safety-approved swings as fit your lifestyle, budget and baby-soothing needs.”
Safety note: Swings can feel like a lifesaver to exhausted parents, but they can be dangerous if used improperly. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that if your baby falls asleep in a swing or bouncer, they should instead be placed in a crib, bassinet or another firm sleep surface on their back as soon as possible. You should also limit your child’s time in them during the day; the National Health and Safety Performance Standards guidelines for daycares recommend that babies spend no more than two 15 minute sessions a day in bouncers, swings and similar devices.
After reviewing various features, including portability and soothing options, testing some of these swings in our own homes, digging deep into customer reviews and speaking to several pediatricians, we’ve compiled our picks for the best baby swings. When you’re finished reading this article, you might also consider reading about our favorite swaddles, tested best crib sheets, white noise machines for babies and best diaper pails proven to contain odors.
- Best Baby Swing Overall: Graco DuetConnect LX Swing And Bouncer
- Best Baby Swing For Small Spaces: 4Moms MamaRoo Multi-Motion Baby Swing
- Best Baby Swing For Big Babies: Graco Glider LX Baby Swing
- Best Baby Swing For Twins: Ingenuity Comfort 2 Go Swing
- Best Swing-Rocker Combination: Graco DuetSoothe Swing And Rocker
- Best Baby Swing With Remote Control: Munchkin Bluetooth Baby Swing
- Best Portable Swing: The Ingenuity Abernathy Portable Swing
- Best Swing-Seat Combination: Nuna Leaf Grow Baby Seat
MORE FROMFORBES VETTED
Best Baby Swing Overall
A Popular And Reliable Swing That’s Also A Bouncer
Weight: 22 pounds | Batteries or AC adapter: Both | Weight limit: 30 pounds (swing); 18 pounds (bouncer) | Modes: 6 swing speeds; 2 vibrations| Sounds: 10 songs; 5 sounds
This versatile baby swing offers two pieces of baby gear in one: a swing and a bouncer. Many families feel that both of these are essential during the challenging days of early parenthood. If you need to take a shower or do some chores around the house, a bouncer is much more portable than a swing, so it’s a bonus to get both in a single purchase.
The Graco DuetConnect LX features several swing, vibration, music and sound modes so that you can experiment to find your baby’s favorite combinations. The plug-in option is crucial if your baby enjoys the swing, because it saves you a bundle on batteries. The DuetConnect is similar to another of our Graco picks. The DuetConnect is slightly less expensive than the Soothe and comes with a bouncer as opposed to a rocker. The DuetConnect only swings side to side, not front to back. Consider the DuetSoothe or DuetConnect Multi-Direction if you prefer more swinging motions.
What the reviews say: “I love how easy it is to recline, to snap the bouncer in and out, and how simple it is to use. My little one loves the stars and the white noise feature. Plus, the seat is very easy to take apart for those messy accidents that may happen with babies.”
Best Baby Swing For Small Spaces
A Cozy Swing With A Small Footprint
Weight: 15 pounds | Batteries or AC adapter: AC adapter | Weight limit: 25 pounds | Modes: 5 motions, 5 speeds | Sounds: 4 built-in sounds, Bluetooth capability to stream music from your device
The popular MamaRoo isn’t technically a swing, but it does the same job very economically—in about 2 square feet. Instead of swaying back and forth or side to side, it moves in “parent-inspired motions”—including car ride, tree swing, rock-a-bye and wave—to keep your baby happy. Overhead, four simple multicolor egg-shape toys hover; I like how easy it is to move the streamlined arm they sit in out of the way to pick up and put down your baby. The attached toys might not look like much to an adult, but they have patterns, mirrors and a crinkle texture that delight many babies. It’s also simple to adjust the angle of the recline as baby grows and starts reaching for them. Plenty of newborns are mesmerized by the MamaRoo; it took one of our editor’s babies until 6 months to fall in love with it, but now she’s obsessed. This new version of the MamaRoo has a plusher seat that’s easier to remove and wash and a safe, redesigned harness, including the strap that connects to the base. Tech lovers might appreciate that they can stop, start, change the motion and more using the app on their phone. (Note: An earlier version of the MamaRoo was recalled in August 2022 due to dangers posed to mobile babies by dangling straps.)
What the reviews say: “Works great. Puts both our infant as well as our cat to sleep.” “I love the fact you can download the app to your smartphone and control it that way.”
Best Baby Swing For Big Babies
A Roomy But Compact Swing With A 30-Pound Weight Limit
Weight: 17.9 pounds | Batteries or AC adapter: Both | Weight limit: 30 pounds | Modes: 6 swing gliding speeds; 2 vibrations | Sounds: 10 songs; 5 nature sounds
If your baby is an overachiever on the growth charts, here’s an excellent choice for a baby swing. Despite its roominess and higher weight limit, this swing takes up less floor space than many popular full-size baby swings because its feet don’t stick out as far. Its base measures 25.5 inches by 30.75 inches to be exact.
The Graco Glider LX Baby Swing soothes your baby with a gentle gliding motion and supports them with soft, removable head and body supports. It also features three recline options, a five-point harness, timer mode and an adjustable toy bar with two plush bears.
What the reviews say: “I first tried this baby swing when a friend told me it calmed her granddaughter when nothing else would. Well, I had a granddaughter who was driving my daughter crazy with crying so I bought one and INSTANT baby was put in swing she stopped crying. Totally true! Have bought one as baby gift for all friends and they all tell the same story! Amazing swing!”
Best Baby Swing For Twins
A Compact, Affordable Baby Swing For Multiples
Ingenuity Cuddle Lamb Comfort 2 Go Portable Swing
Weight: 29 pounds | Batteries or AC adapter: Batteries | Weight limit: 20 pounds | Modes: 6 swing speeds | Sounds: 12 songs
There’s some debate among parents of twins regarding whether two swings are necessary, but those who’ve sprung for a pair seem very happy with their decision. It’s hard to know who will need comfort when. If you’re planning to buy not one but two swings, you’ll want to look for something with a smaller footprint that’s portable and affordable. The Ingenuity Cuddle Lamb Comfort 2 Go Portable Swing fits the bill, as it costs about $100 less than many competitors. It is lower to the floor and less sturdy than pricier swings, but it weighs less than 5 pounds and folds easily.
Other welcome features are a removable pad that’s machine washable and dryer safe, two recline positions, three timer settings to save battery power, a toy bar with two cute plush toys, nonslip feet and a removable extra head support.
What the reviews say: “My newborn baby really likes this swing. She enjoys short naps in it during the day, freeing me up to do other things nearby! The music that plays is also really soothing to my baby.”
Best Swing-Rocker Combination
Handy Versatility With Two Products In One
Weight: 21 pounds | Batteries or AC adapter: Both | Weight limit: 30 pounds for swing; 18 pounds for rocker | Modes: 6 swing speeds; 2 swing directions; 2 vibrations | Sounds: 10 songs; 5 nature sounds
With the Graco DuetSoothe Swing and Rocker, you’ll receive two baby gear items in one. Lift the comfy seat out of the swing frame and take it around with you as a portable rocker (with a handle). The swing is versatile thanks to its two recline positions, two swinging positions (side-to-side and back-and-forth) and six swinging speeds. Not every baby swing does both side-to-side and back-and-forth swinging. You might find out that your baby insists on one particular direction, and the DuetSoothe can help with that problem. For entertainment, it includes a mobile with three plush bears.
What the reviews say: “It may be more expensive than other swings, but it’s worth it. It can swing your baby side-to-side or forwards/backwards so you don’t have to guess which one your baby will like. The seat can detach and sit on the floor... Taking the seat off really is a one-hand motion so you can do it while holding your baby. There is a mobile, but it’s the con to me. It’s attached to the swing, not the seat, so if you put the seat on the floor, the mobile doesn’t come. It also doesn’t move so it’s not quite as riveting to babies.”
Best Baby Swing With Remote Control
A Swing That Lets You Control Features—Including Music—Remotely
Weight: 8.6 pounds | Batteries or AC adapter: AC adapter | Weight limit: 20 pounds | Modes: 5 speeds | Sounds: 4 classical music pieces; 8 sounds, Bluetooth audio
This baby swing includes a remote control to control its speed, music and timer, and it also streams your favorite (or more likely, your baby’s favorite) music through its Bluetooth speaker. It also has digital rather than the more typical manual controls. The Munchkin Bluetooth-Enabled Baby Swing’s less-high-tech features include easy assembly and folding (it’s only two pieces) and a removable body pad and headrest that are machine washable and dryer safe. Plus, as Munchkin points out, the swing is “as light as a gallon of milk.” Its soothing motion is designed to mimic a parent’s swaying movements; it moves only side-to-side.
What the reviews say: “My baby loves the Munchkin Swaying Seat. I originally purchased it for a weekend away because it would travel easily and break down into two parts. It worked perfectly and was easy to pack and carry into the hotel... But it has actually turned into our main baby swing. I have three other types, and this ended up being the favorite over the swing, the bouncer and the rocker. I only wish that they could use it longer than 20 pounds or when they roll over.”
Best Portable Swing
A Compact, Foldable Swing That Travels Well
Weight: 7.09 pounds | Batteries or AC adapter: Both | Weight limit: 20 pounds | Modes: 5 swing speeds | Sounds: 8 songs; 3 nature sounds
This compact swing is perfect for small spaces or traveling. It’s lightweight at barely 7 pounds and folds easily. Although it doesn’t pretend to be a full-size swing (mind the weight limit and lightweight stature), this Ingenuity baby swing still offers multiple speeds and plenty of music and nature sounds, all with automatic shut-off timer options. We also appreciate the machine washable seat pad and the option to use batteries while traveling and the USB connector to run from an adapter while at home.
What the reviews say: “We purchased this swing as a backup when my baby boy was born as we were traveling and needed something smaller than the huge swing we usually used. It is very convenient and folds up nicely. Plays music and has a timer setting. The buttons are a little difficult—at times they get stuck and sometimes don’t function. But overall for the price and the compactness of this swing it was exactly what we were looking for!”
Best Swing-Seat Combination
A Snuggly Swing That Becomes A Stylish Chair
Weight: 15.2 pounds | Batteries or AC adapter: N/A | Weight limit: 130 pounds | Modes: Infant swing, toddler chair | Sounds: N/A
Most baby swings do what they’re designed to do well, but they’re not going to win any design awards. This Nuna model, however, actually has a few trophies under its belt. It’s a soft, streamlined swing for babies until they start sitting up on their own, and then it transitions into a mod, Arne Jacobsenesque toddler seat. We love that there are no cords or batteries involved. A gentle push sets it going for about 2 minutes, and you can take it anywhere in the house. Bonus: It comes with the cozy, Oeko-Tex 100 Standard-certified infant insert and a toy bar.
What the reviews say: “In the beginning the price was too expensive for a simple chair that swings for about 2 minutes at a time… but when my daughter had tried the chair at the store I quickly saw how much less fussy she was...My baby is 10 months, and I can say that she enjoys the chair. I don’t mind swinging the chair and watching her in my office. The quality and design is up there. You definitely get what you pay for.”
How We Chose The Best Baby Swings
After speaking with pediatricians about safe swing use, we researched the bestsellers on the market. We also spoke with other parents about their favorite baby swings, considered the swings (and features) that had worked best in our homes and read through dozens of reviews to find the best baby swings. We continually fact-check this piece for accuracy and to monitor any safety warnings. It was last updated in December 2022.
Forbes also has a rich history reviewing and testing baby and kids gear, including the following:
- The Best Baby Monitors
- The Best Diaper Bags
- The Best Infant Car Seats
- The Best Toys For 6-Month-Olds
- The Best Baby Books
How To Select The Best Baby Swing For Your Family
We took a practical approach here, knowing from experience that no baby swing can delight every baby. Rocking and toys that make one infant squeal with delight or nod right off might leave another totally unimpressed or fussy. Babies are also notoriously indifferent to price. You can buy the most expensive swing out there and... nada. That’s why we looked for comfortable swings with a variety of entertaining features (motions and sounds) that make success more likely. How much it weighs, how it’s powered (if at all), whether it’s portable and how long your baby can use it are additional factors you’ll want to consider. Our advice: Choose the best baby swing that fits your home and your lifestyle—and be sure to keep the box.
Weight
A heavy swing won’t be convenient to move from one room or floor to another, which may or may not work for your family. If it’s important to you to be able to drag it into the kitchen with you or pack it in the car trunk, know that some models weigh over 20 pounds; you’ll likely want to eliminate those from your search. Some options do weigh under 10 pounds; others collapse, fold or break into smaller pieces for easy transport.
Batteries or AC Adapter
Many motorized models, but not all, run on both. If you want portability, be sure batteries are an option. They allow you to put a swing anywhere, not just within reach of a convenient electrical outlet. The downside is batteries are pricey and annoying to replace. You don’t want to set your babe down for a soothing rock only to have it stop—and then discover you’re out of Ds. That’s not a problem with swings that plug in using an AC adapter.
Modes
Motions, speeds, directions, vibration—a baby swing can offer just one or a carnival’s worth of these. A swing might have two or five different speeds. It might be able to go only back and forth or side to side and even up and down. It might glide more than swing. It may vibrate softly or at a few different levels. Typically, the more modes a swing features, the more it costs. But as any parent will tell you, just because it costs more, doesn’t mean your baby will enjoy it more. Some babies love nothing more than a simple single-speed swing.
Sounds
Options range from none to white noise to birdsong to nursery tunes. Some swings even have an auxiliary input or Bluetooth capability that allows you to connect another device and play your own songs or continuous white noise through the swing’s speakers.
Weight Limit
As your baby gets longer, she’ll outgrow some swings the way she outgrows her clothes. You might have noticed that can happen seemingly overnight with pajamas and onesies. The same can be true of a swing. Pay attention to weight and height limitations on your swing, as well as your baby’s increasing mobility. You don’t want to continue using it if they look at all scrunched up in the seat or if the recline isn’t sufficient enough for the youngest babies. For most swings, the weight limit is 20 to 30 pounds, although it can be half that for some models.
Do Pediatricians Recommend Baby Swings?
The most important thing to know about baby swings is how to use them safely, as board-certified pediatrician Dr. Loretta Cody explains. “I don’t necessarily recommend or not recommend baby swings,” she says. “The important issue is what you are using the swing for. ...It can be used at the right age as a place to place a baby for a short period of time, allowing the parent to have their hands free.”
Cody recommends “your baby spend less than an hour total a day on the swing,” which can be split into two increments.
Should Babies Sleep In A Baby Swing?
It’s tempting, especially when you have a nap-resistant baby, to let your child sleep in a swing, but experts like Cody advise against it, instead urging parents to transfer the baby from the swing to their crib for safer sleep.
Baby swings are convenient for taking needed breaks from hands-on methods of soothing your infant—after all, parenting is a marathon, not a sprint—but Cody says it’s essential to supervise your child, even for a short time. “Never leave them unattended,” she says.
How Do You Know If A Baby Swing Is Safe?
“Most commercially sold baby swings are safe if they are used as directed,” says Columbia University’s Diamond. She recommends making sure that your chosen swing is approved for safety by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association and that you follow product specifications (for example, the product’s weight guidelines for babies). Look for any recalls issued by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. For example, an older model of the MamaRoo was recalled in August 2022 due to an issue with dangling straps.
If you have a preemie or a baby with health problems, it’s best to ask your pediatrician about baby swing safety for your infant’s specific needs.
What Ages Of Children Can Use A Baby Swing?
Following a particular swing’s age and weight guidelines is important for your child’s safety and comfort.
Cody says that babies younger than 4 months old should be placed in a swing only in its most reclined position because they haven’t yet developed adequate neck control to sit upright. At this age, she says, a baby can slump forward with their chin to their chest, constricting their airway and risking suffocation.
According to Cody, babies older than four months who have good head control and are within a swing’s weight limit can be safely seated in an upright position. Still, she says, “There must be shoulder straps to avoid the baby from falling out or tipping over the swing.”
Babies will grow and hit the weight maximum, which varies from swing to swing, at different ages. Most of the swings we feature here have weight limits between 20 and 30 pounds.
forbes.comAmazon Promo Codes | 20% Off In March 2023 | Forbes