9 Best Baby Swings to Soothe Your Little One
Cradling baby in your arms as you sway back and forth is a time-tested soothing tactic. The gentle, rocking motion can calm even the fussiest of infants, helping to lull them back to sleep. But if your arms are aching and you can’t remember the last time you took a breather, it may be time to invest in a baby swing.
There are tons of baby swing options on the market, and the truth is: different babies like different ones. You can’t really plan for your little one’s swing preferences, but you can decide how many bells and whistles you want, what kind of footprint will work in your space and how much you’re willing to spend. To give you a head start, we’ve gathered all the information you need to know and rounded up the best baby swings you can buy right now. Shop our top picks for every budget, style and preference below—plus, read expert-backed advice and safety tips to keep top of mind.
Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, baby swings are not the same as rockers and bouncers. That said, some multi-use options offer a wide range of motions.
- Swing. A baby swing is a padded seat suspended from a sturdy frame. It can move side to side, back to front or in a circular pattern, and mimics the feeling of being rocked in a caregiver’s arms. Baby swings tend to be larger than other options and are often powered by a battery or electricity.
- Rocker. An automated baby rocker is essentially a miniature version of an adult rocking chair. It sits on a slanted or curved base and gently rocks back and forth to soothe your little one.
- Bouncer. A bouncer is a seat fixed on a wireframe that springs back and forth. Unlike a motorized swing or glider, this type doesn’t need to be connected to WiFi or plugged in. Instead, it’s propelled by baby’s own motion and the spring functionality.
To make sure your little love is as safe as can be as they glide, keep these safety tips in mind when assembling and using your baby swing:
- Setup. First, read the instruction manual carefully before beginning assembly. Loretta Cody, MD, a board-certified pediatrician based out of Greenwich, Connecticut, also reminds parents to securely attach any toys that come with the baby swing. “Do not add your own toys,” adds Cody, as these can pose a safety hazard.
- Placement. Cody advises parents that baby swings should be placed out of reach from windows, blind cords, electrical outlets or cords and heavy furniture. Make sure it’s put on a flat area of the floor, and that it’s away from foot traffic in your home.
- Recline setting. The ability to adjust the incline of the seat is an important safety feature. “If a baby is less than 4 months old they should be in a reclining position,” says Cody. This is because they haven’t yet developed the head and neck muscles to sit up. On the other hand, infants past the 4-month mark can be placed in a more upright position.
- Time limits. “Only use the swing for short periods of time,” says Cody. She suggests less than an hour a day, which can be split up into two half-hour sessions.
- Sleep. It’s also important to note that baby should never sleep in a swing. If baby falls asleep while buckled in, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises parents to move them to their crib or another appropriate flat surface as soon as it’s safe and practical. Moreover, remember to always supervise baby when they’re in a swing.
There are tons of great swings to choose from—from high-tech Bluetooth-enabled designs that rock and vibrate, to basic models that get the job done with less fanfare. You may be tempted to buy the first one you come across—especially if baby’s crying non-stop and you’re desperate for some downtime. But, before you make a decision, make sure you consider the factors listed below:
- Safety features. Opt for a baby swing with a sturdy base and a secure three- or five-point safety harness. Cody suggests that parents choose a design that’s low to the floor, with a wide base to prevent tipping. Another important point to consider: Cody reminds parents to check if the model they’re looking at has been recently recalled before purchasing.
- Cost: For a non-essential item, baby swings can be pretty expensive. They range in price from $50 for a basic swing to $300 for a model with all the bells and whistles. Remember, your little one may only use it for a short period of time. Check the height and weight limits to determine longevity of use before you invest in a high-end item.
- Comfort. You can spend a small fortune on a swing, but if baby doesn’t like the seat they’re sitting in, chances are their level of “chill” will be short-lived. That’s why you’ll want to make sure a swing’s materials are soft and breathable, the straps are secure but not uncomfortable and there are no itchy, irritating seams or tags.
- Portability. Baby should never be left unattended in a swing, so unless you want to be confined to one room, portability is key. The best baby swings are lightweight and easy to move around the house.
Now that you’ve got the lowdown on the key features and safety considerations, it’s time to browse our picks of the best baby swings. Whether you’re on the hunt for something portable, affordable or high-tech, we’ve got you covered. Here, find standout, soothing options to suit your family’s needs.
Best overall baby swing
The MamaRoo Multi-Motion Baby Swing is the Rolls Royce of baby swings. It’s a bit pricey, but it's worth its weight in gold. This new-and-improved model replicates the natural motions parents use to soothe baby, meaning you can give your arms a well-earned rest. It has four sound options, five speeds and a range of unique motions that include: car ride, tree, kangaroo, wave, rock-a-bye and tree swing. Better yet, the smart device is Bluetooth- and Amazon Alexa-compatible, meaning you can stream baby’s favorite song or adjust the speed and setting totally hands-free. With a five-point harness that converts to a three-point harness, it puts safety at the forefront.
Safety is of course of the utmost important when choosing a swing, and it’s important to note that this swing was not included in the 4moms recall of last year, nor does it share the problem that caused the recall; the recalled models had an issue with dangling restraint straps, which does not affect this swing’s five-point harness.
Weight: 15 lbs. | Dimensions: 26.25" (L) x 23.5" (W) x 35.5" (H) | Weight limit: 25 pounds
- Five motions and speeds, plus four calming sound
- Bluetooth-enabled for hands-free controls
- Convertible three- or five-point safety harness
- Adjust the seat, up to a fully reclined position
- Machine-washable seat cover
- High price point
- Not all babies enjoy all swings, and it’s a big investment for gear they may not love
Best smart swing
If you’re all about the smart-home gadgets, then a baby swing that measures up is a must. Enter: The Cassia Swing from Maxi Cosi. Using an automatic motion detector, it detects fussiness and responds with soothing motions to stop a major meltdown in its tracks—phew! Toggle between five speeds and 12 songs using the intuitive touch-screen control panel, and use the 360-degree rotation feature to keep baby within your line of sight. Not only does this baby swing weigh 10 lbs. (less than the family cat!), but it also has a space-saving frame that won’t take over your living room.
Weight: 10 lbs. | Dimensions: 27.95" (L) x 26.8" (W) x 34.65" (H) | Weight limit: 20 pounds
- Lightweight
- Sleek design
- Rotates 360 degrees
- Automatic motion detector senses when baby is fussy and activates the swing in response
- No white noise sound option
Best portable baby swing
The one problem with having a swing-loving baby? The fear of being somewhere without it. Thankfully, portable baby swings are a thing—and one of the best picks for on-the-go motion is this option from Ingenuity. It folds flat, so you can bring it along on playdates or toss it in the car for overnight trips. The swing also has a washable plush seat, six speeds and a soothing soundtrack. And with a price tag that’s under $85, this is a good one to stash at Grandma’s house!
Weight: 29 lbs. | Dimensions: 22.5" (L) x 28.5" (W) x 23" (H) | Weight limit: 20 pounds
- Compact fold
- Built-in toy bar
- Two recline positions
- Machine-washable seat
- Three-point safety harness
- Single swing motion
- It weighs a lot for a portable option
Another great portable baby swing
Another top-notch portable baby swing is this option from Jool Baby Products. Thanks to its straightforward assembly (and breathable mosquito net cover), the lightweight design can easily be set up in your living space, a relative’s backyard, a hotel room or anywhere in between. It doesn’t hurt that it has an aesthetically pleasing design to boot. We also love how it’s equipped with 10 lullabies, an auto-off timer, a built-in toy bar and that it comes with a remote control for added convenience. And when inevitable messes occur—don’t sweat it; the seat’s cover is machine-washable.
Weight: 10.8 lbs. | Dimensions: 25" (L) x 23" (W) x 20" (H) | Weight limit: 20 pounds
- Easy to assemble
- Bluetooth and USB-compatible so you can play music from your phone
- Comes with a mosquito net
- Machine-washable seat cover
- Higher price point than other portable baby swings
Best budget-friendly baby swing
Don’t want to spend a ton on something you’re not sure your little one will love (or use for very long)? We got you. This baby swing from Bright Starts has everything you need, including a price tag under $65. Your infant can relax in style with six swing settings, 10 melody options and an adorable animal-inspired toy bar. It even has a whisper-quiet motor and folds up when you want to stash it away. Another highlight: Weighing in at just 4 lbs., it’s the lightest option on the list.
Weight: 4.08 lbs. | Dimensions: 28.5" (L) x 22.5" (W) x 23" (H) | Weight limit: 20 pounds
- Lightweight
- Quiet motor
- Built-in toy bar
- Six swing settings
- Affordable price point
- Battery-operated
- Settings dial makes a loud noise when adjusted
Best 2-in-1 baby swing
Oh babies—they sure do come with a lot of stuff, which makes a two-for-one deal pretty appealing. The Graco DuetSoothe is a full-service baby swing with three reclining options, six swing speeds, a built-in sound machine and an adorable mobile. Plus—and this is a big plus—you can pop off the seat and use it as a portable rocking seat once your little needs a change of scenery (or you need to, say, grab a snack or go to the bathroom).
Weight: 21 lbs. | Dimensions: 34" (L) x 33" (W) x 43" (H) | Weight limit: 30 pounds
- Five-point safety harness
- Three swinging positions and six speeds
- Two vibration speeds
- 10 classical melodies and 5 nature sounds
- Doubles as a portable baby rocker
- Large footprint and heavy weight
Best bluetooth baby swing
The best baby swings are lightweight, compact and effective, of course—and this Bluetooth-enabled swing from Munchkin checks every box. It rocks from side-to-side with a gentle swaying motion that emulates a caregiver's smooth moves. At 8.6 lbs., this swing is one of the lightest we’ve seen, and it has a small footprint that won’t take up too much space. Better yet, it breaks down into two small pieces in mere seconds, meaning you can store it away or take it on the road with you. The digital display makes it easy to adjust the speed with the touch of a button, and a remote control allows you to change the settings from afar. Ever heard the expression that music soothes the wild beast? Well, it holds true for cranky babies too. This swing for babies comes preloaded with eight ambient sounds, plus four classical melodies (from Bach to Mozart) to calm your little one. You can even stream music from your phone for a customized playlist.
Weight: 8.6 lbs. | Dimensions: 23.6" (L) x 23.6" (W) x 15" (H) | Weight limit: 20 pounds
- Lightweight
- Five speeds
- Three-point safety harness
- Bluetooth-enabled
- Only one motion option
Best gliding baby swing
Some infants prefer being rocked in a nursery chair over the swaying motion of a parent’s arms. In which case, the Graco Glider LX may be the best baby swing for your family. It has two vibration settings, six gliding speeds and a collection of soothing sounds to choose from. Other features you’ll love: It can be plugged in or run on batteries, includes a five-point harness for safety and even comes with an adjustable toy bar to amuse your mini as they glide.
Weight: 17.9 lbs. | Dimensions: 28" (L) x 24.5" (W) x 36" (H) | Weight limit: 30 pounds
- Five-point safety harness
- Six gliding speeds and two vibration settings
- Preloaded with classical tunes and nature sounds
- Timer mode ensures the gilder is only on when you need it
- Assembly required
- Some customers report that the motor is noisy
Best versatile baby swing
Last on our list of the best baby swings is this versatile option that grows with baby. While it does have a high price point compared to other options on our list, the seat is bound to be a staple in your household for years to come. Why? Not only does this baby swing have a chic, contemporary design, but it’s suitable for newborns to big kids alike, thanks to the 130-pound weight limit. To transition it from a baby to a toddler seat, simply detach the three-point safety harness and adjust the recline setting. Other standout features include the built-in toy bar, the breathable mesh seat backing and its ultra-quiet operation. What’s more, it can easily be taken apart and put back together when taking it on the go.
Weight: 15.5 lbs. | Dimensions: 27.5" (L) x 31" (W) x 17.5" (H) | Weight limit: 130 pounds
- Versatile design grows with baby through childhood
- Three seat recline setting and detachable safety harness
- Built-in toy bar
- Available in several modern colors and patterns
- High price point
We get it—parenting requires a lot of gear, and it can be hard to find the best fit for your family every time. To streamline your search for the best baby swing, we browsed options from leading baby brands and trusted retailers. We considered a list of criteria when sourcing products, such as ease of use, quality and durability, value, portability and, of course, safety features. This way you can count on getting the best bang for your buck, while also having a dependable product that will meet your family’s needs.
When creating our roundup, we also read user reviews to get the lowdown on how these products work for real families, and didn’t consider anything with less than an average three-and-a-half-star rating. To make sure we’re highlighting products that are safe and effective, we chatted with a pediatrician to understand essential features and safety considerations to keep top of mind when you’re shopping. We also followed the safety recommendations of the AAP.
Interested in learning more about our editorial process? Read about how our team develops and reviews all articles here.
About the expert:
Loretta Cody, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician based out of Greenwich, Connecticut. She received her medical degree from New York Medical College and completed her residency at Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital.
Plus, more from The Bump:
