7 Best Baby Swings, According to Parents Who've Tried and Loved Them
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When your arms start to feel like they might fall off from rocking your little one for hours a day, you might consider investing in a baby swing.
Like bouncers, jumpers and activity centers, swings can be incredibly helpful for multi-tasking parents. Thishefty piece of baby gear (though some models are compact) can soothe, entertain and distract your little one while you get things done around the house or get that much-needed break you’ve been craving. But it’s critical to always keep a close eye on your little one while she’s swinging away.
“Babies should always be supervised while in a swing,” says Gina Posner, M.D., a board-certified pediatrician practicing at MemorialCare Medical Group in Fountain Valley, California and member of the What to Expect Medical Review Board.
How we chose the best swings
In order to find you the best baby swings, we relied on the insight from parents (and their babies) who have used and loved them. To do so, we canvassed the What to Expect community boards to learn which swings parents felt were easiest to set up and use, and the most comfortable and soothing for baby.
As with any piece of baby furniture, safety is of the utmost importance when choosing a baby swing. We referenced product safety guidelines from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and spoke to Gina Posner, M.D., a board-certified pediatrician practicing at MemorialCare Medical Group in Fountain Valley, California and member of the What to Expect Medical Review Board for further safety guidance.
Baby Swing Safety
There are a number of important safety considerations to keep in mind when shopping for and using baby swings. Here’s what all parents should know:
- Be cautious if shopping second-hand. Swings can be expensive and have a relatively short lifespan, so parents sometimes accept hand-me-down activity centers from friends or purchase them used. If you go this route, be sure to search the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) database to make sure that the product hasn't been recalled. Also make sure the swing still has all the pieces so it can be assembled correctly.
- Look for a safe design. The cradle surface of a swing should stay fairly flat while it’s moving so your baby can’t fall out of it. It also shouldn’t be able to tip over easily, should have shoulder straps if it can be adjusted to more than a 50-degree angle and mobile toys shouldn’t be pulled off easily.
- Never let your baby sleep in a swing. Should your little one fall asleep in her swing, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says caregivers should move the child to a firm sleep surface such as a crib or bassinet as soon as possible.
- Use the most reclined setting for newborns. According to the AAP, babies under age 4 months should always be positioned in the most reclined level of the swing to avoid slumping over, which could make it hard for them to breathe.
- Supervise your baby closely. Swings can be fun and soothing for babies, but your child should still be closely supervised when using these products.
- Place it in a clear, open space. Make sure nothing is within reach of the swing that your baby could potentially grab, such as cords or blinds.
- Limit their use. Prolonged use of swings can cause a baby’s still-soft head to develop flat spots. So make sure to use swings occasionally while also mixing in plenty of floor play and tummy time.
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What to Expect is the world’s most trusted pregnancy and parenting brand for a reason. Our product recommendations are based on expert parent insight, advice from medical professionals and feedback from the millions of parents and parents-to-be in our community. Our editors adhere to the highest research and reporting standards and our team of vetted OB/GYNs, pediatricians and other health professionals ensure our recommended products are safe and effective for you and your baby.
Best Overall Baby Swing
Graco Soothe 'n Sway LX Baby Swing with Portable Bouncer
- Two-in-one model
- Slimmer profile than many other swings
- Comes with portable bouncer
- Heavy in swing mode
- Basic toy bar
What to Expect community members mention the Graco Soothe ‘n Sway more than any other baby swing, and for good reason. Not only is this an excellent swing, but it also doubles as a bouncer, making it an amazing value: If you were deciding whether or not to get a swing or a bouncer, you can check both boxes here.
In swing mode, the Graco Soothe ‘n Sway has three adjustable speeds in the side-by-side motion, three recline options and two vibration settings, as well as sounds and songs. If your little one prefers a front-to-back movement, you can switch the swing over to bouncer mode. As a swing, it’s not exactly portable; it weighs 18 pounds and has a bulky shape. But the bouncer is reasonably easy to move around the house, parents say, especially thanks to its helpful carry handle.
While you wouldn’t exactly call The Graco Soothe ‘n Sway compact, its footprint in swing mode is on the smaller size compared to similar models. It has a shorter profile, too, so it feels like it takes up less space in a room. (It’s nearly half as tall as the similar Graco DuetSoothe Swing and Rocker, for example, which we’ve featured later on this list.) The fact that this is a two-in-one model also makes the size feel more manageable, parents say, because you just have one big item in your space rather than two.
Dimensions: 29.25 x 36.5 x 36.5 inches
Product Weight: 18 lbs.
Age/Weight Range: Until 25 lbs. or 30 inches, or until baby can sit up unaided or tries to climb out
Power Source: Wall outlet or batteries
Most Affordable Baby Swing
Bright Starts Portable Automatic 6-Speed Baby Swing
- Quiet swing
- six swing settings
- two recline settings
- toys included
- Lower weight limit than some other swings
Baby swings can cost hundreds of dollars, making the Bright Starts Portable Automatic 6-Speed Baby Swing one of the more affordable swings on the market. But despite its lower price, you’ll still be getting a high-quality swing that’s soothing for your little one.
This swing has two recline positions, six melodies that parents say are very calming, as well as the brand’s WhisperQuiet technology to ensure the motor doesn’t make distracting noises. This is also one of the most lightweight baby swings — it weighs just 4 pounds — and has a compact, portable design and low profile. Parents say it’s uncomplicated to assemble and you can easily carry it from room to room.
Note that the mobile is a little more basic on this swing, with just two hanging toys. You also only have the option to use batteries with this model, so you’ll have to make sure to have plenty in the house.
Dimensions: 28.74 x 22.64 x 26.77 inches
Product Weight: 4 lbs.
Age/Weight Range: Between 6 lbs. Up to 20 lbs., or until baby can sit up unaided or tries to climb out
Power Source: Batteries
Best Baby Swing for Small Spaces
Munchkin Bluetooth Enabled Lightweight Baby Swing
- Easy assembly
- Bluetooth enabled
- Touch screen
- Sleek design
- Remote control
- Mobile costs extra
The Munchkin Bluetooth Enabled Lightweight Baby Swing is one of the more expensive baby swings on this list, but with a higher price tag comes some seriously high-tech features. In addition to five levels of motion and gentle side-by-side movement, the swing is Bluetooth-enabled so you can play your own music from your phone instead of relying on a premade playlist. It also has a handy remote control and touch screen, which parents say is intuitive and easy to operate.
While its footprint is comparable to other swings, the Munchkin Swing stands out for being easy to disassemble (it breaks down quickly into two large parts) and compact when folded up; you can easily slide it under a bed or couch to keep it out of the way when not in use. For this reason, it’s a popular pick among families who live in small spaces.Parents also rave about how stylish this swing is, as well as how its lower profile makes it feel less obtrusive in a room.
The downside is that for the price, many parents say they wish their babies could use it for longer. The maximum weight is 20 pounds, which is lower than some other models on this list. (The Nuna Leaf, for example, has a similar design but can be used until your baby is 130 pounds.) You also have to pay extra for features like a toy bar, which is not included.
Dimensions: 23.6 x 23.6 x 15 inches
Product Weight: 8.6 lbs.
Age/Weight Range: Between 5 and 20 lbs., or until baby can sit up unaided or tries to climb out
Power Source: Lithium ion batteries
Best Rocker/Swing Combo
Graco DuetSoothe Swing and Rocker
- Two-in-one product
- Great value
- Multiple power sources
- Wider footprint
Many parents find themselves deciding between a swing and a rocker seat, making the Graco DuetSoothe Swing and Rocker an ideal option. A popular pick in the What to Expect community, the Graco DuetSoothe has three positions, a vibration function, music and nature sounds, and an engaging overhead mobile.
But its best feature is that the seat can be detached and used as a portable rocker with a carry handle that’s easy to take from room to room. As a result, your baby has the option to swing side to side in swing mode, as well as back and forth in the seat. Many parents also appreciate that you can use either batteries or plug it in, so you don’t have to worry about running out of juice.
Although the rocker itself is portable and lightweight, the full-size swing is on the larger size, with a footprint that’s bigger than some others on this list. If you live in a small space, you might opt for a different baby swing.
Dimensions: 33 x 34 x 43 inches
Product Weight: 18 lbs.
Age/Weight Range: Swing, from 5.5 to 30 lbs., or until baby can sit up unaided or tries to climb out; rocker, from 5.5 to 25 lbs
Power Source: Wall outlet or 4 D batteries
Best Gliding Baby Swing
Graco Glider LX Baby Swing
- Gliding motion mimics feeling of being held
- Has sounds and songs
- Vibration setting only works with batteries
The Graco Glider LX Baby Swing has a gliding motion that mimics the feeling your baby experiences when she’s cuddled up in your arms. It has two-speed vibration, 10 classic melodies, five nature sounds and six gliding speeds to allow you to find the right setting to keep her relaxed and engaged.
The unique frame is designed to take up 40 percent less space than other swings, so it fits in tight spaces around the house (hooray for less clutter!). The option to plug it in will help you save a fortune on batteries, or opt for convenience and use batteries to move the glider around. It also has a plush seat and three reclining positions to give your little one maximum comfort.
One criticism a few parents have about this swing is its toy bar, which is a little more basic. And some reviewers say they wish the swing moved side to side or back and forth in a standard swing motion in addition to the glide; if you think your baby would prefer a traditional swinging movement, one of the other options on this list might be better.
Dimensions: 30.7 x 25.5 x 36.1 inches
Product Weight: 18 lbs.
Age/Weight Range: From 5.5 lbs. to 30 lbs., or until baby can sit up unaided or tries to climb out
Power Source: Batteries
Most Versatile Baby Swing
Nuna Leaf Grow Seat
- Motor-free design makes it super quiet
- Long-term use
- High weight limit
- Popular with toddlers
- Motor-free design means it’ll only swing for about two minutes on its own
- Expensive
This baby seat takes its inspiration from a leaf floating in the breeze (you get relaxed just thinking about it!). This motor-free swing has three reclining positions for your little one to relax in, and you can lock it into a stationary spot, too.
This is the most expensive swing on our list, but many parents say the higher price tag is worth it; unlike other baby swings, this one actually grows with your child.Once your baby can sit upright and climb out of the seat, the chair can be moved to a reclined seat for relaxing. The chair has a maximum weight limit of 130 pounds (!), which means your toddler (and preschooler, and school-aged kid) can continue enjoying it for years to come.
If you’re looking for a portable swing, this is not it — the Nuna Leaf weighs 15 pounds, making it one of the heavier options on this list, and its bulky size makes it difficult to transport even from room to room. Some parents also note that the toy bar is a bit basic, so this may not entertain babies as much as other swings. But if you’re looking for a seat that swings and can be used for longer than the typical 0- to 9-month window, the Nuna Leaf may be worth investing in.
Dimensions: 27.5 x 31 x 17.5 inches
Product Weight: 15.5 lbs.
Age/Weight Range: From birth until 130 lbs.
Power Source: N/A
Best Baby Swing for Travel
Ingenuity Compact Lightweight Portable Baby Swing
- Relatively affordable
- Folds easily
- Music and nature sounds
- Some reviewers say it goes through batteries quickly
- Swing movement is slower
- Hard to assemble
When it comes to baby swings, the Ingenuity Compact Lightweight Portable Swing checks a lot of boxes: The 7-pound swing has five swing speeds, eight melodies and three nature sounds, as well as a timer setting. At $100, the Ingenuity Compact is on the more reasonable end for swings, too. Plus, it has over 11,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, with countless reviewers say that it’s engaging for babies.
Unlike most baby swings, Ingenuity Compact has a smaller overall footprint and can be easily folded. Once folded, it’s compact enough to put in the trunk of a car and take with you on a trip to Grandma’s house, though you probably wouldn’t want to carry it on a plane. Reviewers say it’s space efficient and about as portable as a baby swing can get.
The downside is that this swing isn’t the easiest to assemble — multiple parents say it’s tricky and requires very close attention to install all of the pieces correctly. The overall movement is also slower than comparable swings, reviewers say.
Dimensions: 22 x 23.5 x 23 inches
Product Weight: 7 lbs.
Age/Weight Range: From 6 lbs. to 20 lbs., or until baby can sit up unaided or tries to climb out
Power Source: Batteries
What to Look For In a Baby Swing
When buying a baby swing, leading experts and What to Expect community members say you need to consider the following:
- Space: Swings aren’t exactly streamlined, and tend to have larger dimensions than similar products like bouncers or jumpers. We included product dimensions below and also featured a few swings that have a smaller footprint. Just keep in mind that if you live in a small space, a bouncer would likely be a better fit, since they tend to take up less room than swings and are also easier to fold up and store.
- Entertainment: Babies can be very particular, and even some of the most popular swing won't be a hit with every infant. Still, we looked to include swings that had mostly positive reviews for being entertaining and engaging for little ones, with bonus points for products with extra features like soothing sounds, music or toys.
- Cost: Swings tend to be a big-ticket baby item, but more affordable options exist. We’ve included swings at a range of price points to fit all budgets.
FAQs
What age can a baby use a swing?
Dr. Posner says a baby can use a swing as a newborn, so long as it has a fully reclined position. If the swing can’t fully recline, you should wait until your baby meets the minimum weight requirement and/or is at least 4 months old and can hold her head up without support.
Babies also need to weigh less than the item's limit (typically under 25 pounds, but each product is different) and not yet have the ability to try to climb out (this usually happens around 9 months).
How long can a baby be in a swing?
Your baby needs interaction, play and exploration, including plenty of daily tummy time to strengthen her muscles. Too much time in a swing or bouncer can also cause your little one's soft head to develop flat spots.
The AAP doesn't have an official stance on how much time a baby should spend in these types of products, but Dr. Posner recommends keeping your baby in a swing for up to 30 minutes at a time, “no longer than an hour total a day,” she says.
Remember, too, that you should supervise your baby closely when she’s in a swing, bouncer, activity center or other gear.
What are the different types of baby swings?
Baby swings are really pretty straightforward — they’re simply gadgets that somehow rock baby back and forth, back and forth. Still, they can differ in a few ways:
- Full-size baby swings: These swings typically have larger footprints and plug into the wall. Some hang from stands, while others are freestanding. Either way, these are typically the more powerful baby swings and have multiple speeds and features.
- Portable baby swings: These swings are generally smaller and more compact. Often, they’re powered by batteries.
- Bouncers: These baby swings are typically manual and rely on your hand or foot for propulsion. Though they undoubtedly require more effort on your part, they can still be great tools for soothing baby or keeping them entertained.
Can a baby sleep in a swing?
Babies should never sleep in a swing. Like bouncers, jumpers, loungers, strollers and car seats, swings aren’t considered a safe sleep space according to the AAP. The incline on these types of products can cause baby to slump over while she sleeps, which could make it difficult for her to breathe. If your little one dozes off in her swing, transfer her to a firm, flat sleep surface right away, such as a bassinet, crib or playard.
- WhatToExpect.com, Tummy Time for Baby, March 2022.
- WhatToExpect.com, Safe Sleep for Babies, June 2022.
- American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Inclined Sleepers, Crib Bumpers & Other Baby Registry Items to Avoid, January 2023.
- American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Safe and sound: tips for using infant swings, January 2013.
- American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe: AAP Policy Explained, June 2022.
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Infant Swings Business Guidance & Small Entity Compliance Guide, 2023.
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