No one can keep their baby safe 24/7, no mater how much they may like. The best baby swings let parents take a break from rocking and singing with their baby.
It’s essentially an infant seat, which sometimes doubles as a bouncer, offering a safe place to strap baby in while the caregiver grabs a snack, loads the dishwasher or just catches their breath. Baby swings can be used to calm infants just like baby carrying or gentle nursery chair rocking. Baby swings that are best for soothing infants can be set to vibrate or have nature sounds or nursery rhymes.
The best baby swings are sure to entertain and soothe your little one while your arms take a brief rest.
“When used with proper supervision, they are a great way to soothe babies,”Says Dr. Rebekah DiamondColumbia University assistant professor of Pediatrics and pediatric Hospitalist, Dr. “Some babies love them; others prefer rockers or other baby holders. So feel free to try out as many safety-approved swings as fit your lifestyle, budget and baby-soothing needs.”
Safe sleep note: Although swings can be a lifesaver for tired parents, they can also pose a danger if they’re not used correctly. The American Academy of PediatricsIf your baby falls asleep on an inflatable swing or bouncer, it is best to place them in a crib or bassinet or another firm sleeping surface as soon possible.
After reviewing various features, size and weight, convenience, customer reviews and more, we’ve compiled our picks for the best baby swings.
Best Baby Swing Overall
A Popular And Reliable Swing That’s Also A Bouncer
The Best Baby Swings for Small Spaces
A Swing with Unique Movement Modes, and a Small Footprint
Big Babies Need the Best Baby Swing
A compact, but spacious swing that can hold a maximum weight of 30 pounds
Best Baby Swing For Twins
A Baby swing for multiples that is compact and affordable
Best Swing-Rocker Combination
Handy Versatility with 2 products in 1
Best Baby Swing with Remote Control
A Swing That Lets You Control Features—Including Music—Remotely
Best Portable Swing
Compact, foldable swing that can be converted into a stationary seat
Frequently Asked Questions about Baby Swings
Are pediatricians recommending Baby Swings for their patients’ health?
As a board-certified pediatrician you should know the most important information about baby swings. Dr. Loretta Cody explains. “I don’t necessarily recommend or not recommend baby swings,”She said. “The important issue is what you are using the swing for. …It can be used at the right age as a place to place a baby for a short period of time, allowing the parent to have their hands free.”
Cody recommends “your baby spend less than an hour total a day on the swing,”This can be broken down into two parts.
Can Babies Sleep in a Baby swing?
It’s tempting, especially when you have a nap-resistant baby, to let your child sleep in a swing, but experts like Cody advise against it, instead urging parents to transfer the baby from the swing to their crib for safer sleep.
Baby swings are convenient for taking needed breaks from hands-on methods of soothing your infant—after all, parenting is a marathon, not a sprint—but Cody says it’s essential to supervise your child, even for a short time. “Never leave them unattended,”She said.
How can you tell if your baby swing is safe?
“Most commercially sold baby swings are safe if they are used as directed,” says Columbia University’s Diamond. For safety reasons, she recommends that you make sure that the swing you select is approved by Columbia University. Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association and that you follow product specifications (for example, the product’s weight guidelines for babies). You can check for recalls at the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
If you have a preemie or a baby with health problems, it’s best to ask your pediatrician about baby swing safety for your infant’s specific needs.
What age can a baby swing be used?
Following a particular swing’s age and weight guidelines is important for your child’s safety and comfort.
Cody says that babies younger than 4 months old should be placed in a swing only in its most reclined position because they haven’t yet developed adequate neck control to sit upright. A baby this young can slump forward with his chin against his chest, which can constrict their airway and possibly lead to death.
According to Cody, babies older than four months who have good head control and are within a swing’s weight limit can be safely seated in an upright position. However, it is possible to sit upright. “There must be shoulder straps to avoid the baby from falling out or tipping over the swing.”
What to Look For In a Baby Swing
Weight
A heavy swing won’t be convenient to move from one room or floor to another, which may or may not work for your family. If it’s important to you to be able to drag it into the kitchen with you or pack it in the car trunk, know that some models weigh over 20 pounds; you’ll likely want to eliminate those from your search. Some swings are lighter than others so they can be easily transported.
Batteries or AC Adapter
Some models can be run on both, but others may not. If you need mobility, make sure to have enough batteries. They can be used to move a swing around. However, they can be expensive and difficult to replace. You don’t want to set your babe down for a soothing rock only to have it stop—and then discover you’re out of Ds. That’s not a problem with swings that plug in using an AC adapter. You might also prefer a plug-in option because it’s a somewhat less wasteful power source, as opposed to batteries you toss out. The best flexibility is offered by a model that can run on either option.
Weight Limit
As your baby gets longer, she’ll outgrow some swings the way she outgrows her clothes. This can happen quickly with oneies or pajamas. A swing is the same. You don’t want to continue using it if they look at all scrunched up in its seat or if the recline isn’t sufficient enough for the youngest babies. Most swings have a weight limit of 20-30 pounds. Some models may have a lower limit. Different modes have different weight limits. Your baby might be able to use it more like a swing than a guitar.
Modes
Motions, speeds, directions, vibration—a baby swing can offer just one or a carnival’s worth of these. A swing can have five or more speeds. It might only be able move in one direction or back and forth. It may glide faster than it swings. It may vibrate at different levels, or softly. The swing’s more features, the more expensive it will be. But as any parent will tell you, just because it costs more doesn’t mean your baby will enjoy it more. Some babies just love a single-speed swing.
Sounds
There are many options available, including white noise or birdsong or nursery songs. Some swings even have an auxiliary input or Bluetooth capability that allows you to connect another device and play your own songs through the swing’s speakers.
Source: Best Baby Swings of 2022
