It's no secret: Sleep is a big topic of conversation for new and experienced moms alike. Questions circulate that revolve on that subject in a few ways: Is she getting any sleep? Is her baby sleeping? And if not, how can she get her baby to sleep? Little ones can be fussy, and even if they don't have any diagnosed sleeping issues, they still require a lot of work. Something amazing happened, though. Someone created baby swings (and rockers), and mamas had a chance at relief. They don't solve everything, but they can help. There's just something about repetitive movements and soothing sounds that can make even adults nod off. It's no wonder why these products consistently make it onto baby shower registries.Ā Ā
Mom needs some relief at some point, right? Whether a swing will put baby to sleep for her to get sleep or to accomplish tasks during nap time, it's usually a good idea to have one of these helpers around. But these days, like a lot of other baby products, a lot of different swings exist in the marketplace. How is a person supposed to settle on one? And how does one even know the right swing for their baby? We rounded up 20 that have the best features to choose between, and the good news is that they all have one goal: Lull baby to sleep.Ā
The other features, such as hanging toys and vibrations, are up to mom to decide if she wants. (OK, it doesn't end there; we're talking multiple reclining positions, smartphone-controlled music devices and 180-degree swivel capabilities.) Swing makers must know how important they are to a mother's sanity and baby's rest time, and they are definitely pulling out all the stops to make both of those things happen. Check out the options (and some rockers) below to see which ones will work best for mama and baby.
Graco Duet Sooth Swing Rocker
The Graco Duet Swing Rocker is named after its "dual" functionality as both a rocker and a swing. It also has three seating positions for baby to swing front-to-back or side-to-side.
Graco Duet Sooth Swing Rocker ($127, Amazon)
4Moms Rockaroo Infant Swing
This is basically like the Rolls Royce of baby swings. The 4Moms Rockaroo has five different swing speeds and a built-in MP3 player that allowed for customized music.Ā
4Moms Rockaroo Infant Swing ($160, Best Buy)
Ingenuity Cozy Kingdom Portable Swing
The Cozy Kingdom swing, which is portable as mentioned by name, comes with six speed settings and five melodies to calm baby. It also comes with a foam bar featuring a lion and elephant for something fun to look at before drifting to sleep.
Ingenuity Cozy Kingdom Portable Swing ($49, Amazon)
Fisher-PriceĀ® 2-in-1 Soothe 'n Play Glider
Speaking of little animals that hang from swings, this Fisher Price model does that and more. In addition to the cute little woodland creatures, the swing can, well, swing or glide. It's also removable from its base.Ā
Fisher-PriceĀ® 2-in-1 Soothe 'n Play Glider ($130, BuyBuyBaby)
Graco Duet Sway Swing
The Graco Duet both swings and sways, doubling as a bouncer in addition to normal swing mode. It features two modes of soothing vibrations to get baby calmer, quicker. The six songs and three incline positions will likely help, too.
Graco Duet Sway Swing ($120, BuyBuyBaby)
Bright Starts Zig Zag Zebra Portable Swing
The Bright Starts Zig Zag Zebra Portable Swing is bright and fun, but it promises relaxing moments for baby. It features multiple swing settling that can be controlled from a side monitor, but no matter how much swinging is happening, the "WhisperQuiet motor" keeps things quiet.Ā
Bright Starts Zig Zag Zebra Portable Swing ($60, Amazon)
Fisher-Price Colorful Carnival Take-Along Swing & Seat
The Fisher Price boasts a seat the will help babies "sleep" and "play." When they're tired of looking at the little lion or elephant on each side of the swing, babies will rock to sleep with one (or more) of six swing vibration or song settings.Ā
Fisher-PriceĀ® Colorful Carnival Take-Along Swing & Seat ($70, BuyBuyBaby)
Fisher Price Infant-to-Toddler Rocker
This Fisher Price is less a swing and more of a rocker, but the goal is the same: a place for baby to be soothed to sleep. After play time, the seat reclines for a perfect nap-time position.
Fisher Price Infant-to-Toddler Rocker ($25, Amazon)
Graco Sense2Soothe Swing
The technology featured with the Graco Sense2Soothe swing is next level. The swing can actually detect and respond to babies' cries with an appropriate level swing to soothe them.
Graco Sense2Soothe Swing with Cry Detection Technology ($250, BuyBuyBaby)
Skip Hop Uplift Multi-Level baby Bouncer
The Skip Hop Uplift Multi-Level Baby Bouncer is a step away from baby relaxing or lulling into slumber. What's special about this one is that is can list to different levels — from the floor to sofa level — for easy bounce controls by mama.
Skip Hop Uplift Multi-Level Baby BouncerĀ ($120, Target)
Fisher-Price Papasan Cradle Swing
The Fisher-Price Papasan Cradle Swing features two swinging motions (front-to-back and side-to-side) and 16 songs. The seat itself can be adjusted to three different positions to see baby whichever way works best for mom.
Fisher-Price Papasan Cradle Swing ($144, Amazon)
Ingenuity Boutique Collection Swing 'n Go Portable Swing
Put baby to sleep wherever baby goes. That's the bonus aspect of the Ingenuity Boutique collections swing that is easily transportable for parents. It also comes with a seat pad and "contoured head rest" that can be removed when baby is too big for it.
Ingenuity Boutique Collection Swing 'n Go Portable Swing ($100, BuyBuyBaby)
Fisher-Price Sweet Snugapuppy Dreams Cradle
The Sweet Snugapuppy Dreams Cradle from Fisher-Price is like having a moving, soothing crib. It has six swing speeds and two swing motions.
Fisher-Price Sweet Snugapuppy Dreams Cradle ($160, BuyBuyBaby)
Fisher-PriceĀ® Cradle 'n Swing in Safari Dreams
The Fisher-Price Cradle 'n Swing in Safari Dreams is (obviously) safari-themed, but baby will still find him or herself in dreamland. It has three seat positions and two seat incline levels.Ā
Fisher-PriceĀ® Cradle 'n Swing in Safari Dreams ($165, BuyBuyBaby)
Graco Simple Sway Swing
If "just the basics" is more of mom's vibe, the Graco Simple Sway Swing may be the one for her. It's a swing that will rock baby to sleep while looking at the "stars," but for her convenience, there are two power options: plug-in or battery.Ā
Graco Simple Sway Swing ($90, Amazon)
Fisher-Price Deluxe Take-Along Swing and Seat
The Fisher-Price is a one-size, do-all type swing. According to the description, "the convertible swing and seat has multiple swing speeds, music, soothing nature sounds, and calming vibrations that your baby will love." Bonus: The swing speed adjusts to baby's weight.Ā
Fisher-PriceĀ® Deluxe Take-Alongā¢ Swing and Seat in Mocha Swirl ($80, BuyBuyBaby)
Bright Starts Whimsical Wild Portable Compact Automatic Swing
Not only does the Bright Starts swing have automatic motion, but it also comes with two recline positions. There's also two toys for babies to tug at and a removable headrest.Ā
Bright Starts Automatic Swing with Melodies ($49, Amazon)
Graco Glider XL Gliding Swing
The Graco Gliding swing comes with "body support, vibration, and recline" as the swing "glides" baby into a deep sleep. It comes with a built-in timing as well to shut off when not in use.Ā
Graco Glider LX Gliding Swing ($125, BuyBuyBaby)
Ingenuity Braden DreamComfort Cradling Swing
The DreamComfort Cradling Swing by Ingenuity Braden is special in that it boasts fabric that promotes "airflow," giving baby a cooler surface for optimal sleep and a customizable song options from a smartphone. The seat also rotates 180 degrees.Ā
Ingenuity Braden DreamComfort Cradling Swing ($153, BuyBuyBaby)
Baby Delight Go With Me Sway Portable Infant Rocker
The Baby Delight Go with Me Sway portable rocker isn't as high tech as the others, but it's portable and light, making putting baby to sleep in hotel rooms or while traveling elsewhere much more doable. The rocker base can also be locked to stay in place, should mom want that as an option for baby to sit and sleep.Ā
Baby Delight Go with Me Sway Portable Infant Rocker ($90, Amazon)
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