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.

The 7 Best Baby Swings of 2023

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

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Best Swing-Bouncer Combo:

Graco DuetSoothe Swing and Rocker at Amazon

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Best Compact:

Graco Soothe My Way Swing at Amazon

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Best Portable:

Ingenuity Fanciful Forest Swing at Amazon

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Best Musical:

Ingenuity DreamComfort InLighten at Amazon

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Best Tech:

Munchkin Baby Swing at Amazon

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Best Gliding:

Graco Glider LX Baby Swing at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
How We Selected
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Family

Amazon

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: $110_{Dimensions:
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}

Courtesy of Amazon

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}

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}

Courtesy of Walmart

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}

Courtesy of Amazon

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}

Courtesy of Amazon

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}

Courtesy of Amazon

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}

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.

Vibration
Swing speed
White 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.

Best Overall

Graco Simple Sway Swing

Best Swing-Bouncer Combo

Graco DuetSoothe Swing and Rocker

Best Compact

Graco Soothe My Way Swing

Best Portable

Ingenuity Fanciful Forest Comfort 2 Go Portable Swing

Best Musical

Ingenuity DreamComfort InLighten Cradling Swing

Best Tech

Munchkin Bluetooth Enabled Lightweight Baby Swing with Natural Sway

Best Gliding

Graco Glider LX Baby Swing