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Baby swings are almost essential when it comes to helping your precious newborn sleep or just calm down or stay in place. A good swing can save you lots of time and effort in this regard. A thing that many people don’t know is that a baby swing is designed in such a way as to resemble the rhythm and the motion experienced when in the womb. This means that the baby will likely feel more familiar inside of it and you will remain care-free. There are many characteristics of a good quality swing that will make this process easier than ever.
Top 3 Our Pick for Baby Swing
Top 3 Best Baby Swing 2020 Reviews
#1. Fisher-Price Papasan Cradle Swing Review
“When you wish upon a star, makes no difference who you are. Anything your heart desires. Will come to you!”
These are lines from a song from the Disney classic “Pinocchio”. The name “starlight” reminds you of the same.
The Starlight baby swing is the dream of every parent come true! The Fisher-Price Papasan Cradle Swing cradles your baby securely and would soothe your baby with the butterflies on the cradle that hover up and down. The music played by the cradle is also beautiful. There are some eight songs for the day and eight for the night and they come along with 2 long sounds that can be played. This baby swing rocks from one side to another and from the front to the back – just like a real cradle! It can be such a lifesaver!
Additional features
You also do not have to worry about battery life. It also creates a beautiful light show with the butterflies, which dance about the canopy. The seat stretches out in two unique positions that make your baby relax snugly inside the cradle swing. You could also get a different version of the cradle for baby boys, which is called the “My Little Lamb”. You as well as your baby would love the starlight cradle swing. The swing comes with the ability to control the speed in 6 different ways. It also has an overhead globe to make it entertaining for your child along with spinning butterflies. The seat pad can be easily removed and can be washed in a washing machine.
(4.1 / 5)Durability
The Starlight cradle swing is durable so that even if your baby grows up and loses interest in it, you can still continue using it for other purposes. Maybe if you have a second child, you could use it to entertain him or her with this beautiful baby swing.
Security
Recommended for use until the baby starts to weigh at least 24 pounds, the baby swing features a three-point harness to hold your baby in it securely. The Starlight baby swing provides nest-like comfort to your baby and keeps his or her head in a comfortable position.
Looks
It has a touch of purple to the baby blue or the baby pink shade. The overhead dome has a suspended starlight show for your baby to enjoy. Both enjoyable as well as relaxing, your baby would definitely love to be ensconced in this baby swing.
The other aspects
The sound effects would also stimulate the auditory senses of your baby. The baby swing has a robust metal frame to hold your baby securely in it. It also allows for the easy portability of your baby and can be easily stored anywhere in the house. The batteries come with the product and do not drain so fast. The latest models also use a power cable, so that you do not have to keep restarting the baby swing time and again. Whenever your baby goes into the “entertain me” mode, this baby swing will work wonders!
#2. Fisher-Price My Little Snugabunny Cradle and Swing Review
Recently, I had a little boy and I needed a place to let him rest while I went about my housework and daily tasks. He sleeps a lot and I need something to keep him entertained in between feeding and sleep. Most of the time, I noticed he liked to watch things move. I researched swings that had mobiles that would soothe him when he wasn’t with me. A friend had the My Little Snugabunny and loved it. I only placed my little one in it once and I could tell he loved it just as much as I did.
I did a lot of research before I decided to buy the My Little Snugabunny. It is recommended for infants up to 25 lbs, so I was safe in that department. There are 6 different speed options that can be set to just what your little one likes. You can set it to where it will sing back and forth or side to side, as well as being able to set the seat in a position that works for your little one. It doesn’t matter if they are napping or if they are wide awake needing some fun and entertainment. This swing is very versatile.
What is pretty cool is the fact that it has 16 songs and 2 nature sounds. That is great, especially if you have ever had the models that play the same 2 songs over and over where you get so annoyed you yank the batteries out and just rock the little one with your foot. There is a mobile that has a reflective mirror and bird that flies around to give your little one something to entertain themselves, as well as helping them to develop a sense of awareness and visual tracking and eye movement. To me that is amazing, simply because I want my child to have something like that.
The swing is very comfortable, considering each time that I place my little guy in it, he is out within a few minutes. It seems to hug him, even with him strapped in a 5 point harness for added safety. What many moms like me find great is the fact that we can either use batteries or use an AC wall adapter while at home. Let’s talk pros and cons.
Pros
- 5 Point harness
- 6 different settings
- 3 seat positions
- Nature sounds
- Entertainment items for your infant
- Comfortable for baby
Cons
- Doesn’t last very long on batteries, around 3 hours
- Can be a bit noisy
Overall, this is a great swing. It is super versatile with plenty of options and not only will it keep your little one entertained, but it can also soothe them to sleep. If you really want a great swing, then you really can’t go wrong with the My Little Sunabunny Cradle ‘N Swing.
#3. Graco Swing By Me Portable 2-in-1 Swing, Little Hoot
I just purchased this swing for my little son, and I have to say I absolutely love it! I was a little bit concerned when looking at the reviews, because apparently it stops swinging around the time the child is twelve pounds, but I decided it didn’t bother me enough not to purchase it, since my little one is, well, little. For the moment. I love that the swing is so easy to fold and store and that when you do have it up it does not take up much space. It really is a great quality for such a low price!
Since it is so small, I have started taking this swing with me everywhere I go. It fits easily in my car, and my little man loves being in it. It’s so great to have a break every now and then and to know that my son is happy swinging away. Yes, the engine is not the quietest you have ever heard, but this has not really bothered me yet. I don’t really use the swing for nap time, so the engine not being totally silent is not a problem.
I appreciate the safety aspects of the swing as well, and the fact that it has a five-point harness. I have had swings in the past with only a three-point harness, and when your kid gets to the point of throwing themselves around, it becomes a serious safety concern. My son is nice and secure in this Graco swing and I don’t worry about him falling out of it.
This swing does not have a tray, but I have never really understood the use of trays on baby swings, as if they are young enough for the swing, they are too young to use a tray. This swing also does not play music, but if you are just looking for a simple swing then that should not be a problem. For me, I prefer it, as I hear enough kid music all day long.
I’m also aware that I will eventually have to buy new batteries for it, as the swing is battery powered, but that is actually something I love about this swing. It’s what makes it so simple to take with me everywhere I go, even the park or places or my yoga class.
(3.7 / 5)Pros
- easy to fold and store
- does not take up a lot of space
- cute star design
- good quality for the price
- infants love it and can stay in it for hours
- very portable
- Five-point harness
Cons
- Sometimes makes an annoying clicking noise
- Does not run silently
- Battery operated, so you have to purchase new batteries occasionally
- Might stop working around the time the child hits 12 pounds
- No tray
- No music option
I would definitely recommend this product to a friend. It folds easily and quickly, which is essential for a busy mom. I love how easy it is to use and that it gives my arms a break from holding my little boy for a few hours a day. I would say the pros far outweigh the cons and that is an all-around great choice to make!
Baby Swing Knowledge Base
Baby swings are categorized according to their size first. The size of the swing is based on the weight of the infant which means that if a baby weighs around 20 pounds, the size and weight will fit the baby accordingly. Baby swings also come with various speeds and other elements e.g. teddies hanging, baby music.
The energy source of most baby swings is batteries with some models offering up to 200 hours of swinging motion. These swings produce a special noise designed to calm-down babies, although for many adults the noise may sound unpleasant. The majority of swings have a back and forth type of motion although some swings may swing from right to left for example. It is absolutely vital that straps are attached to prevent any accident.
Even though most models are battery-operated, a small portion is actually corded with a plug-in feature. Most models (both batteries operated and electricity operated) are designed to be carried easily, but some are on the heavier side and are designed to stand still on the floor. Since they occupy some of your room’s space, they might not be the right thing if the room isn’t full. Keep in mind also that swings are mostly used in infants and not “big” babies over 6 months. Of course, there are swings fro grown-up babies, but if your baby has reached the stage of crawling, swings are not needed.
The main downside of baby swings is that some babies may find the movement of rocking unpleasant and start whining. This is also something that depends on the model, as babies may reject one while feeling totally at ease with another one. If your baby seems to reject a swing repetitively and starts complaining, purchase a different one with different features.
Another thing that you should be aware of, especially if it’s your first baby, is that you should always be present and never leave the baby alone.
Types of Baby Swings
Swings are not complicated at all. When making a decision for purchasing consider the place you want to utilize it and whether you want it to be portable or not.
Below are three types of baby swings to think about:
Full-Sized Types of Baby Swings
- As per the name, full-sized swings are created to be used indoors. This is from the time of birth to pounds of 25 or 30, and this is determined by the type
- Most provide different speeds, toy bars, and music. (Study more features for swings). The Polly Swing Vega produced by Chicco, indicated here, is a full-sized swing (but the manufacturer states it can fold easily).
- It has a safety harness consisting of five points, a crotch post linked to a tray which is able to swing to the side, four speeds for swinging and is verified by JPMA.
- It has an infant insert which is ‘ergonomic’ and a setting for low-recline. As your infant develops, adjustments can be made to make it more erect and the infant insert can be detached.
- It is sold at around $150 and its capacity for the maximum weight for the occupant is 30 pounds. Similar to other swings, it operates on four C batteries.
Portable Travel Types of Baby Swings
- Portable baby swings are famous for parents who travel. They are set low on the ground and are created to be carried from one room to another or carried in a car.
- They are useful if you are calling on relatives or going to spend the night in the town’s outskirts, or if you simply want a swing which is smaller and simple to move from one room to the next.
- The BrightStarts Comfort & Harmony Portable Swing (around $50) indicated here, provides 6 speeds for the swing, a detachable headrest and a weight maximum of 25 pounds.
- It requires four C batteries to operate and is verified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association.
Baby Swing Brands
There are several big brands in the baby swing market.
4moms
This is a small company based in Pennsylvania. It was named after five moms, but ‘4moms’ sounds more attractive, thus the name. They were the first focus group and since that initial meeting, they have been presenting their ideas and skills to the company’s items.
Apart from swings, they also produce bathtubs for babies and the mamaRoo baby seat. These can be found in shops for specialised infant items and on the website of the company.
www.4moms.com
Bright Starts
A grandmother thought of a method of preventing infants from sliding in the bathtub. This was in 1969 and ever since, Kids II, which is the parent company for Bright Starts, has created a variety of items such as centers for activities, toys for infants and toddlers, play yards, high chairs, and many others.
http://www.brightstarts.com
Carters
Carter’s Inc. manufactures clothes and similar products especially for infants and young children. The company is the owner of brands for Carter’s and OshKosh. These can be found in department stores, specialty traders and national chains.
They are available locally and internationally and via 400 and more stores run by companies. Child of Mine brand from the company can be found at Wal-Mart. Its brands such as Just One You, Genuine Kids and Precious Firsts brands can be found at Target. The headquarters for Carter can be found in Atlanta.
http://www.carters.com
Chicco
This is an Italian brand and is pronounced ‘Kee-co.’ It is a multinational firm whose specialty is manufacturing clothes and equipment for infants and toddlers. These include high chairs, strollers, toys, and car seats.
They can be found online and at many retailers.
www.chiccousa.com
Disney
Brands like InStep, Maxi-Cosi, Quinny, Cosco, and Safety 1st are manufactured by Dorel Juvenile Group. This also includes brands like Eddie Bauer and Disney, which are licensed.
They are available online and at many retailers. For more details on choices of buying, visit individual websites.
Fisher-Price
This company was founded in 1930 by Helen Schelle, Herman Fisher, and Irving Price. It presented 16 toys made from wood in New York City at the International Toy Fair.
The initial toys’ uniqueness became popular fast and turned into a trademark of Fisher-Price. Products from this company include games, activity centers and many more.
Fisher-Price is a branch of Mattel Inc who owns it entirely. Its Headquarters are in New York, outside Buffalo.
www.fisher-price.com
Graco
This company began in the 1950s and initially dealt in metal products. It developed into a company for baby items and produced the Swyngomatic which is a famous baby swing.
Today, Graco produces a whole range of infant items such as nursery items, centers for activity, car seats and strollers. They can be found in many places and online.
www.gracobaby.com
Baby Swing Safety Guide
Every year, around 1,600 babies are injured in baby swings. This finding was made by Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
To offer your baby protection from falls and other harm when utilizing a swing, practice the following baby swing safety measures:
- Do not leave your baby alone in a swing.
- Utilize the safety harness available at all times. Do not depend solely on a play tray to control your child.
- Arrange the swing as per the instructions from the manufacturer and store them for reference in future. Set aside at least thirty minutes so that you can carry out the work efficiently.
- Avoid using a swing whose parts are broken or missing.
- Do not place a swing which is portable on a lifted or soft surface like a sofa or bed. If it topples over, it can lead to suffocation or a fall.
- Put your baby’s swing far from sources of heat like a radiator or stove and also from cords for drapery, phone or window-blind which are dangerous as they can strangle.
- Do not allow older children to push the baby swing. Also, if your child is mature enough and can push himself by moving about in the seat, you should not use the swing anymore.
- Begin with a setting with is very low, for swings with multispeed. High settings might be too bumpy for your infant. Babies who are very young normally like speeds which a slow. Older babies prefer a pace which is faster.
- To avoid falls, always adhere to the requirements for age and weight, laid out by the manufacturer. Avoid utilizing a swing which is full-sized or portable, when your baby attains the limit for maximum weight or becomes very playful and attempts to get out of the swing.
- Discontinue the use of a cradle swing if your baby is able to roll over or use hands and knees to push up.
- Avoid moving your baby in a swing or utilizing a portable swing as a baby carrier unless the swing provides an option for detachable seat carrier like some do
- Maintain safety near the swing. The safety regulations for swings are set out to offer safety to the occupant while the swing is being used.
Remember that swings can be dangerous to children who are playing nearby. Also, do not allow your baby or an older brother or sister to play with the swing when it is not being used. Additional baby swing safety measures:
- Beware of recalls. In previous times, some baby swings were recalled due to complications with the set up between the frame of the seat and the seat, feeble harnesses and loose screws. You can get details on the website for CPSC.gov on recalls and subscribe to alerts.
- Submit the card for product registration or go online to register your swing at the website of the manufacturer. This ensures you will be alerted when a recall comes up.
Baby Swing Buying Guide
When choosing a model for the first time, make sure that the whole design is heavy duty and high quality—you don’t want to risk your baby’s safety by purchasing something with unsteady posts and legs. The seat should be also cushioned, portly and have a crotch position. Of course, no swing will be complete without safety belts.
Furthermore, it is suggested that you buy a new swing instead of a used one as used ones tend to wear off and become less stable and safe with time. Some older models also may not comply with federal regulations of safety.
Main factors to consider before buying a baby swing:
- Main energy source: As mentioned earlier swings either run on batteries or on a cord and plug in. Decide which is more convenient and cost-effective for you.
- Safety features: Complete swings come with a safety harness to stop the baby from falling down. The harness has usually 3 points although 5 points may also be found in some models.
- Strength: It is wise to purchase a swing with a steady and strong frame so that it doesn’t get pushed when the baby swings. It also important to be able to fold in case of travel or transfer elsewhere.
- Type of motion and speed features. The majority of swings swing from the back to the front, although some models may swing from one side to the other. Swings may offer from 2 to 8 speeds starting from very slow to fast. If you are going to use speed for the first time, set the lowest and then gradually increase according to your baby’s level of comfort.
- Standards of safety. Make sure that the model you bought carries a Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal of approval either on the swing or on the outer package.
- Ease of cleaning. The swing may easily get dirty from your baby’s saliva or even diaper leakage, so look for a model that makes the cleaning process a breeze.
- Level of comfort. Cushioned and well-padded swings increase the level of comfort, especially in models where the motion is cradle type.