Best Infant and Baby Swings 2015

Investing in a baby swing is one of the best things you can do.

Babies are used to gently rocking motions from all the time they have spent in the womb.

This piece of equipment will help bring peace to your home.

The Fisher-Price Cradle ‘N Swing is a great option because of all of the features are how lightweight the baby swing actually is.

This is a great option for anyone that is looking to travel with their baby.

Soothing

This rocking motion will help calm a fussy baby. Despite what you may think, a gentle swing can also help soothe an upset tummy as well.

Entertainment

Many swings have varying toys and music to keep your baby entertained while swinging.

Education

The different toys and accessories that come on baby swings help to stimulate different parts of your baby's brain.

Movements, sounds, and lights actually help educate your baby.

Reaching for toys also stimulates motor development.

A Place to Nap

A baby swing can give your infant a place to have a nap that is different than their crib. Changes sleeping positions can be more comfortable.

Hands Free for You

This type of baby accessory gives you a chance to put your baby in it while you do something else.

It is wise to never leave your baby unattended but since these swings are often fairly small and portable, you can easily take it with you from room to room.

Full sized swings

These have good range of motion and many come with electrical plugs which keep you from having to change batteries.

These are the most expensive swings on the market and can range anywhere from $100 up to $200.

These are also the biggest kind of swings and are often the heaviest. If you don't invest in a good swing, they can make a bit of noise while swinging as well.

Make sure to check reviews from parents about the noise of the motor.

Travel swings

These make great options if you travel with your baby a lot, or you have a small space in your home.

These are much more affordable than full sized swings, but they often don't come with as many features.

Power Source

Your power source will be a big factor when using your baby swing. Many on the market are powered by battery operated motors.

I have used many of these over the years and going through batteries in is not very cheap or convenient. I suggest looking for a swing that has a power cord.

Safety Harness

All full size swings are actually required to have a three point harnesses to keep your baby secure.

Depending on the swing, and how much your baby likes to move around, a five point harness might be more appropriate. These include over the shoulder straps which make them even safer.

Speed and Motion

Every swing will move back and forth, but there are some models shaped like a cradle that give you side to side rocking as well.

Some swings offer as much as eight different speeds. This is very nice since your baby will typically like a couple of specifics speeds.

Easy to Clean

Since babies are notorious for spitting up, drooling, or leaking through their diapers, find a swing that is easy to clean.

I prefer a wipe down material for the seat of the swing, but soft material is often more comfortable for your infant. However, make sure that you can remove the cover to put in the washing machine.

Recline

Since your baby will most often sleep in the swing, look for a seat that reclines to a comfortable position. I prefer using one that offers at least three different reclining positions.

Portability

Depending on your home and your baby, you most likely will want to move the swing from room to room, take it outside, or even travel with it.

Find one that is quite lightweight yet stable. Many of them fold up to be a very compact size for better portability and storage.

You can even find some manufacturers that make travel versions of their larger swings, so you could consider investing in two.

Accessories

Though not entirely necessary, those that come with accessories will help keep your baby entertained in the swing for longer periods of time.

There are many differences from model to model so you will just need to compare them side by side. Many of them come with a few toys in front that are mounted on a tray, snack trays, even removable toy bars or mobiles.

There are also many that have lights for your baby to watch and will play different kinds of music. I have really enjoyed using a swing that has a music player hookup.

This allows you to hook up your iPod or other music source to play your own customized playlist for your baby.

Safety Certification

I highly recommend finding a baby swing that has been certified from the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA).

This certification lets you know that the baby swing meets all independent safety standards.

One swing I've used with my last two kids and really enjoyed is the Fisher-Price Cradle ‘N Swing. It weighs in at only 15 pounds so it's easy to move with me wherever I go. It has 6 swing speeds and a 2 position reclining seat well.

It also plays 16 songs that are soothing to your child while you're up and moving and they are in their seat.

Another good option is the Graco DuetConnect LX Swing Plus Bouncer. I love how this works as two toys in one! The swing reclines and offers 6 speeds while the bouncer part can be removed and set on the floor.

I like the Fisher-Price Cradle ‘N Swing Luv U Zoo for entertainment. It has side to side and front to back rocking movement, 6 swing speeds, 8 songs and 2 other sound effects. The tray in front has some beads on a track, and there is a moving mobile above the seat with zoo animals.