Designed for indoor use, baby swings typically consist of a seat suspended by a pair of arms attached to a frame with wide-standing, tubular-metal legs. Swings come in windup and battery-operated models. To make a windup model swing, you crank a handle at the top or side of the frame, which provides 20 to 30 minutes of movement. Battery-operated swings are driven by a motor that generally uses four D batteries. Such models emit a low churning noise with each passage of the swing. Most of the swings on the market today are battery-operated.
With either a windup or battery-powered mechanism, swings are lightweight and can be easily moved from room to room, although some are more maneuverable than others. Standard-size swings eat up a fair amount of room, so they may not be for you if floor space is scarce.
Some parents of colicky babies swear by swings. Other parents say they get by just fine without one. You may find that a swing comes in handy if your baby needs to sleep in a semi-upright position due to a cold or stuffy nose (although a bouncer seat may do the trick as well).
SHOPPING SECRETS
Decide whether you want a windup or battery-operated swing.
A windup model may be perfectly adequate as long as it's stable and has a well-padded, reclining seat that affords easy access. Battery-operated models usually have a sleeker design plus more features, such as speed controls, baby-sound activation, and toys attached to a front play tray. However, many parents find the motors noisy. If possible, try display models in the store (with batteries) or double-check the store's return policy. Then, test the swing as soon as you get home so you'll have the option of taking it back within the time allowed.
Try your baby out in a friend's swing or bring baby to the store with you for test runs when you're shopping. Keep in mind that your baby may not like the motion of a swing at first, although that could change after a few tries. Your baby's reactions may help you decide on one brand over another, or whether you're even a candidate for a swing in the first place.
WHAT'S AVAILABLE
The major brands of baby swings are, in alphabetical order: Fisher-Price, Graco, J. Mason, and Kolcraft. Prices for windup swings range from $40 to $65. The price range for battery-operated swings is $70 to $100.
FEATURES TO CONSIDER
Crotch post. A built-in crotch post prevents a baby from sliding out of the seat--an extra safety measure. There should also be a safety belt, which most models have.
Frames. Swings without a top crossbar make it easier to put your baby in and take him or her out again. At the very least, look for a swing that has a wide, sturdy stance and folds or dismantles for storage.
Seat cover. Look for plush padding that's machine-washable.
Seat settings. Multiple reclining positions can help you find the most soothing posture for your baby, which is especially important if baby likes to nap while swinging (a common combo).
Speeds. Some battery-operated swings give you up to eight speeds, but more than four is overkill. The faster speeds may annoy rather than relax your baby.
Swinging motion. Some swings have two swinging motions: side to side and front to back. That's nice but not essential.
Timer. Some models feature a time-remaining indicator that can help you keep tabs on the action.
Toys. Many swings come equipped with toy bars or trays, which is an option your baby may enjoy. But make sure they're within reach so your baby can actually touch them. Also check that they're safely attached and have no small parts that might cause choking.
Nice but not necessary extras include a front tray, with or without attached toys; sound (classical music and lullabies), which may or may not be soothing to little ones and grown-ups; a light display; storage baskets on the side to hold toys and accessories; and a remote control to activate the swinging action, music, or both. Some swings try to sense when baby needs comforting and respond automatically. A built-in sound sensor "hears" baby's sounds and responds by swinging and/or playing music.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Look for a swing that has a sturdy, stable frame with strong posts and legs as well as a wide stance to prevent tipping. The bottom of the legs or frame should not protrude so far that you're likely to trip over them, however. Examine the seat. It should be well padded and have a crotch post (if it's not a travel version) to prevent your baby from sliding out. It should also offer a partially reclined position for snoozing. You'll also want a secure safety belt.
If you buy a model with a cradle or bassinet attachment, make sure it's well mounted underneath, with no potential for breaking loose. If you opt for a battery-operated swing, come equipped with four C or D cell batteries to test products in the store and hear the sound of the motor (a deal-killer for many parents). As a rule, swings don't come with batteries included.
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Graco Lovin’ Hug Swing Theresa |  |
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US $60.00 | 32m |
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COSCO Gentle Motion Baby Child Swing High Chair 53119 | |
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US $69.00 | 39m |
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Disney Musical Deluxe Bouncer 25089NAB New | |
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US $33.99 | 41m |
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Fisher Price Natures Touch Papasan Swing Toy Bar | |
5 Bids | US $7.75 | 44m |
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Fisher Price Starlight Papasan Cradle Swing | |
7 Bids | US $65.00 | 47m |
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Fisher Price Baby Infant To Toddler Swing Red NEW | |
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US $36.99 | 48m |
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Fisher Price Mocha Cradle Swing Butterfly | |
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US $231.59 | 1h 25m |
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FISHER PRICE MY LITTLE LAMB CRADLE BABY SWING | |
7 Bids | US $61.00 | 1h 50m |
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Cosco Gentle Motion Baby Kid Play Swing High Chair Seat | |
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US $69.00 | 2h 10m |
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Graco Swing n Bounce 2 in 1 infant swing Zarafa | |
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US $110.00 | 2h 25m |
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Little Tikes 2 in 1 Snug N Secure Baby Swing PINK NEW | |
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US $36.25 | 2h 41m |
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Fisher Price Starlight Papasan Cradle Swing | |
0 Bid | US $90.00 | 3h 21m |
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NEW Fisher Price Infant Toddler Baby Rocker Seat Chair | |
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US $48.99 | 3h 28m |
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Fisher Price My Little Lamb Papasan Cradle Swing | |
15 Bids | US $66.00 | 3h 44m |
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ROYAL STEPSTOOL POTTY Fisher price New | |
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US $39.00 | 4h 8m |
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Used Rainforest Theme Swing Clean Music and Mobile | |
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US $74.00 | 4h 25m |
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Little Tikes Kid Child Disc Tree Or Swing Set Play Yard | |
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US $26.99 | 4h 29m |
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Brand new Graco Silhouette Baby Infant Swing Milan | |
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US $59.95 | 4h 36m |
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NEW Color Fisher Price Infant to Toddler Rocker P3334 | |
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US $34.20 | 4h 46m |
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Fisher Price Aquarium swing gn sea seahorse hanging toy | |
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US $5.00 | 4h 48m |
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Fisher Price Aquarium swing orange blu fish hanging toy | |
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US $5.00 | 4h 49m |
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GRACO SWEET PEACE SOOTHER SWING NEW MOTOR UNIT | |
2 Bids | US $1.04 | 4h 49m |
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Svan Bouncer in Chocolate Orange | |
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US $119.95 | 4h 50m |
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Evenflo Baby Swing | |
3 Bids | US $12.50 | 5h 21m |
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Graco Swing n Bounce 2 in 1 Infant Swing in Graham | |
2 Bids | US $52.00 | 5h 22m |
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Fisher Price RAINFOREST Take Along Swing Base Tube | |
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US $5.99 | 5h 43m |
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Graco Counting Sheep Swing | |
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US $30.00 | 5h 48m |
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Fisher Price OCEAN WONDERS Aquarium Cradle Swing Seat | |
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US $8.99 | 5h 56m |
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Graco Swing replacement neck head cushion support pad | |
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US $7.99 | 6h 3m |
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Disney All in One Baby Swing Bouncer Hammock Toy 53170 | |
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US $72.99 | 6h 12m |
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Precious Planet Open Top Take Along Swing | |
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US $58.95 | 6h 24m |
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Infant Seat and Toddler Rocker High Quality Brand New | |
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US $42.99 | 6h 29m |
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Fisher Price Baby Cradle Papasan Swing | |
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US $75.00 | 6h 34m |
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Baby Swing Soothing Motion Glider | |
1 Bid | US $20.00 | 6h 46m |
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Fisher Price Aquarium Baby Swing | |
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US $45.00 | 6h 57m |
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Maclaren Infant Rocker bouncer Chair Pink Brown New | |
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US $89.96 | 7h 10m |
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Maclaren Rocker Bouncer Vibrating Chair Marsh Green New | |
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US $89.96 | 7h 12m |
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FISHER PRICE OCEAN WONDERS CRADLE N SWING 2 WAYS NEW | |
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US $124.99 | 7h 21m |
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NEW Graco Lovin Hug Swing Melanie | |
26 Bids | US $48.00 | 7h 21m |
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Fisher Price Papasan baby swing Excellent Condition | |
4 Bids | US $28.00 | 7h 21m |
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Fisher Price Natures Touch Baby Papasan Cradle Swing | |
10 Bids | US $38.00 | 8h 4m |
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Fisher Price Take Along Swing Woodlands BRAND NEW | |
2 Bids | US $33.00 | 8h 14m |
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Boppy Travel Swing | |
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US $45.00 | 8h 33m |
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Gently Used Fisher Price Papasan Swing | |
4 Bids | US $66.00 | 8h 33m |
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FISHER PRICE RAINFOREST BIRD 4 ACTIVITY MAT REPLACEMENT | |
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US $5.99 | 10h 40m |
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Fisher Price Take along swing Link A DoosSeat padU | |
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US $14.99 | 10h 49m |
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Infant Seat and Converts to a Toddler Rocker chair NEW | |
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US $42.99 | 13h 20m |
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FISHER PRICE SWING N GLIDER Replacement TRAY Part NEW | |
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US $16.95 | 14h 47m |
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Boppy ROCK IN COMFORT Travel Swing PAD COVER SEAT Pink | |
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US $16.99 | 14h 47m |
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FISHERPRICE Rainforest REPLACEMENT CRADLE Seat BAR PART | |
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US $12.95 | 14h 47m |
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Fisher Price My Little Lamb Cradle n Swing List Price: $149.99 Sale Price: $98.54 Average Rating:   |
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Fisher-Price My Little Lamb Papasan Cradle SwingThis cradle swing is made from all the right materials that embrace baby in softness. There's a canopy and a soft friend that's tethered to the tray. The Papason Swing features 3 seat positions providing mom with options for her baby: side-to-side cradle motion and head-to-toe swinging motion to the left or right of center... |
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Bright Starts Comfort & Harmony Portable Swing, Neutral List Price: $59.99 Sale Price: $51.54 Average Rating: |
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Bright Starts Comfort & Harmony Portable Swing Comfort & Harmony boasts all the elements that keep baby supremely soothed and happy at every touch point. Featuring TrueSpeed Technology, our Portable Swing automatically recognizes the baby’s weight and adjusts the swing’s motion to maintain consistent, soothing swing speed even as baby grows... |
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Fisher-Price Infant To Toddler Swing in Red List Price: $49.99 Sale Price: $21.99 Average Rating:  |
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Recommended for children ages six months to 36 months, the Fisher-Price Infant to Toddler Swing lets your little one enjoy the fresh air within the safe comfort of a secure seat. Designed to span the development of a child from infant to toddler years, this outdoor baby swing offers hours of fun... |
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Fisher-Price Zen Collection Cradle Swing List Price: $219.99 Sale Price: $143.79 Average Rating: |
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The Zen Collection Cradle Swing from Fisher Price offers a variety of ways to comfort and soothe infants. And with its lovely, contemporary design, it's designed to integrate nicely into your home's interior... |
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Fisher-Price Rainforest Open-Top Cradle Swing List Price: $134.99 Sale Price: $100.00 Average Rating: |
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Designed for use from birth until baby becomes active and can climb out of the seat, the Fisher-Price Rainforest Open-Top Cradle Swing lets baby take a relaxing swing while watching plush rainforest friends frolic in the mobile above... |
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Bright Starts Fun on Safari Portable Swing, Blue List Price: $49.99 Sale Price: $42.54 Average Rating: |
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Bright Starts Fun on Safari Portable Swing The Fun on Safari Portable Swing provides melodies, swinging, and fun toys for baby plus innovative features for mom! Featuring TrueSpeed technology, this portable swing automatically recognizes the baby’s weight and adjusts the swing’s performance to maintain consistent swing speed as baby grows... |
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Fisher-Price Precious Planet Open Top Take-Along Swing List Price: $69.99 Sale Price: $59.99 Average Rating: |
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The Fisher-Price Precious Planet Open Top Take-Along Swing offers all the benefits of a full-sized swing in a portable format, so you can take it with you to Grandma's house, on vacation, or to the park--anywhere and everywhere you and your baby go... |
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Fisher-Price Take Along Swing- Woodlands List Price: $49.99 Sale Price: $49.99 Average Rating: |
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Fisher-Price Cradle 'n Swing, Scatterbug List Price: $99.99 Sale Price: $87.69 Average Rating:  |
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Fisher-Price 2-in-1 Cradle 'n SwingThe 2 in 1 Cradle n Swing provides Moms 2 soothing motions that help sooth baby. Our unique cradle motion help calm baby down and helps them rest. Some babies prefer the front to back motion that is traditionally provided by full sized swings... |
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Fisher-Price Precious Planet Space Saver Swing and Seat List Price: $69.99 Sale Price: $69.99 Average Rating: |
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Fisher-Price Precious Planet Space Saver Swing & SeatThe new Space Saver Swing & Seat offers all the great features of an infant seat and infant swing in one convenient product - offering both convenience in space saving and cost savings... |
