Toys & Gifts Infants & Toddlers The 7 Best Baby Swings of 2023 By Ashley Ziegler Ashley Ziegler LinkedIn Ashley Ziegler is a lifestyle writer specializing in motherhood, family health, and consumer products. She has written for Romper, Moms.com, and more. Learn about our editorial process and Katrina Cossey Katrina Cossey Katrina Cossey is a freelance writer covering topics ranging from local and national news as well as writing and researching for parenting content. Learn about our editorial process Updated on November 27, 2022 Medically reviewed by Lyndsey Garbi, MD Medically reviewed by Lyndsey Garbi, MD LinkedIn Lyndsey Garbi, MD, is a pediatrician who is double board-certified in pediatrics and neonatology. Learn about our Medical Review Board Fact checked by Marley Hall Fact checked by Marley Hall LinkedIn Marley Hall is a writer and fact-checker who is certified in clinical and translational research. Her work has been published in medical journals in the field of surgery, and she has received numerous awards for publication in education. Learn about our editorial process Print We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products. Healthcare professionals review articles for medical accuracy. Learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Verywell / Sabrina Jiang During the early days of parenthood, knowing how to soothe your baby is key to your own survival, and many babies tend to calm down when they’re snuggled up in a baby swing. Swings have become almost essential for many new parents, thanks to features like recline positions, remote controls, and sound options, making them a great addition to a baby registry. Note, however, that babies should not sleep in swings, carriers, bouncers, or rockers, and that any sleep surface should have a maximum inclination of 10 degrees, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Reviewed & Approved The Graco Simple Sway Swing is budget-friendly and can be plugged into the wall or powered by battery, meaning you can move it around the house. For a swing that doubles as a bouncer, we suggest the Graco DuetSoothe Swing and Rocker. "Infant swings are valuable to parents who need or want help soothing a fussy baby or need a safe place for their child to spend time," Amanda Abramczyk-Thill, Injury Prevention Specialist at Children’s Hospital Colorado and Safe Kids Worldwide Coalition Coordinator, tells Verywell Family. While fun accessories are enticing, the right safety features are of utmost importance when looking for a baby swing. Parents should pay attention to weight and height limits as well as straps. When reviewing products, we researched value, safety, additional features, and material. To get your little one swinging comfortably, we found the best baby swings on the market now. Important Safety Note Swings are not meant to be used as a substitute for a baby crib and shouldn’t be slept in. According to the CPSC's Safety Standard, infant sleep products must have a sleep surface angle no "greater than 10 degrees from horizontal." If your little one does fall asleep in a swing, move them immediately to a sleep surface on their back, with no surrounding bedding or soft objects. You should discontinue the use of the swing when your baby is old enough to roll over, even if they have not met the age or weight limit suggested by the manufacturer. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Graco Simple Sway Swing at Amazon Jump to Review Best Swing-Bouncer Combo: Graco DuetSoothe Swing and Rocker at Amazon Jump to Review Best Compact: Graco Soothe My Way Swing at Amazon Jump to Review Best Portable: Ingenuity Fanciful Forest Swing at Amazon Jump to Review Best Musical: Ingenuity DreamComfort InLighten at Amazon Jump to Review Best Tech: Munchkin Baby Swing at Amazon Jump to Review Best Gliding: Graco Glider LX Baby Swing at Amazon Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks How We Selected What to Look For FAQ Why Trust Verywell Family Best Overall Graco Simple Sway Swing Amazon View On Amazon View On Buybuy BABY Pros Five-point harness Multiple speed and vibration options Includes removable toys Cons Poor assembly directions Must be manually turned off (no auto shut-off) Cannot be folded Your baby will stay cozy and relaxed in this simple swing by Graco, which has a five-point harness, side-to-side swinging, and six different speed options. When they need a little extra calming, you can choose from two vibration settings and play one of 15 sound options. The swing also comes with a removable toy mobile and has a deep, cozy seat that’s designed for proper support. Price at time of publication: $110Dimensions:Key Specs: 30 x 31 x 38 inches | Item Weight: 17 pounds | Age Range: Newborn to 18 months | Weight Limit: 5.5 to 30 pounds | Power: Battery Best Swing-Bouncer Combo Graco DuetSoothe Swing and Rocker Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Babylist.com Pros Also functions as a rocker Multiple speed and vibration options Removable mobile Cons Noisy Swing may begin to make clicking sound Not compact (takes up more space) This 2-in-1 swing can transform into a rocker in a snap. When it’s converted into a swing, it can sway side-to-side or back-and-forth, has six different speed options, and a removable mobile. The seat itself has two vibration settings and 15 soothing songs and sounds that can be used in swing or rocker mode. To convert it into a rocker, simply dismount the seat from the swing frame and place it on the floor where it will rock back and forth in response to the baby’s movement. When it’s in rocker mode, it also has a handle for bringing the baby from room to room with you. The seat is equipped with a five-point harness for extra safety. Price at time of publication: $180 Key Specs:Dimensions: 30.8 x 24.5 x 36 inches | Item Weight: 21 pounds | Age Range: Newborn to 23 months | Weight Limit: 4 to 30 pounds | Power: Rechargeable Battery Best Compact Graco Soothe My Way Swing View On Amazon View On Buybuy BABY View On Bed Bath & Beyond Pros Eight different soothing motions Also functions as a rocker Multi-directional seat Cons Costly Music/sounds may be too loud or quiet for some Lifting seat off base can be difficult The Graco Soothe My Way is more than just your average baby swing—it can also transform into a removable rocker. Instead of buying the two separately, you can simply remove the rocker from the swing by lifting up on the seat. With eight soothing motions and two directions, baby can use the swing 16 different ways while enjoying more than a dozen sounds and songs. Price at time of publication: $210 Key Specs:Dimensions: 25.5 x 28 x 35 inches | Item Weight: 22.5 pounds | Age Range: Newborn to 9 months | Weight Limit: 5.5 to 25 pounds (swing) and 5.5 to 18 pounds (rocker) | Power: Battery Best Portable Ingenuity Fanciful Forest Comfort 2 Go Portable Swing Courtesy of Walmart View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Buybuy BABY Pros Multiple speed settings Five-point harness Built-in timer Cons Only uses batteries May be too upright for smaller babies Swing may stop without timer set For families who travel, this portable swing easily folds down for easy transport. When it’s set up, it has a five-point harness and two recline positions. The seat features a speed adjusting sensor that is based on your little one's weight. The seat has a swing timer that can be set to 30, 45, or 60 minutes, eight adorable song and sound options, and a removable toy bar for extra fun. Price at time of publication: $75 Key Specs:Dimensions: 22.5 x 28.5 x 23 inches | Item Weight: 9.11 pounds | Age Range: 1 month to 9 months | Weight Limit: 20 pounds | Power: Batteries The 7 Best Travel High Chairs for Families on the Go Best Musical Ingenuity DreamComfort InLighten Cradling Swing Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Target Pros Built-in timer Quiet operation Rotates 180 degrees Cons Batteries not included Difficult to clean Seat cover can be difficult to remove With this swing, you can soothe baby with the built-in eight songs and sounds or you can connect your phone and play your tot's favorite custom playlist. Getting baby to chill will be a breeze thanks to the vibration options, two reclining positions, three swing directions, and six swing speeds. You can set a 30, 45, or 60-minute swing timer, which you may not even notice because the swing itself is designed to be whisper quiet. When it’s set up, the swing rotates 180 degrees so you can always have your eyes on the baby, and when it’s not in use, the swing easily folds down to stow away until next time. Price at time of publication: $180 Key Specs:Dimensions: 35.7 x 34.3 x 41.1 inches | Item Weight: 23.46 pounds | Age Range: Newborn and up | Weight Limit: 20 pounds | Power: Battery or AC Adapter The 8 Best Baby Bouncers of 2023 Best Tech Munchkin Bluetooth Enabled Lightweight Baby Swing with Natural Sway Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Bed Bath & Beyond Pros Includes remote Bluetooth compatible Folds down easy for storage Cons No vibrating options Only 3-point harness (not five) Fabric on swing itself is not machine washable When the baby has lots of energy and you are utterly exhausted, you can keep them entertained in this swing with the push of a remote button. The seat sways side-to-side at five different speeds, has 12 sounds and songs preloaded but can also connect to your phone via Bluetooth to play your baby’s favorite playlist. The seat is equipped with a three-point harness and easily folds down flat for storage when it’s not in use. Price at time of publication: $200 Key Specs:Dimensions: 23.6 x 23.6 x 15 inches | Item Weight: 8.6 pounds | Age Range: Not Listed | Weight Limit: 5 to 20 pounds | Power: AC Adapter Best Gliding Graco Glider LX Baby Swing Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Buybuy BABY Pros Multiple speed and vibration options Five-point harness Adjustable recline Cons Vibration options are battery operated Not travel-friendly Cannot connect to Bluetooth This swing is designed to gently sway just like a glider. Its design looks more like a rocker than a standard swing but offers the same features like six sway speeds, two vibration settings, and 15 songs and sounds. The seat has a five-point harness to make sure the baby stays safe, volume control for sounds, and a timer. The swing also includes a removable toy bar and has an adjustable recline. Price at time of publication: $150 Key Specs:Dimensions: 28 x 24.5 x 36 inches | Item Weight: 17.9 pounds | Age Range: Not Listed | Weight Limit: 5.5 to 30 pounds | Power: AC Adapter or Batteries The 9 Best Nursery Gliders of 2023 Final Verdict The best swing for you depends on your lifestyle and baby's size and age, but in general, you’ll definitely get what you need (and more) from the Fisher-Price Fox Cradle ‘n Swing (view at BuyBuy Baby). Complete with 16 songs and sounds and six speeds to choose from, the swing is customizable to match any mood or setting. The Graco DuetSoothe Swing and Rocker (view at Amazon) is a wonderful option if you're looking for an alternative that can multitask, as it can swing both side-to-side and back-and-forth, and it can also function as a portable rocker with a carry handle. How We Rated the Best Baby Swings 4.8 to 5 stars: These are the best baby swings we reviewed. 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. How We Selected the Best Baby Swings We chose the best baby swings by researching reviews from customers and competitors, and we studied the features of dozens of products on the market. We considered price, design, safety features, age recommendations, and material when deciding our picks. We also consulted with Amanda Abramczyk-Thill, Injury Prevention Specialist at Children’s Hospital Colorado and Safe Kids Worldwide Coalition Coordinator, for any considerations or product recommendations while reviewing guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics on baby swing safety. What to Look for When Buying a Baby Swing Safety Features Before shopping for a baby swing, it’s important for parents and caregivers to outline what safety features they should look for in a swing, like weight/height limit, straps, and reclining features. "The most important things parents should consider when purchasing an infant swing for these purposes is to ensure the swing meets the latest safety standards," Abramczyk-Thill tells Verywell Family, adding parents and caregivers should check for any recalls. Double-check the swing’s weight and height limit to ensure your baby fits within the limits and it is safe for them to use. Straps are also a vital piece of safety on a baby swing as they prevent your baby from slipping or falling out. "Ensure that the straps fit appropriately and that the infant is of the recommended weight and length for the swing," Abramczyk-Thill says. Additionally, to avoid babies from slumping over and accidentally suffocating, infants under the age of four months should be in the most reclined position while in a baby swing. Harness and Seat Type Baby swings feature different types of seats for little ones. Some seats are low to the floor to prevent your baby from falling out of the swing which could be best for older babies that are becoming more mobile. There are also hanging seats that act as an actual swing to help babies relax comfortably while giving parents and caregivers a break from holding the baby. These types of seats are ideal for younger babies who can benefit from the soothing swaying of the swing safely. When it comes to the depth of a baby seat, a deep seat is going to hold more of a baby’s body while a shallow seat may let their feet dangle while they're in their swing. Younger babies tend to like a deeper seat that cradles their body while shallower seats allow parents to pick up their little ones easily. As for harnesses, baby swings typically feature a 3-point or 5-point harness. A 3-point harness wraps around your baby's waist and buckles with a flap between their legs. They will still have upper body movement but will be secure around their waist. A 5-point harness has straps on the baby’s shoulders and hips, which all connect through a strap between the baby’s legs and is considered to be a safer option. Soothing Features Baby swings offer several different types of features to help soothe babies. If you’re in the market for a baby swing, look for these soothing features. VibrationSwing speedWhite noise Music No matter what baby swing you decide to go with, it’s important to know babies should never sleep in a swing. "If the baby falls asleep in a swing, it’s important for the parent or caregiver to remove the child from the swing and move them to a firm sleep surface," Abramcyzk-Thill says. Frequently Asked Questions Are baby swings safe? When they are used for their intended purpose, baby swings are safe. Babies should be supervised whenever they are in them, and parents/caregivers should move the baby to the crib if it appears they're falling asleep in the swing. Can a baby sleep in a swing? No, babies should not sleep in swings; if they do, "it’s important for the parent or caregiver to remove the child from the swing and move them to a firm sleep surface," Amanda Abramczyk-Thill, Injury Prevention Specialist at Children’s Hospital Colorado and Safe Kids Worldwide Coalition Coordinator says.CPSC's Safety Standard for Infant Sleep Products also states that sleep surfaces should have a maximum inclination of "10 degrees from horizontal."The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) also advises parents to move their baby to a flat surface if their baby appears drowsy or has fallen asleep in the swing. They are not meant to replace cribs and do not align with the AAP’s safe sleep guidelines. Why Trust Verywell Family Ashley Ziegler is a full-time parenting writer, mom to a 1 and a 4-year-old, and she has personal experience in researching and using baby swings. Key considerations she used when selecting these recommendations include safety, functionality, pricing, and purchaser reviews. 8 Sources Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Safety Standard for Infant Sleep Products 86FR 33022. Published June 23, 2021 (effective June 23, 2022). CPSC document number 2021-12723. Korioth T, Writer S. Health Alerts: Infant sleep positioners, bouncer seats, and more. Korioth T, Writer S. Health Alerts: Infant sleep positioners, bouncer seats, and more. AAP Korioth T. Safe and sound: tips for using infant swings. AAP News. 2013;34(1):25-25. Infant Swing Safety. Healthfully. How to keep your sleeping baby safe: aap policy explained. HealthyChildren.org. Liaw P, Moon RY, Han A, Colvin JD. Infant deaths in sitting devices. Pediatrics. July 2019;144(1):e20182576. doi:10.1542/peds.2018-2576 American Academy of Pediatrics. How to keep your sleeping baby safe: AAP policy explained. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit