The 8 Best Baby Swings of 2022

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.

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.