Babies Gear and Products The 9 Best Baby Swings of 2021 Give your arms a rest with these top picks 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 Updated on August 16, 2021 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 Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products, and articles are reviewed by healthcare professionals for medical accuracy. You can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. Verywell / Sabrina Jiang During the early days of parenthood, knowing how to soothe your baby is key to survival, and many babies tend to calm down when they’re snuggled up into a baby swing. Swings have become almost essential for many new parents, thanks to details like recline positions and sound options. 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. According to the AAP, swings are not meant to be used as a substitute for a crib and shouldn’t be slept in. If your little one does fall asleep in a swing, they should immediately be moved to a sleep surface on their back, with no surrounding bedding or soft objects. From the basic back-and-forth swinging to remote-controlled to smart swings that do a little bit of everything, there are so many to choose from. Here are some of the best options you can buy now. Good to Know 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: Fisher-Price Peek-A-Boo Fox Cradle 'n Swing at Buybuy BABY It checks the boxes by breaking down easily for storage or travel, and features six speeds and 16 songs tailored to baby's mood. Best Budget: Graco Simple Sway Swing at Amazon While budget-friendly, it doesn't skimp on features like a five-point harness, side-to-side swinging, and six speed options. Best Swing-Bouncer Combo: Graco DuetSoothe Swing and Rocker at Amazon You won't have to choose between a swing or bouncer with this hybrid, which features 6 speed options and 15 songs to choose from. Best Compact: Graco EveryWay Soother Baby Swing at Amazon You can easily remove the seat of the swing and use it as a rocker—or transport it from room to room with the convenient handle. Best High End: 4moms mamaRoo 4 Baby Swing at Amazon If you're willing to shell out a bit more for extra features, the pick includes 5 sway modes and multiple recline options. Best Portable: Ingenuity Fanciful Forest Swing at Buybuy BABY Ideal for parents who frequently travel or stay on-the-go, the portable swing folds down for easy transportation. Best Musical: Ingenuity DreamComfort InLighten at Amazon Soothe your little one with the right music, and this swing offers just that with its built-in songs and phone connectivity. Best Tech: Munchkin Baby Swing at Amazon Keep baby entertained with the push of a button with this swing, which boasts five speeds and bluetooth connectivity. Best Gliding: Graco Glider LX Baby Swing at Amazon The swing looks more like a rocker but offers the same features, including six sway speeds, two vibration settings, and 15 songs. Best Overall: Fisher-Price Peek-A-Boo Fox Cradle 'n Swing View On Buybuy BABY View On Walmart Pros Multiple speed options Three-point harness Folds down easy for storage Cons No vibrating options With six-speed settings and two-way swinging, your baby will stay soothed and entertained in this swing. To make the ride even more relaxing, you can choose from 16 different songs and sounds for your baby to listen to. It also comes equipped with a three-point harness and a removable mobile for extra playtime. When it’s not in use, this swing breaks down easily for storage. Dimensions: 36.49 x 40.23 x 44.01 inches | Item Weight: 4.4 pounds | Age Range: NB to 9M | Weight Limit: 25 pounds | Power: AC Adapter Best Budget: Graco Simple Sway Swing View On Amazon View On Buybuy BABY Pros Five-point harness Multiple speed and vibration options Includes removable toys Provides seat and head support Cons Poor assembly directions Your baby will stay cozy and relaxed in this cozy swing. With a five-point harness, side-to-side swinging, and six different speed options, your baby will be safely soothed. 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. Dimensions: 30 x 31 x 38 inches | Item Weight: 17 pounds | Age Range: NB to 18M | Weight Limit: 5.5 - 30 pounds | Power: Battery What Our Experts Say "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 Best Swing-Bouncer Combo: Graco DuetSoothe Swing and Rocker View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros Also functions as a rocker Multiple speed and vibration options Removable mobile Includes multiple songs and sounds Five-point harness Cons Noisy 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 an easy-to-carry handle so you can safely bring the baby from room to room with you. The seat is equipped with a five-point harness for extra safety. Dimensions: 30.8 x 24.5 x 36 inches | Item Weight: 21 pounds | Age Range: NB to 23M | Weight Limit: 4 - 30 pounds | Power: Rechargeable Battery The 8 Best Baby Bouncers of 2021 Best Compact: Graco EveryWay Soother Baby Swing with Removable Rocker View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros Also functions as a rocker Small footprint Multiple speed options Cons Seat does not lock into place With 16 relaxing and calming motions, your little one will flip from cranky to soothed with ease. The swing can move from side-to-side as well as front-to-back to help your baby relax. You can easily remove the seat of the swing and use it as a rocker on the floor as well as transport it from room to room with the convenient handle. Reviewers note that this swing is more compact than other options, which is great for smaller spaces. Dimensions: 28 x 25.5 x 35 inches | Item Weight: 22.5 pounds | Age Range: Not Listed | Weight Limit: 5.5 - 18 pounds | Power: AC Adapter The 8 Best Bassinets of 2021 Best High End: 4moms mamaRoo 4 Baby Swing View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros Multiple swing modes Includes multiple songs and sounds Three-point harness Bluetooth compatible Cons Expensive If you're willing to invest in a top-notch product, this swing is worth the splurge. It has five swing-sway modes including figure-8, side-to-side, and one big circle so you can find the right movement for your little one. The swing has multiple recline positions so you can find the position your baby likes best and four built-in song and sound options. The input jack to connect your phone along with Bluetooth technology allows you to play your own tunes from your device. The cozy seat has a three-point harness for safety and includes a removable toy bar to help keep your baby entertained. Dimensions: 33 x 19.5 x 25.5 inches | Item Weight: 18.5 pounds | Age Range: NB to 6M | Weight Limit: 25 pounds | Power: AC Adapter What Our Experts Say "Essentially, following device instructions and moving a baby to a safe, firm sleep surface when they fall asleep in them as soon as possible is important." -David L. Hill, M.D., FAAP, Spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics & Author of Co-Parenting Through Separation and Divorce: Putting Your Children First Best Portable: Ingenuity Fanciful Forest Comfort 2 Go Portable Swing View On Buybuy BABY View On Walmart Pros Travel-friendly Five-point harness Multiple speed options Built-in timer Cons Only uses batteries For parents who are traveling a lot, 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. Dimensions: 22.5 x 28.5 x 23 inches | Item Weight: 9.11 pounds | Age Range: 1M - 9M | Weight Limit: 20 pounds | Power: Batteries The 7 Best Travel High Chairs of 2021 Best Musical: Ingenuity DreamComfort InLighten Cradling Swing View On Amazon View On Buybuy BABY Pros Built-in timer Multiple speed options Quiet operation Rotates 180 degrees Cons Batteries not included With this swing, you can soothe your baby with the built-in eight songs and sounds or you can connect your phone so that you can play your tot's favorite custom playlist. Soothing your sweetie 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. Dimensions: 35.7 x 34.3 x 41.1 inches | Item Weight: 23.46 pounds | Age Range: NB+ | Weight Limit: 20 pounds | Power: Battery or AC Adapter Best Tech: Munchkin Bluetooth Enabled Lightweight Baby Swing with Natural Sway View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros Includes remote Multiple speed options Bluetooth compatible Three-point harness Folds down easy for storage Cons No vibrating options 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 so you can 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. Dimensions: 23.6 x 23.6 x 15 inches | Item Weight: 8.6 pounds | Age Range: Not Listed | Weight Limit: 5 - 20 pounds | Power: AC Adapter Best Gliding: Graco Glider LX Baby Swing View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros Multiple speed and vibration options Five-point harness Reclines Cons Vibration options are battery operated 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. Dimensions: 28 x 24.5 x 36 in | Item Weight: 17.9 lbs | Age Range: Not Listed | Weight Limit: 5.5 - 30 lbs | Power: AC Adapter or Batteries The 8 Best Nursery Gliders of 2021 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. If you're willing to shell out some extra bucks, the 4moms mamaRoo 4 Baby Swing (view at Amazon) features five sway modes, various recline positions, and Bluetooth connectivity for an endlessly soothing experience. 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," says Dr. Hill. 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. FAQs 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 should move the baby to the crib if it appears to be falling asleep in its swing. Can a baby 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," Abramczyk-Thill tells Verywell Family. 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. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Track your baby’s most exciting moments with our milestone checklist. Get it free when you sign up for our newsletter. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 5 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. 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. Updated December 23, 2020.