Every baby gets grumpy from time to time and there’s no way to soothe the poor child than to swing him back and forth in your arms. There’s absolutely no problem with that. But whenever you find yourself busy working at your desk or doing the house chores, or simply too tired to rock a bye, you should definitely consider buying a baby swing. If you have trouble choosing one, check our selection of the best baby swings on the market today, as well as some tips that will help you decide which one is the best for you and your baby.
Top 8 Baby Swings of 2018 Reviewed
In the long list of your baby ‘must-haves’, should you include buying her a swing?
Why not?
1. Ingenuity Cozy Kingdom Portable Swing
Specially designed for travel, this handy portable swing is always on-the-go without sacrificing comfort. Featuring plush fabrics and WhisperQuiet technology (no irritating motor sounds), your baby will surely feel relaxed and comfortable in the Ingenuity Cozy Kingdom Swing.
2. Graco Slim Spaces Compact Baby Swing
This battery-operated compact swing allows you to choose between a full-sized and portable mode by simply adjusting its legs. The Graco Baby Swing folds easily for storing and traveling.
3. Ingenuity ConvertMe Ridgedale Swing
This 2-in-one swing effortlessly converts into a bouncer-style seat. It features 5 swing speeds, 8 melodies, and 3 nature sounds and soothing vibes. Its SlimFold design allows you to fold the swing flat for travel and keeping.
4. Graco Duet Soothe Baby Swing
The Graco DuetSoothe has a seat that doubles up as a rocker. Whether your baby likes to swing back and forth or from side to side, this multi-directional swing has got you covered. Additional features include power plug, vibration, and music.
5. Fisher-Price Cradle Swing
Featuring a wide range of swing speeds, toys, plush deluxe fabrics, music and overhead starlight show – you can keep your baby entertained in this very comfortable swing. The Fisher-Price Cradle Swing has Smart Swing technology in which it automatically detects the baby’s weight and auto adjusts speeds as baby grows.
6. Fisher-Price Sweet Snugapuppy Swing
This one features two different swinging motions in a wide range of speeds. Other fun features of the Fisher-Price Sweet Snugapuppy Swing are calming vibrations, music, nature’s sound, and a cozy seat with plush head and body support.
7. 4moms, RockaRoo, Baby Swing
The RockaRoo Baby Swing features a front to back gliding motion, adjustable speed for rest or play, removable and machine-washable seat fabric, and MP3 plug-in.
8. Fisher-Price Moonlight Meadow Swing
Adjustable seat positions, two-position recline, multiple swing positions, SmartSwing Technology, and music – all these are packed in the Fisher-Price Moonlight Meadow Swing. It also comes with little animals that entertain your baby while stimulating his or her senses.
How to Choose A Baby Swing
Now that you’ve seen the best baby swings in stores today, check out the following helpful tips and suggestions to help you find the product that fits your space and lifestyle.
Determine the swing type you need
Baby swings can either be full-sized or portable.
Full-sized swings are big and usually have the most features. They also have a sturdy built and take a long time to outgrow. But a full-sized swing requires a permanent location. It is also not transportable and is generally more expensive than the other types of baby swings.
Portable swings are great if you have a limited space and/or you travel often. They are lightweight, very transportable, and can be stored conveniently. But because portable swings are generally smaller in size, it isn’t advisable if your child is taller than normal baby. This type may also come with fewer features.
Find a model with a plug-in option
Some baby swings require batteries while others do have a plug-in option. Unless you don’t mind buying and replacing batteries every now and then, opt for the latter feature.
Check for sturdiness and safety
Look for a swing that has a sturdy frame that won’t tip in case your baby leans to one side. The wider the base, the more stable and durable it is. Metal frames are much, much better than plastic frames. Don’t forget to examine the safety features as well. Swings that have a 5-point harness is preferable because it provides coverage for the upper and lower body. It should be reclined enough to prevent your infant from slumping, which can cause serious injury to the neck.
Examine the seat for comfort and security
Since the seat is where your baby will spend most of his time, it’s important that you choose the one with the right features. Some swing seats are washable, which makes cleaning so easy. Others are even made from waterproof material, allowing you to simply wipe the seat clean.
Another important feature to check is the padding. It should be thick enough to provide comfort, but not too thick that it’s already taking so much room in the seat. Go for the swing that offers different reclining positions. This allows your baby to swing comfortably as he grows.
Compare swing/motion features
Here’s the reason why you’re buying a swing set in the first place so better be picky when it comes to the motion features. Most swings rock head to toe, while others side-to-side. Newer models combine these features and even offer other types of motion, like the ‘hops’ or round-and-around. Whichever you prefer, choose the swing which has a speed adjustability setting depending on what your child likes. Remember there are days when your baby would want a faster swing while some days he just wants a gentle, calming motion. Getting a swing timer is a great bonus feature too. Once the timer has reached zero, the swing turns off.
Consider entertainment add-ons
In addition to the swinging motion, some baby swings may come with helpful features to keep your baby entertained and occupied. These include music players, vibration, and built-in toys. These features may not be required but they all are sure worthwhile to have.
Whew! That’s a lot of things to consider. But you will surely get your head around. Baby swings are not a cheap investment. If you’re dropping a hundred to a few more for this, you should make sure you are buying the best one!
