The 7 Best Baby Swings to Buy in 2018

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As much as you want to hug and kiss your baby all day long, there comes a time when you need to set your little one down. When you need to wash dishes, make a phone call, or just need a break, you'll need a safe and comfortable place to put your baby, and that is when the baby swing comes into play.

Baby swings are a great place to lay your baby down so they can watch you get stuff done. With many different models that rock, vibrate, swing, or go round and round, its tough to know what your little one will or won't like. Do you want something that can move a bunch of different ways so you are sure the baby will like it? Or do you want something basic that will get you through the next few months? Or perhaps you want a swing that also acts as a bouncer which will minimize your need for extra baby gear.

Before You Buy

The AAP has specific guidelines when using and purchasing a baby swing, so it's best to take a look at these before you place baby in there as well as take a thorough look at your instruction manual while keeping the weight restrictions in mind. You should always register your baby products with the manufacturer so you can be informed of any product recalls. Lastly, the AAP recommends in the safe sleep guidelines, if a baby falls asleep in the car seat, baby bouncer, or swing they should be moved to a firm sleep surface—like their bassinet—as soon as possible.

Whatever your needs, we have the best baby swings for you and your baby so you can both sit back and relax for a minute or perhaps two.

Best Overall: Fisher-Price Sweet Snugapuppy Dreams Cradle ‘n’ Swing

The Fisher-Price Sweet Snugapuppy Dreams Cradle ‘n’ Swing is one of the most popular baby swing options on the market because of its affordability, flexibility, and deep plush seat. It’s especially comfy-cozy compared to many of the other swings on the market, making it perfect for naps.

This swing also features a mirror and mobile, six different speed settings, two seating positions (one flat, one inclined), and 16 songs and nature sounds, including white noise for babies who can’t settle down for a nap without it. The Snugapuppy rocks side-to-side or back-to-front, depending on your baby’s preferences, and its SmartSwing Technology senses baby’s weight and starts rocking without a single push.

The Snugapuppy is machine washable and can be battery-operated or plugged in. Its major drawback is its size: It’s hefty, with a wide base, and takes up quite a bit of room so make sure you measure before adding this to your registry.

Best Baby Swing/Bouncer Combo: Ingenuity ConvertMe Ridgedale Swing-2-Seat

Want versatility in your baby swing? The Ingenuity ConvertMe Ridgedale Swing-2-Seat effortlessly transitions from swing to vibrating bouncer with minimal frustration. The Ridgedale Swing-2-Seat is also convenient for storage and travel, as it folds up flat with a single motion.

The ConvertMe Ridgedale is particularly customizable, with a wide variety of options available to fit your preferences. The Swing-2-Seat offers five swinging speeds, eight songs, and three nature sounds for you to choose from. To keep your baby entertained, there’s a hanging detachable toy and three extra loops if you’d like to hang up your little one’s favorites.

While the Ridgedale is battery-powered only, parents rave about the swing’s special technology that allows it to last three times longer than the average battery. Many users, tired of clicky motors and whirring noises, are also grateful for the Ridgedale’s WhisperQuiet system that keeps it virtually silent.

Best Budget: Graco Spaces Compact Swing

The Graco Slim Spaces Compacy Baby Swing is one of the most affordable baby swings on the market. It swings head to toe at adjustable speeds and folds up easily for transport, making it an ideal choice for travel or a day visiting family. It’s also slender and compact, which makes it a good option for apartments and small homes, and it features two hanging mobile toys to keep little ones entertained.

The Graco Slim Spaces Compact Baby Swing is battery-operated only, which frustrates some users (especially because the battery compartment is directly above the baby’s head), but in the way of convenience, it does have a machine washable pad. Other users say that the motor is a bit too noisy for their tastes, so if you’re looking for a silent or near-silent baby swing, the Linus isn’t your best choice.

Best for Small Spaces: Graco Simple Sway Baby Swing

If you’re short on space and don’t want your baby swing to crowd your compact home or apartment, Graco’s might be your best bet. The Graco Simple Sway Baby Swing, Abbington, easily fits through doorways and has a narrow frame, so it can nestle snugly in any available corner. It’s user-friendly and easily assembled, and can be either plugged in or battery-powered.

The Graco Abbington’s plush seat has a head support and safety harness to keep you peaceful, while 15 different songs and nature sounds will do the same for your little one (without getting overly repetitive!). Some parents wish it had more options for speeds, vibration, and motions, as it swings only from side to side and includes only one vibrational setting.

Best Baby Swing for Colic: Graco DuetSoothe Swing + Rocker, Winslet

Babies with colic are notoriously difficult to soothe. The Graco DuetSoothe Swing + Rocker, Winslet, allows for multiple seating positions, one of which allows colicky babies to rest in an upright position that many little ones find calming. Babies can swing head-to-toe or side-to-side, and the seat is removable, transitioning it from swing to rocker without having to risk waking a resting infant.

This swing is both customizable and powerful, with a strong rocking motion, ten soothing melodies, and two different vibrational speed settings. The Winslet has a handle, so it’s easy to carry from room to room, and can be powered by battery or by a wall outlet. Users say that, while it’s worth the effort, assembling the Graco Winslet isn’t as easy as it looks.

Best High-End: 4moms MamaRoo 4 Infant Seat

If you want all the bells and whistles and a few different movement options the MammaRoo is for you. The newly updated version has five movement modes which include car ride, kangaroo, wave, tree swing, and rock a bye that will help soothe your little one. Besides a range of motions, this is also Bluetooth enabled so you can control it from your phone if you can't otherwise get up to move it. The whole seat reclines so you can find that perfect angle your baby favors, plus it also has built in sounds and the option to connect your phone to play your favorite lullabies.

While many reviewers swear by this product a few note it wasn't worth the extra cost. Sadly, with baby swings, you won't know what works until you try it on your child, so if possible it might be best to let your baby try a friend's or go to a store before making a substantial purchase.

Best Portable Baby Swing: KidCo Swingpod Infant Portable Swaddle

Designed by a desperate father of a baby with colic, KidCo’s Swingpod, a portable swaddle and baby swing best for 0-6 months, is best in terms of portability and versatility. The Swingpod works as a baby swing as well as a swaddle and a portable changing pad. It’s easily packed into a diaper bag and can be used at Grandma’s house or even a restaurant.

Reviewers say the Swingpod soothed their baby like nothing else would, as it combines the coziness of a swaddle with the soothing rocking motion of a swing. The Swingpod requires minimal assembly—no fumbling around with parts—and is machine washable. And at $28.71, it’s certainly an affordable option for parents on a budget. The most common complaint is that it’s only designed for short-term usage and, since it’s manual rather than automatic, it can give parents a workout!