Babies require a lot of holding, soothing, and feeding, which can sometimes feel exhausting for parents. Thankfully, baby swings can provide a safe, comfortable spot for parents to place their babies briefly while awake. Not only can swings be entertaining and soothing, but they can also allow parents to take a short break while still supervising their baby.
Although it may seem convenient, babies should not be allowed to sleep in a swing. Doing so can position their neck in such a way that it hinders their ability to breathe.Caregivers should also limit the amount of time their baby spends in the swing to prevent positional plagiocephaly, otherwise known as flat head syndrome.
When shopping for a baby swing, parents should consider the product’s safety, stability, and weight limit. They should also pay attention to the type and size of the swing as well as its features, such as a mobile, sounds, and app connectivity.
To select the best baby swings, we spoke to three pediatric experts about what matters most in this type of baby product and safety concerns. Following their expert advice, we researched dozens of baby swings on the market and narrowed our list down to 18 top-rated swings to test at theVerywell Testing Labin New York City. We unpacked and assembled each baby swing, taking note of how intuitive or challenging this process was. We then submitted the baby swings to a series of tests to evaluate their design, features, stability, motion, portability, and ease of use. We also used a decibel meter to measure how loud the motor and sounds got in each swing to ensure they were safe for babies’ ears. After thorough testing, we developed this list of the best baby swings, ranked and sorted according to their strengths and weaknesses. In addition, a family physician in ourReview Boardreviewed our content to ensure the accuracy of our information and address safety concerns related to the correct usage of baby swings.
Safety Concerns With Baby Swings
While there are several safety measures parents and caregivers should follow when using a baby swing, perhaps the most important one is to supervise their baby when they are in the swing. “[While in a swing], babies need constant supervision the same way they would in a bathtub,” says Ben Hoffman, MD, CPST-I, FAAP, professor of pediatrics at Oregon Health & Science University and president-elect of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
Parents and caregivers should also make sure their baby does not fall asleep in the swing. “If a baby falls asleep in the swing, he or she should be moved to a flat and firm sleeping surface as soon as possible,” says Lyndsey Garbi, MD, co-founder and chief medical officer of Blueberry Pediatrics and medical review board member at Verywell Family. This is because swings are positioned at an incline, which could cause a baby to position their head in such a way that they can’t breathe.
Dr. Garbi adds that parents should also make sure the swing doesn’t tip over easily and that any toys or mobiles are kept out of a baby’s reach. She also advises parents to place the shoulder straps on their baby to prevent them from falling out of the swing and pay attention to its weight restrictions.
Best Overall
Ingenuity InLighten 6-Speed Baby Swing
Sturdy and supportive frame
Monochromatic color scheme blends in with home decor
Seat reclines and rotates 360 degrees
Takes up a lot of space
This Ingenuity baby swing is our best overall pick because it’s reasonably priced, easy to assemble, and has a variety of great features that are straightforward to use. The speed settings can be controlled with a single touch and the seat reclines and rotates 360 degrees so you can choose which direction your baby faces. We also appreciate that the five-point safety harness has a protective pad that prevents things from getting caught in the clasp.
This swing’s automatic mobile has a little mirror for babies to study their reflection as well as a speaker that plays melodies, nature sounds, white noise, or a playlist from your smart device. However, we found that the music on this swing was rather loud on its highest setting, reaching 72 A-weighted decibels (dBA). While decibels (dB) are the units in which sound is measured, dBA is the expression of the sound in air as perceived by our ears.The noise level of normal conversation is 60-70 dBA,so this swing got slightly louder than that.
Although the Ingenuity InLighten weighs less than 10.5 pounds, it has a rather large footprint, which makes it difficult to travel with. However, its wide stance contributes to its stability, which we actually think is one of this swing’s best features. To test how stable this swing truly is, we placed a 15 pound sandbag in its seat and set the speed to the fastest setting and were pleased to see that the combined weight and speed had no impact on the swing’s sturdiness. So as long as you dedicate space in your home for it, we think you’ll appreciate this swing’s wide, supportive legs that provide a safe and stable experience for your baby.
Price at time of publication: $155
Key Specs:
Dimensions:34.3 x 35.7 x 41.1 in |Item Weight:10.43 lb |Age Range:0-9 mos |Weight Limit:20 lb |Power:C battery (included)
Best Value
Bright Starts Playful Paradise Portable Swing
Simple, no-fuss design
Compact frame; easy to fold up and store away
Swings side to side as well as forward and backward
Doesn’t play white noise
Can be difficult to attach the mobile bar
We chose this small but mighty swing for our best value pick because its features are comparable to some of the larger swings we tested—but for a fraction of the price (just $50 at the time we published this list). It plays 10 different melodies (but no white noise), reclines easily, and can swing side to side if desired. This was a pleasant surprise considering the low price point of this swing; however, we found that once it was swinging side to side, we had to give the seat a little push to help it go forward and backward again. Otherwise, it just sits in an idle mode moving ever so slightly side to side.
Similar to the Ingenuity InLighten, assembling this swing was a piece of cake. Everything clicks right into place, and it folds up in two easy steps. We especially like that it takes up the same amount of space as a typical chair and stands up on its own when folded, too.
Although quieter than the Ingenuity InLighten, the fact that this swing’s noise level is 65.2 dBA at its lowest musical setting still makes it louder than we’d like (normal conversation level is 60-70 dBA). It also makes a slight clicking sound when in motion, but it wasn’t too alarming.
Overall, we highly recommend this swing for parents who want to stick within a certain budget or are looking for a second swing to travel with. Since baby swings are only used for a matter of months, we think this one is a great option for the price because it’s compact, easy to use, and has some awesome features.
Price at time of publication: $60
Key Specs:
Dimensions:28.74 x 22.64 x 26.77 in |Item Weight:4.07 lb |Age Range:0-9 mos |Weight Limit:20 lb |Power:4 C batteries (not included)
Best Foldable
Graco Slim Spaces Compact Baby Swing
Sturdiest swing we’ve seen
Equipped with a carrying handle
Height-adjustable legs
Doesn’t play music or sounds
Mobile isn’t the most entertaining
If you’re looking for a swing that you can put away at the end of the day or when visitors arrive, this Graco swing is a great choice. We found it to be very easy to fold and love that it’s equipped with a handle that makes it convenient to transport. Plus, it weighs just 12.7 pounds, which makes it entirely possible to carry with one hand.
While testing this swing, we consulted with Ebony Barrett, NP, our on-site pediatric expert at theVerywell Testing Lab. Barrett claims it is the “sturdiest swing she’s ever seen” and confirmed that its single recline option is appropriate for babies. We also like that the height of the legs is adjustable and appreciate the overall look and feel of this swing, especially its soft, fleece seat and neutral color palette. However, it’s pretty basic in terms of features since it doesn’t play sounds and is adorned with two non-descript stars that frankly, look a little boring to us.
Overall, our experience with this swing is that it’s very easy to use. It folds down quickly, has only three speed settings, and is virtually silent since it doesn’t play any music. In fact, the only noise we noticed was the faint hum of the motor, which could very easily be drowned out with a bit of background noise.
Price at time of publication: $90
Key Specs:
Dimensions:39 x 23.25 x 35 in |Item Weight:12.7 lb |Age Range:0-9 mos |Weight Limit:25 lb |Power:4 D batteries (not included)
Best Stylish
Maxi Cosi Cassia Swing
Modern, sleek design
Rotates 360 degrees
Variety of high-tech features
Touchscreen is tricky to use
Manual lacked in-depth instructions
的手,this Maxi Cosi swing is the prettiest swing we’ve ever seen. We especially love its wooden border and smooth, soft fabric that looks luxurious but is entirely machine washable. It also has several high-tech features, including a built-in motion detector that activates the swing if your baby moves. Best of all, it took us less than five minutes to assemble.
In addition to looking nice, this swing felt safe and sturdy when we tested it. It has a five-point harness that feels secure and the mobile is hung far enough away that a baby can’t reach it. This swing is also super quiet; without the music on it was almost silent, and with the music on the sound was only 40-50 dBA, which is quieter than the hum of a refrigerator.
Operating the swing is done through the touchscreen located at the bottom of the swing. We felt like it was tricky to use the buttons since we couldn’t tell if we actually pushed them or not and found it rather cumbersome to reduce the speed. We also think that the manufacturer’s instructions lacked the information we needed to do certain functions, like set a timer.
In terms of portability, we could easily move this swing from room to room since it has a small footprint and weighs only 10 pounds. However, it doesn’t fold, so it requires some space commitment (albeit temporary). Despite this, we like that the seat rotates 360 degrees and thought it was really easy to change the incline, even though it requires two hands to do so.
Price at time of publication: $200
Key Specs:
Dimensions:29.5 x 20 x 7 in |Item Weight:10 lb |Age Range:0-6 mos |Weight Limit:20 lb |Power:Electric
Best With Rocker
Graco Soothe My Way Swing with Removable Rocker
Two products for the price of one
Seat is removable and machine washable
Soft cushion with a sturdy, stable base
Assembly is time-consuming
Weighs 25 pounds
最好的部分关于这个固瑞克摇摆不定的年代eat can be removed and used as a rocker. This is a great incentive for families who plan to have multiple children since it saves space and money. The seat can also vibrate while attached to the swing or as a standalone rocker, which can be very soothing for a fussy baby.
虽然这秋千缺乏传统的“摇摆不定的我n the air motion,” it can move in two different directions and in eight different motions. It plays 15 different songs and sounds and we determined the volume to be 65 dBA at the highest level, about as loud as a normal conversation.
Although this swing is bulkier than others on our list, it felt stable and sturdy when we tested it, even after placing a 15-pound sandbag in the seat. What’s more, the buckle was very secure and adjusting the straps was easy to do. We also like that the seat cushion is soft, comfortable, and machine washable.
Assembling this swing requires patience. It took us 30 minutes to put together, but thankfully, each piece makes a distinct clicking sound when inserted correctly, which gave us peace of mind knowing that it was properly assembled. However, removing the seat was a little too easy; we only needed to pull it off the base. For safety purposes, we would have liked to see that the seat was attached more securely.
因为它重25磅,这个秋千是一个移动two-person job. However, the bulk of the weight is in the seat, so removing it makes the job much easier. Despite this, we actually think this swing is a space saver since it has two products in one, which was the biggest selling point for us.
Price at time of publication: $210
Key Specs:
Dimensions:28 x 25.5 x 35 in |Item Weight:22.53 lb |Age Range:0-9 mos |Weight Limit:25 lb (swing); 18 lb (rocker) |Power:Electric (AC adapter included); 1 D battery (not included) required for vibration
Best With App
4moms mamaRoo 4 Baby Swing
App suggests swing mode based on your motion
Connects to Bluetooth and smart home devices
Stable, sturdy base with smooth swinging motions
Assembly is difficult
If you’re looking for a high-tech baby swing, we think you’ll love the MamaRoo by 4Moms. Its app is easy to use and has the capability to analyze your rocking or swaying motion and then recommend a similar swing mode for your baby. From there, you can set your favorite mode and speed combinations in the app and even connect your MamaRoo to your smart home device and stream your own music via Bluetooth. Unfortunately, we couldn’t get the streaming option to work properly, so we were unable to test that function.
All in all, the MamaRoo has five swing modes, five speeds, and plays four different sounds. Its sleek, white design gives it a space-age feel and its mobile ornaments can be removed and used as baby toys. Although the touch screen on the control panel took some getting used to, we think it’s pretty cool that the seat reclines far back for a younger or sleeping baby and sits upright for older babies. We also like that the harness and seat are padded and can be removed and cleaned in the washing machine.
Although operating this swing was quite intuitive, assembling it was a frustrating experience for us. The manufacturer’s instructions are made up of illustrations and have no written guidance, making it unnecessarily challenging to follow. It was only after watching a YouTube tutorial that we understood how to put it together, but even then we found the process to be difficult.
According to Barrett, the MamaRoo is very sturdy and safe. She also complimented how smoothly it moved, which we think is this swing’s main selling point. In terms of noise level, its sounds range from 46-68 dBA, with the lowest being the hum of the motor. However, its frame is rather bulky and it weighs close to 20 pounds, which could make moving the MamaRoo challenging for parents who are recovering from childbirth.
Price at time of publication:$270
Key Specs:
Dimensions:25.5 x 19.5 x 33 in |Item Weight:19磅|Age Range:0-6 mos |Weight Limit:25 lb |Power:Electric
Best With Remote Control
Jool Baby Nova Baby Swing
All features can be adjusted with the remote control
Lightweight and compact; easy to move around
Stream your own music via Bluetooth or USB
Assembly is difficult
The fact that we could operate the Jool Baby Nova swing with a remote control made being a busy parent a whole lot easier. From the comfort of the couch, we were able to adjust every feature on the swing, including the speed, volume, music, and timer. We also liked that we could stream our own music on the swing via USB or Bluetooth.
Not everything related to this swing was easy, though. Attaching the swing to the base was nearly impossible, even after we asked multiple people to try their hand at it. It wasn’t until we watched a video tutorial that suggested an alternative method that we were finally able to complete this step. Thankfully though, after assembly, using the swing was pretty straightforward for us.
In terms of design, this swing has several unique features. The first is the seat cover, which was super soft and felt like it was made from minky fabric. The second is the optional bug net, which although we didn’t test, we could see how this would be useful for parents who want to bring the swing outside in the summer months—which would be a breeze because the swing is pretty compact and lightweight.
Overall, this swing felt pretty sturdy during our testing process. It has a five-point safety harness, which did a good job of containing the 15-pound sandbag we placed in the seat. It moves side to side in a pretty smooth manner and has five different speeds. However, the sound reached 79.7 dBA at the highest volume (louder than a vacuum cleaner) and 66.1 dBA at the lowest volume when we tested it.
Price at time of publication: $200
Key Specs:
Dimensions:25 x 23 x 20 in |Item Weight:10.8 lb |Age Range:0-6 mos |Weight Limit:20 lb |Power:Electric
Best With Bouncer
Graco Soothe 'n Sway LX Swing with Portable Bouncer
Two products for the price of one
Easy to rotate seat and turn into bouncer
Both products feel safe and sturdy
Took 1.5 hours to assemble
Although this Graco swing gives a bit of a bumpy ride, we think that makes the motion feel more natural and lends itself to being a baby bouncer. Since it offers two products for the price of one, this swing has great value for families with multiple children. We also love that the seat vibrates and that the swing is pretty quiet when in use (53-55 dBA for music and 57-63 dBA for nature sounds).
Whether we tested it as a swing or bouncer, the Graco Soothe 'n Sway felt pretty safe and sturdy to Barrett. However, we noticed that the seat was very deep, which Barrett thought could be problematic for a small or premature baby. We also felt like the seat didn’t have much structure to it, but liked that it was easy to adjust it to swing side to side or take it off the base to use as a bouncer.
While the bouncer portion wasn’t the lightest, we think a parent who is recovering from childbirth could carry it without trouble, especially because it’s equipped with a handle. Just be sure not to carry the bouncer while your baby is in it and only use the bouncer on the floor. Using this swing was easy to do, too, because the dials and switches weren’t fancy and felt very straightforward.
Our least favorite part about this swing was putting it together. It took us 1.5 hours because the manual was confusing and the assembly required us to use a Phillips head screwdriver and a wrench. We recommend reading the instructions carefully before you begin to assemble this swing so that you know exactly what’s expected of you.
Price at time of publication: $150
Key Specs:
Dimensions:29.25 x 36.5 x 36.5 in |Item Weight:17.95 lb |Age Range:0-9mos |Weight Limit:25 lb (swing); 18 lb (bouncer) |Power:Electric (swing); 3 AA batteries (bouncer, not included)
Best Portable
Bright Starts Portable Automatic 6-Speed Baby Swing with Adaptable Speed
Folds flat, can fit inside the trunk of a car
Easy to carry, weighs just 4 pounds
Intuitive to assemble and use
Seat doesn’t lock when reclined
This Bright Starts Swing is a great option for families who live in a smaller home or are always on the go. We found it to be lightweight, easy to carry, and are convinced that it can fit inside the trunk of any car. It’s also convenient to store, given that it stands up on its own or lays flat when folded and weighs just 4 pounds.
To test the stability of this swing, we placed a 15 pound sandbag in the seat and cycled through the various speeds and modes. We found that the sandbag stayed put in the seat, even when the swing was placed on the carpet. However, Barrett expressed concern about the seat not locking when reclined, which could allow a well-meaning younger sibling to push the baby upward. Even so, Barrett confirmed that the level of recline on this swing is appropriate for a baby.
在我们的经验中,装配和使用这种摇摆was so intuitive that it required little to no reference to the manufacturer’s instructions. The buttons that operate the swing were self explanatory, although we would have liked to see a simpler way to change the music rather than pushing a button to cycle through every song. When using the timer, we recommend reading the manufacturer’s instructions so that you understand how the lights correspond to the time intervals.
Another positive aspect about this swing is how quiet it is. The noise level ranges from 59.6-67.6 dBA, and we found the music to be sweet and soothing. We also like that the overall look and feel of the swing is simple and that the fabric is removable and machine washable.
Price at time of publication: $70
Key Specs:
Dimensions:22.5 x 28.5 x 23 in |Item Weight:4.08 lb |Age Range:0-9 mos |Weight Limit:20 lb |Power:4 C batteries (not included)
Best for Small Spaces
Munchkin Bluetooth Enabled Lightweight Baby Swing with Natural Sway
Small footprint, as tall as a bowling pin
Folds down flat, easy to store
Bluetooth enabled, comes with remote control
Required two people to disassemble
Compared to the other products we tested, this Munchkin Infant Swing is very compact—especially in terms of vertical space. It stands 15 inches tall, which is the same height as a bowling pin, and weighs as much as a gallon of milk. Although it required two people to remove the seat from the base, we could easily move it from room to room and store it under a bed or couch.
This Munchkin swing moves in a smooth side-to-side motion that seemed pretty relaxing to us. It plays 12 different sounds and the noise level ranges from 55.5-71.7 dBA. You can also stream your own music on this swing via Bluetooth, and we liked that the settings could be operated by the remote control. Although the seat doesn’t recline, Barrett confirmed that it was the appropriate level for a baby.
The sleek look and feel of this swing was appealing to us, and we loved the cozy, reversible seat cushion. Since it only has two parts, assembling it was a breeze and took only three minutes. However, the one thing we felt like this swing lacked was stability. Although it appeared sturdy at first, the range of motion declined once we put a 15 pound sandbag in the seat. And while the waist strap felt secure, we would have liked to see shoulder straps on the seat, too.
Price at time of publication:$199
Key Specs:
Dimensions:23.6 x 23.6 x 15 in |Item Weight:8.6 lb |Age Range:0-9 mos |Weight Limit:20 lb |Power:1 lithium ion battery (included)
How We Rated Baby Swings
4.8 to 5 stars:These are the best baby swings we tested. We recommend them without reservation.
4.5 to 4.7 stars:These baby swings are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them.
4.0 to 4.5 stars:We think these are great baby swings, but others are better.
3.5 to 3.9 stars:These baby swings are just average.
3.4 and below:We don't recommend baby swings with this rating; you won't find any on our list.
We Also Tested
- Graco DuetSoothe Swing and Rocker:We liked that this swing detached from the base and became a manual rocker, and appreciate that it vibrates in both configurations. However, it takes up lots of space and was nearly impossible for us to assemble.
- Graco Glider LX Gliding Swing:We liked that buckling the safety harness and switching between settings was very simple to do. However, this swing is not sturdy on flat ground and its vibration is so loud that it was disruptive.
- Nuna Leaf Grow Baby Swing:This swing is made of quality materials and is built to last. However, it is more of a manual swing and lacks all the necessary features, including the ability to adjust the speed and play music or white noise.
How We Tested the Best Baby Swings
开始测试,我们收集了一组10 Verywell Family editors (most of whom are parents) at theVerywell Testing Labin New York City. The first step was assembling the baby swings while we timed ourselves and took detailed notes on how intuitive or complicated this process was. We then measured each swing and tested their stability by placing a 15-pound sandbag in the seat to replicate the weight of a baby. Before turning on the swing, we consulted our on-site pediatric expert, Ebony Barrett, NP, to ensure the swing looked and felt stable and safe.
接下来,我们把婴儿波动,调整了peed, tried different settings, and familiarized ourselves with the features. With Barrett’s assistance, we assessed each swing’s incline and used a decibel reader to determine if the volume was within a range deemed safe for babies. Lastly, we folded the swings (if possible) and evaluated how easy they were to carry and store away.
What to Look for in a Baby Swing
Safety and Stability
Before placing your baby in a swing, you should carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions to make sure you assembled it correctly. We also recommend referring to the owner’s manual to familiarize yourself with the swing’s weight and age limit. Generally, most baby swings have a weight limit of 20-30 pounds.
Also, the swing should not be used as a place for your baby to sleep. According to the AAP, parents and caregivers should not allow a baby to sleep in the swing, no matter how tempting it may be. Specifically, the AAP recommends placing your baby on their back in a crib, bassinet, portable crib, or play yard that meetsConsumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)safety standards.
It is so vital that babies not be allowed to sleep in a swing that in May 2022, President Joe Biden signed theSafe Sleep for Babies Actinto law, which focuses on safe sleep for babies and prohibits the manufacture and sale of inclined sleepers for infants.
Type of Baby Swing
Our list of the best baby swings contains a variety of different models, including portable swings and swings that convert into bouncers and rockers. Portable swings like theBright Starts Whimsical Wild Portable Swingare not only great for saving space, but also for traveling. This particular swing is easy to transport because it weighs just 4 pounds and fits into the trunk of a car.
Swings that convert into bouncers or rockers hold great value because you get two products for the price of one. Our favorite bouncer swing is theGraco Soothe 'n Sway LX Swing With Portable Bouncerbecause its motion feels more natural than some of the other swings on our list and is uncomplicated to switch between a swing and a bouncer.
There is also one swing on our list that converts into a rocker: theGraco Soothe My Way Swing With Removable Rocker. Like bouncers, rockers enable parents to move their baby throughout the house without having to carry the entire swing. We especially like that both of the rockers on our list vibrate when detached from the swing, which adds another element of comfort for babies.
Important Safety Information
Just like baby swings, you should always supervise your babywhile in a rockerand never let them fall asleep in one. The position they are in could cause them to roll their head forward and prevent them from being able to breathe, orpositional asphyxiation.
How to Check for Recalls
When purchasing a baby swing, parents should always make sure the product hasn’t been recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Dr. Hoffman advises parents to do this by visitinghttps://www.saferproducts.gov/.
In 2019 and again in 2023, Fisher-Price and Kids2recalled millions of rockersafter infant deaths were reported following their use.One swing on our list, theGraco Soothe My Way Swing with Removable Rocker, converts into a rocker but has not been recalled.
In 2022, 4Moms recalled more than 2 million MamaRoo and Rockaroo Infant Swings due to strangulation hazards. Although the4Moms MamaRoois one of our selections, the model we chose (1046) was not involved in this recall.
Special Features
Baby swings typically come with a variety of special features that can be quite helpful in certain circumstances. For example, our best overall pick, theIngenuity InLighten Soothing Swing, has a reclining seat that rotates 360 degrees, making it convenient for parents to see their baby from different angles.
If you’re looking for a high-tech swing, we recommend the4moms MamaRoo Multi-Motion Baby Swingbecause it’s controlled through an app that can recommend swing modes based on the way you sway while holding your baby. While many of the swings on our list play music or nature sounds, others, like theJool Baby Nova Baby Swing, have Bluetooth capabilities to allow parents and caregivers to stream their own music through the swing. This feature is also available on the4moms MamaRoo Multi-Motion Baby Swingand theMunchkin Infant Swing.
While most baby swings run on electricity, a few are battery-operated, which makes them especially convenient for parents who want to move or transport the swing. For example, theMunchkin Infant Swingcomes with a lithium-ion battery and is small and lightweight enough to carry with one hand. The fact that it’s not tied to an outlet means parents can move the swing as often as they’d like to wherever they need it to go.
Weight Limit
In general, the weight limit for baby swings tends to range between 20-30 pounds. However, the swings on our list have weight limits that range from 20-25 pounds.
Why Trust Verywell Family
Laura Lu, M.S.is an experienced health writer who has a Master of Science degree in Health Communication. Her work has appeared in publications like The New York Times, Media Psychology, Brit+Co, and Parents.com, to name a few. After her son was born, she purchased a 4Moms MamaRoo and later, an Ingenuity InLighten Soothing Swing for her daughter. She is passionate about helping parents learn about the safety precautions they should follow when using a baby swing, especially the importance of limiting their baby’s time in one.