But with hundreds of options, from high-tech gliders to simple portable rockers, finding the right one is overwhelming. We cut through the noise. After researching top safety features, testing motors, and analyzing parent feedback, we found the best swings to keep your baby happy and safe.
- Comes with a carry handle for portability
- Comes with an AC adapter
- Machine-washable seat cover
- Saves money on batteries
- Small and compact frame
- Includes soothing sounds and toy
- Holds up to 25 lbs
- UPF 20 sun canopy
- 6 swing speeds & vibrations
- Affordable and long-lasting
- Holds up well outside
- Easy to install
When Can Baby Start Using a Swing?
Most swings are safe for newborns the moment you arrive home from the hospital. The key requirement is recline capability. Newborns lack neck control, so they must lie back far enough to keep their airways open. Always check the manufacturer’s minimum weight limit before that first ride.
Keep In Mind
Types of Baby Swings
You generally have two choices: a permanent fixture for your living room or something you can toss in the trunk.
1. Full-Sized Swings
If you have the floor space, these are the gold standard for soothing.
Full-sized units usually feature a wider range of motion because the motor sits high at the top of the frame. They are sturdy, harder to tip, and often come with AC adapters, so you aren’t burning through batteries. The trade-off is their footprint; once you set it up, you won’t want to move it.
2. Portable Swings
These are ideal for apartments, travel, or moving from room to room.
Portable swings sit lower to the ground and fold up for storage. While they save space and money, they often rely solely on batteries, which gets expensive over time. However, if you plan to visit grandparents or stay in hotels, a portable swing is a travel essential.
The Fisher-Price Auto Rock n’ Play Sleeper has been removed from our recommendations after a recall by the company due to infant deaths using the product (1). The AAP has urged parents and caregivers to stop using it right away.
To request a refund for the Rock ‘n Play, visit http://bit.ly/RockNPlayRecall or call the company at 866-812-6518.
Those who have owned the Rock ‘n Play for six months or less will receive a cash refund, while those who have owned them longer will receive a voucher for a new Fisher-Price product.
Editor's Note:
Katelyn Holt RN, BSN, BCHow to Choose a Baby Swing
Before you click “add to cart,” consider these factors to ensure the swing fits your baby and your lifestyle:
Seatbelt
Safety is non-negotiable. Your swing must have a harness system, typically a 3-point or 5-point harness. A 5-point harness (over the shoulders, hips, and between legs) offers superior security. You must use the straps every single time, even if the swing is reclined. Babies can scoot and wiggle into dangerous positions faster than you think.
Swing Height
Swings vary significantly in ground clearance. Taller swings usually offer a longer, smoother gliding arc. Lower swings are compact and minimize the distance to the floor, which some parents find safer. Consider your own back health, too; a taller swing is easier to load a sleeping baby into without bending too far.
Swing Speed
Babies are picky. Some like a gentle rock, while others need a vigorous swing to calm down. Look for a model with a wide range of adjustable speeds. You need a very slow setting for a newborn, but you’ll want faster options as your baby gets heavier and more accustomed to the motion.
Portability
If you live in a multi-story home, you might want a swing you can easily carry downstairs. Look for lightweight frames or models that fold flat. If the swing requires tools to disassemble, assume it is staying in one spot until your baby outgrows it.
Power Source
We highly recommend a swing with a plug-in AC adapter. Swings eat batteries quickly, and replacing D-batteries gets expensive. Battery operation is a nice backup feature for outdoor use or travel, but a wall plug is a daily necessity.
Ease of Cleaning
Between spit-up incidents and diaper blowouts, your swing will get messy. Look for a seat cover that is easy to remove and machine washable. If you have to unscrew the frame to get the fabric off, it’s going to be a headache.
Comfort
Since this is a soothing device, it needs to be cozy. Look for plush fabrics and adequate padding. Cheap, thin plastic seats won’t keep a fussy baby happy for long. Removable infant inserts are a huge plus for supporting a newborn’s floppy head.
Seat Position
Recline is critical. Newborns must be fully reclined to prevent their heads from slumping forward and restricting airflow. As your baby gains neck control (around 4 months), an upright position allows them to engage with you and watch the room. The best swings offer adjustable angles to grow with your child.
Timer Function
Timers help save battery life, but they can be a double-edged sword. If the swing stops the moment your baby falls asleep, the silence might wake them up. Ideally, look for a swing that offers both a timer and a continuous run mode so you have choices.
Frame Construction
A wide base provides stability. Metal frames are generally sturdier than plastic ones, though heavy plastic is common for portable models. Regardless of material, ensure the base has non-slip feet so it doesn’t slide across hard floors during a vigorous swing session.
Bells and Whistles
Modern swings are entertainment centers. Features like vibration, rotating mobiles, nature sounds, and white noise can be lifesavers. Some high-end models even include Bluetooth so you can stream your own lullaby playlist directly to the swing’s speakers.
Product Reviews
We tested motion, noise levels, and comfort to bring you these top 8 recommendations.
4moms MamaRoo 4 Baby Swing
Best High-Tech Baby Swing
If you love smart home gadgets, the MamaRoo is the swing for you. Instead of a simple back-and-forth arc, it moves like you do. It features five unique patterns, car ride, kangaroo, tree swing, rock-a-bye, and wave, designed to mimic comforting parental movements.
The tech integration is impressive. You can control motion and sound via Bluetooth on your phone, which is a lifesaver when you don’t want to get up and risk waking a drowsy baby.
The seat has a sleek, modern look that takes up less visual and physical space than traditional swings. The fabric is removable for washing, and the mobile includes reversible toy balls to stimulate cognitive development.
Pros
- Mimics natural parenting movements like bouncing and swaying.
- Bluetooth enabled for remote control via app.
- Compact footprint is great for modern living rooms.
Cons
- It comes with a higher price tag.
- The movement is smoother and less vigorous than traditional swings.
Our Ratings
Graco DuetSoothe Swing and Rocker
Best Baby Swing for Colic
For parents of colicky babies, versatility is key. The Graco DuetSoothe gives you options. The seat actually detaches from the frame to become a standalone rocker, letting you keep the baby close while you move around the house.
On the frame, it offers three seating directions and six swing speeds. This allows you to find the specific “sweet spot” angle and rhythm that calms your crying infant.
It also features a vibration mode, which many babies find magical for settling an upset stomach. You can power the swing via a wall outlet, though the vibration unit requires batteries. The 5-point harness ensures your little escape artist stays put.
Pros
- 2-in-1 design: swing seat removes to become a portable rocker.
- Plug-in power saves money on batteries.
- Multi-directional seat allows for side-to-side or front-to-back motion.
Cons
- The rocker mode has a lower weight limit (18 lbs) than the swing (30 lbs).
- Vibration feature is battery-only.
Our Ratings
Graco DuetConnect Swing And Bouncer
Best Swing & Bouncer Combo
This is a gear multitasker. The Graco DuetConnect functions as a full-size swing, but the seat pops off to become a manual bouncer. This is brilliant for saving floor space since you don’t need two separate devices.
The swing features six speeds and two vibration settings to customize the soothing experience. It also includes 10 melodies and five nature sounds to drown out household noise.
We appreciate the deep seat design and head support, which keeps younger babies well-positioned. Like other Graco models, it gives you the choice of battery power or a wall plug, ensuring you’re never left without power during a meltdown.
Pros
- Removable seat acts as a portable bouncer.
- 5-point harness ensures maximum safety.
- Roomy seat with good head support for growing babies.
Cons
- Some users report a rhythmic clicking sound during operation.
- Vibration requires D batteries even when plugged in.
Our Ratings
Graco Simple Sway Baby Swing
Best Plug-In Baby Swing
If you have a smaller nursery but still want the features of a full-size swing, the Simple Sway is a smart compromise. The frame design is compact, taking up significantly less floor space than the wide-legged competitors.
Despite the smaller footprint, it doesn’t skimp on power. It offers a gentle side-to-side motion that many babies prefer over head-to-toe swinging. It includes an AC adapter, so you can plug it in and forget about swapping batteries.
The swing offers six speeds, 15 songs/sounds, and a mobile with three soft stars. It also includes a vibration setting (battery operated) built into the seat to help soothe your baby.
Pros
- Compact frame fits better in small rooms or apartments.
- AC adapter is included for continuous power.
- Side-to-side motion is very effective for calming fussy infants.
Cons
- The vibration pack is battery-dependent.
Our Ratings
Ingenuity Cozy Kingdom Baby Swing
Best Budget Baby Swing
You don’t have to spend a fortune to get a decent swing. The Ingenuity Cozy Kingdom is wallet-friendly and highly portable. It folds up easily, making it a great choice for taking to Grandma’s house.
It features “TrueSpeed” technology, which senses your baby’s weight and maintains consistent speed as they grow. The motor is whisper-quiet, and you get six melodies with volume control and auto-shutoff to save battery life.
One clever design touch is the toy bar: it pivots out of the way, so you aren’t wrestling the bar while trying to lift your baby out. The seat pad is machine washable, and the headrest removes easily for cleaning.
Pros
- Very affordable price point.
- Pivoting toy bar makes loading baby easy.
- Folds flat for travel or storage.
Cons
- Battery operated only (no plug option).
- Sits low to the ground, requiring more bending.
Our Ratings
Jaoul Portable Electric Motorized Swing
Best Baby Swing for Small Spaces
For minimalist homes, the Jaoul swing is a solid contender. It cuts the bulk without losing the functionality. The aluminum base is lightweight yet sturdy, giving you a safe place to put the baby without dominating your living room.
You get five swing speeds and three timer settings (8, 15, or 30 minutes), allowing you to automate the soothing process. The built-in music includes 10 melodies, but you can also connect via Bluetooth to play your own white noise or lullabies.
Safety is covered with a 5-point harness, and the mesh sides provide excellent breathability. The modern aesthetic blends well with contemporary furniture.
Pros
- Lightweight aluminum frame is easy to move.
- Bluetooth connectivity for custom music.
- Mesh sides for airflow and visibility.
Cons
- Swing motion might be too gentle for babies who like vigorous rocking.
Our Ratings
Fisher-Price On-the-Go Swing – Pixel Forest
Best Portable Baby Swing
This is the ultimate travel companion for parents who want flexibility. The Fisher-Price On-the-Go Swing in the “Pixel Forest” fashion folds flat and features a convenient carry handle, making it incredibly easy to toss in the trunk for a weekend trip or carry to the park.
Despite its compact size, it delivers on full-size features. It offers six swing speeds to find the perfect soothing rhythm for your baby and includes calming vibrations for extra comfort. One of its standout features is the retractable sun canopy (UPF 20), which helps shield your little one from the sun—perfect for outdoor picnics or sunny rooms.
It plays soothing music and nature sounds to help settle your baby. The seat pad is soft, machine-washable, and features a secure harness to keep your baby safe while swinging.
Pros
- Compact fold with a carry handle for easy travel.
- Retractable sun canopy with UPF 20 protection.
- Features 6 speeds, music, and calming vibrations.
Cons
- Strictly battery-powered (requires 4 C batteries); no AC adapter option.
Our Ratings
Little Tikes Snug ‘n Secure Baby Swing
Best Swing for Outdoors
Fresh air does wonders for a fussy baby. This classic molded plastic swing is designed to hang from an outdoor playset or a sturdy tree limb.
It features a T-bar that rotates down to secure the child, along with adjustable shoulder straps. This dual-security system ensures your baby stays safely seated even during enthusiastic pushing.
The best part is the longevity. It’s rated for children from 9 months up to 4 years (50 lbs). Once your toddler gets bigger, you can tuck the straps away and just use the T-bar. It’s weather-resistant, durable, and made in the USA.
Pros
- Weather-resistant design lasts for years.
- Grows with your child from infant to toddler (up to 50 lbs).
- Hinged T-bar makes entry and exit simple.
Cons
- Does not include hanging hardware or anchors.
- Not suitable for newborns; baby must have head control.
Our Ratings
How to Use a Baby Swing Safely
A swing is a tool for soothing, not sleeping. Follow these guidelines to keep your baby safe.
Assembly and Setup
Most swings arrive in pieces. If you aren’t handy with a screwdriver, ask a partner or friend to help. Improper assembly can lead to stability issues. Once built, place the swing on a flat, level floor. Never place a swing on a table, counter, or bed, as the motion can cause it to tip over.
The Golden Rules of Swing Safety
- Adhere to Limits: Strict weight and age guidelines exist for a reason. If your baby exceeds the weight limit, the motor can fail or the frame can become unstable.
- Supervision is Key: Never leave your baby unattended in a swing. Even if they are strapped in, you should be in the same room.
- Stop if They Escape: If your baby is mobile enough to try climbing out, or can sit up unassisted, it is time to retire the swing.
- No Sleeping: This is the most critical rule. According to the AAP, swings are not for sleep. If your baby nods off, move them to a firm, flat surface like a crib or bassinet immediately. Upright sleeping can cause positional asphyxiation.
FAQs
Is It Safe For My Baby To Sleep In A Swing?
No. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises against letting babies sleep in swings, bouncy seats, or car seats (outside the car). If your baby falls asleep in the swing, you should move them to a firm, flat sleep surface like a crib or bassinet to prevent airway restriction.
How Long Can A Newborn Be In A Swing?
Experts generally recommend limiting swing time to 30 minutes per session, for a total of no more than one hour per day. Excessive time in a semi-reclined position can contribute to flat head syndrome and may limit the floor time babies need to develop gross motor skills.
When Should I Stop Using A Baby Swing?
You should stop using the swing when your baby exceeds the manufacturer’s weight limit, tries to climb out, or becomes too active to stay safely reclined. For many babies, this happens around 9 months, but for some, it could be as early as 4 to 6 months.
