FOR ALL AGES
A baby swing is a great purchase.
A little padded cocoon that swings and rocks, a baby swing is the perfect device to comfort, soothe and help bring about sleep, not to mention a great spot to put your baby down for short periods as you go about your daily tasks. But what exactly are they and how do they work?
A cushioned seat attached to a frame that swings back and forth, a baby swing replicates the rocking of the womb. They're usually battery operated (or plug in at the mains) and differ from [baby bouncers], which aren't electronically operated, but bounce up and down as your baby wriggles and kicks. Which one is better for you is really a matter of preference; both provide a soothing seat for your baby to rest in. A swing affords a more reliable rocking sensation, whereas a baby bouncer is typically more lightweight and easy to move around. Both can be used from birth (under adult supervision and with no loose blankets) and enjoyed for months afterwards. Many babies will grow out of them by about nine months, but some will use them until they reach one year or older!
Baby swings are a highly effective means of both calming and stimulating, providing entertainment and inducing sleep, and many parents swear by them. And, much like baby slings, they allow for a little much-needed hands-free movement as you care for your little one. Just make sure to supervise your child when they are using them. They're not designed to be used for very long periods, or to be slept in for longer than a short nap, and if your baby's head flops forward they can obstruct their airways and might find it difficult to breathe.
With these safety considerations and myriad benefits in mind, we've gathered together a range of the best baby swings on the market so you can find the perfect one for you. Take a look below at our pick of the best baby swings for newborn babies.
This Joie Baby swing and rocker is a superb multifunctional product. Firstly, it operates as both a stationary rocking chair and a portable rocker; just lift off the seat and you can bring your baby around the house with you as you do your chores - a real bonus for busy parents. It vibrates even when detached from the main structure and there are six swing speeds to choose from. You can twist to determine whether it swings back to front or side to side, and there are three recline positions. It plays five classical lullabies and a number of calming nature sounds, and, as an added bonus, there is a little nightlight with four different brightness settings; a real wealth of options for soothing even the fussiest baby. The seat pad and body support are removable and machine washable and the seat comes with two hanging toys for extra entertainment and sensory stimulation. It is powered by either mains plug or batteries (making it doubly portable) and it comes with a two-year guarantee. A real winner.
This Graco chair comes in at a close second. With an impressive 16 different swing combinations, you're bound to find a setting to soothe even the most restless tots. There are six different swing speeds, two vibration frequencies and both side-to-side and front-to-back motions, as well as 15 tunes to calm and comfort. The variation on offer makes this Graco chair the best baby swing for uneasy newborn babies who are still struggling to get used to the challenges of living outside the womb. The five-point safety harness and support strap keeps baby safe and secure and there are a number of different reclining positions to choose from, so they'll be comfortable whether they're napping, playing or simply observing their parents going about their daily tasks. We love the cute little giraffe and elephant toys!
This 4moms MamaRoo 4 rocker is jam-packed with high-tech features that are designed to make your life easier. Firstly, it has five speeds and swinging motions, some of which are completely unique - one replicates a car ride and one a tree swing - for which you have to give them credit for innovation. Secondly, all these movements can be controlled via BlueTooth; just connect your smart device and you can twiddle with the settings from across the room, saving you having to stop what you're doing every five seconds to find the perfect setting combination to soothe a fussy baby. And thirdly, you can connect an mp3 player to play your favourite songs or soundbites; an excellent feature if your baby doesn't respond to the traditional white noise or nature sounds that are included. A baby swing for the 21st century.
This Ingenuity baby swing is perfect for parents who are short on space. The close-to-the-ground structure is a bit less imposing than some of the flashier models and the innovative foldable design makes it quick and easy to pack away at the end of the day, freeing up that much-needed extra space. Featuring five swing settings and speeds, 12 tranquil tunes and four nature sounds, there's tons to lull your little one off to sleep and, like many of our other top picks, it also converts into a portable chair so you can keep baby with you wherever you go. The motor is super quiet, too - a real bonus when compared with other models, which can get noisy. Certainly one of the best indoor baby swings.
This Cuggl baby swing seat ticks a lot of boxes. It's got all the basic motions and speeds you need (five swing speeds, two reclining positions) and 12 tunes to distract, soothe and entertain. It's got two hanging sheep toys which, we must say, are particularly cute and also fully detachable, plus, it's nice and easy to fold away for storage or transportation. Perhaps most importantly, though, it's amazing value; at less than £60 it's one of the cheapest models on the market that still received excellent reviews from buyers. There's no side-to-side motion, but at this price, you can't have it all!
We found this Fisher-Price take along swing seat to be the best portable swing for babies, perfect for weekends away, or for sending with your baby if you use external child care. It's compact, lightweight and easy to fold up, with a useful handle for carrying. The seat itself is convertible, functioning as a rocking swing with six speeds and a stationary vibrating chair. The removable seat pad is super plush and comfortable and features a detachable newborn insert that can be taken out as your baby grows. The lining is machine washable and we love the cute pattern and sweet little animal toys! Definitely one of the best rockers for babies on the move.
This Graco baby swing is really well-designed. It's nice and sturdy, a good size and the multi-direction seat features both front-to-back and side-to-side swinging motions at a number of different speeds. There are two vibration frequencies and three reclining positions to choose from, so you're sure to find a winning combo, and the seat itself is super cosy, featuring a removable head support for extra comfort. Best of all, when you remove the chair, it functions as a little independent rocker than you can carry around with you. Plus, we love the chic geometric pattern in muted colours; a welcome addition to any room.
As you've probably noticed in your perusal of this list, baby swings can get super expensive. This Red Kite baby swing is a fraction of the cost of the products listed by competitive brands, making it the perfect option for parents who are counting the pennies. It's not got all the fancy features of its pricer competitors, but certainly has everything needed to create that soothing rock-a-bye-baby effect. With front-to-back rocking, three swing speeds, six calming melodies and cosy padded interiors, your little one will be serene and happy in no time, and for less than half the price. The toys are detachable and feature internal rattles to provide added auditory stimulation, and the grey colour scheme is elegant and gender-neutral.
This Fisher-Price Glider baby swing does exactly what it says on the tin: smoothly sways in the gentlest way to coax even the most restless babies into a peaceful sleep. Featuring both front-to-back and side-to-side motions, soothing vibrations and 16 melodies to choose from, it's got a pretty wide repertoire of comforting combinations, and again, the seat can be removed to take baby with you around the house. The height is a little higher than some of its competitors, making it a good option for parents with mobility issues or mothers who have just had C-sections, as you don't have to bend as low to reach it. Babies with colic will particularly benefit from the ultra smooth motion, with countless parents labelling it a godsend.
This Tiny Love rocker is one of the best baby swing chairs for sleepy babies - it converts into a safe and comfortable napper with a flat base pad and raised edges so your baby can snooze away undisturbed, without you having to transfer them to the cot. Two other modes allow babies to sit up during playtime (or meal times) or recline halfway as they are lulled to sleep. And switching between the three is as easy as clicking a button. It's amazingly easy to set up and use, and the vibrations and rocking motions are gentle and soothing. With 18 tunes, engaging lights and two trademark Tiny Love mobile toys suspended above the seat, there's plenty to keep babies entertained when they're awake, too.
Kidadl Best Buys selects the top parent-recommended products across the web for families of all ages. If you liked our pick of the best baby swings then why not take a look at our favourite baby bath toys? Or for something different, check out our guide to the best baby playpens.
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