Buying guide for best baby swings
Anyone who's parented an infant understands how hard it can be to get anything done that requires more than one free hand – especially with a fussy baby.
A baby swing shouldn't be a replacement for holding your baby, and you should avoid using it for long periods of time. But it can be a godsend when all else has failed, and it can provide a safe place for your child while you make yourself a snack, enjoy a hot drink, or catch up on a few chores.
Which baby swing is right for your little one? At BestReviews, we can help answer that question. To get the lowdown on baby swings, we spoke with Aimee, BestReviews consultant and pediatric occupational therapist. Using the information she gave us, as well as own extensive research, we created this in-depth guide to baby swings.
Read on to find out more!
Types of baby swings
Full-size baby swings
Baby swings move back and forth, and sometimes side to side, on an axis. Full-size models are designed to be set in one place and kept there.
Pros:
Full-size baby swings feature a large swinging arc.
Due to their large size, they can usually hold babies of a higher weight than portable models, so they take longer to outgrow.
Most full-size baby swings have a wider range of features than their portable counterparts.
Many full-size baby swings run on electricity, so there's no need to break out the batteries.
Cons:
EXPERT CONSULTANT
Dr. Aimee Ketchum is a pediatric occupational therapist practicing in the neonatal intensive care unit and pediatric out-patient at Central Pennsylvania Rehab Services at the Heart of Lancaster Hospital. She has been working in pediatrics for 18 years and is also the owner/operator of Aimee’s Babies LLC, a child development company. Aimee has published 3 DVDs and 9 apps which have been featured on the Rachael Ray Show and iPhone Essentials Magazine. Also certified in newborn massage and instructing yoga to children with special needs, Aimee lives in Lititz, PA with her husband and two daughters.
Dr. Aimee Ketchum
Pediatric Occupational Therapist
Portable Baby Swings
Portable baby swings are similar to full-size models, except they're smaller, lighter, and foldable.
Pros:
A portable baby swing can be stowed in a closet or other small space when not in use. This is helpful if you live in a compact home.
Portable baby swings can easily be packed in the trunk of a car for day trips or overnight vacations.
Portable baby swings generally cost less than full-size models.
Cons:
Your little one will outgrow their portable baby swing sooner, as these swings have lower weight capacities.
Expect to find fewer features on a portable baby swing.
Portable baby swings generally aren't as stable as full-size models.
Baby Gliders
Baby gliders are alternative types of baby swings that don’t actually swing from the top. Instead, they replicate the gliding motion of glider chairs.
Pros:
Baby gliders have a completely smooth motion. Unlike baby swings, there is no slight jerk at the start and end points.
For soothing and calming purposes, many parents find baby gliders to be the most effective type of baby swing.
You can find baby gliders with a wide range of features, from built-in sounds and lights to removable bouncer options.
Cons:
Portable baby swings are an excellent choice for people with less space in their homes. We check into each of these swing types for their ease of foldability and weight.
Baby gliders are very useful for keeping infants calm while sitting down. We investigate these types of baby swings for their ability to remain smooth for their entire swing motion.
Full-size baby swings are able to get a more significant swing motion than other options. We research each of these models for the number of options that they provide
Some baby swings allow for the carriage to be detached for transport. We assess these options to be lightweight and easy to carry.
Baby swings often include lights, mobiles, and other options to provide entertainment for your baby. We weigh the pros and cons of each option to offer quality recommendations.
Babies often require a bit of variety to be soothed. Most baby swings will come with a variety of swing modes which is why we vet each and every option for a range of modes.
The safety of the baby sitting in the swing is of utmost importance. We assess each baby swing for the sturdiness of the base and the amount of weight that it can handle.
All baby swings come with a harness to ensure that the baby stays in place when they get excited. We vet each harness for security and comfort.
Baby swings can either be battery or adapter powered. We weigh the pros and cons of each power option and how it will affect the overall product.
Baby swings can range in price from $50-$350. We research each product to make sure that it provides the right quality for the price point.
Considerations for selecting a baby swing
Most baby swings feature a number of swinging modes. Some basic models have just a few modes, whereas others have as many as six or eight. The swinging modes offered may include faster and slower speeds, side-to-side motion, vibration settings, and more.
We recommend opting for a model that has at least a few different swing settings, as individual babies have their own ideas about what they find soothing.
In addition to basic swinging, almost all baby swings offer some kind of entertainment option. This ranges from a simple hanging mobile to a full-on entertainment center with a wide range of lights and sounds. Some high-end models even allow you to plug and MP3 player into them to play your own songs to your baby.
The question to ask yourself is whether you want a baby swing to relax or stimulate your little one. If you want to help your baby wind down, a swing with too many entertaining features is likely to have the opposite effect.
Look for a baby swing that's sturdy and stable. The base should be made of quality metal and/or heavy-duty plastic. Larger bases tend to be more stable and less likely to tip over if your baby starts to move around.
All baby swings should come with some kind of harness to keep your infant securely in place. High-end models tend to feature five-point harnesses, whereas more basic models use three-point harnesses. The ideal harness is adjustable so it fits your little one as they grow.
Some baby swings come in neutral colors; others are much brighter. Some feature plain material; others offer a range of patterns. Jungle and wild animal prints are extremely popular, but you can find everything from florals to night sky patterns.
Expert Tip
Babies always need to be supervised in their activities, especially in things like swings. They should have a good secure belt or harness to keep them from falling out.
STAFF
BestReviews
Baby swing prices
Simple baby swings with few “extra” functions start around $50. Many of these are portable models that don’t have many, if any, bells and whistles. There may be just a simple toy bar, for example, or the fabric and padding may not be as plush as that of a pricier model.
Baby swings from $60 to $100 may feature more swinging modes, melody choices, and entertainment options. They may also have more padding than low-cost swings. Many of them are portable, and some are on the small side.
If you’re looking for a full-size baby swing or glider, expect to pay a minimum of $100. Full-size baby swings and gliders can cost up to $350, and sometimes more, depending on what features are included. For example, a baby swing with an MP3 plug-in, multiple reclining options, numerous settings and entertainment options, and plush padding is likely to cost you more.
Tips
Check that your chosen baby swing is easy to clean. The seat should wipe clean or have the capacity to be removed and laundered.
Decide whether you want battery or AC power. Some baby swings are powered by either battery or AC power, whereas others give you both options to choose from.
Look for a baby swing with seat recline options. Younger babies will be more comfortable lying further back, whereas older babies may prefer to sit up and look around.
- Notice the amount of padding in your chosen baby swing. Too little padding makes for an uncomfortable seat. Too much padding could actually cause overheating or make the seat feel cramped.
FAQ
Q. How old is too old for a baby to use a baby swing?
A. This depends on your baby and how quickly they reach milestones. While many baby swings can hold up to 30 pounds, your little one will likely outgrow theirs long before they reach this weight. Check the instructions carefully to see if there's a maximum age limit for the swing. Some models are unsafe once your baby is able to sit up on their own, as sitting up in the swing could throw it dangerously off balance.
Q. How do baby swings differ from jumpers and bouncers?
A. Baby swings are powered by a motor that runs on battery power or electricity. Baby jumpers and baby bouncers don’t have motors.
Baby bouncers move around as your baby wriggles around, but their feet don’t touch the floor.
Baby jumpers allow your little one's feet to touch the floor so they can "jump" up and down as they push against it.
Q. How long can a baby safely spend in a swing?
A. Our expert Aimee advises that babies should not swing for more than 20 minutes at a time. Similarly, a baby should not sit in a swing excessively throughout the day, as they could develop a flat head from the excessive pressure on their skull.
