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The Best Bouncers and Swings to Get Your Little Passenger to Chill
Updated on
October 2, 2024

The Best Bouncers and Swings to Get Your Little Passenger to Chill

You’ll get to rest your arms (and maybe take a shower!) while your baby is safe and entertained.

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The Best Bouncers and Swings to Get Your Little Passenger to Chill.

Although your baby may disagree, it’s not practical to think you’ll be able to hold your newborn all day long. At some point you’ll need a shower, a meal or just a quick break.

That's where baby bouncers and swings come in. They offer a safe spot for your baby to play or relax while you get things done. And although not all babies will love them, many find them comforting and calming, so most parents want to give them a try and choose to add one to their baby registry.

The Babybjörn Bouncer Balance Soft is our top pick after testing and a hands-down favorite bouncer amongst parents. It’s responsive to baby’s movements, it’s easy to clean and it folds flat for easy storage. And for swings, we like 4moms mamaRoo Multi-Motion Baby Swing, which has the most motion options of any swing we tried, and has been a top choice for parents for over a decade. We’ve also included other bouncers and swings that we liked at various price points with different features to best meet your family’s needs.

Why Trust Babylist?

Babylist is the expert in baby; we know baby gear inside and out. We talk with parents face-to-face in our showroom and on our user panels and hear from thousands annually via our Best Baby Products online survey. We know what items millions of expecting parents are adding to their baby registries.

As a mom of three, I tried all kinds of gear to keep my babies calm, safe and healthy. From bouncers, carriers, swings, play mats and playyards—many found a place in our routine.

I also enlisted the help of two experts: Alexandra Cvijanovich, MD, a pediatrician in Albuquerque, New Mexico, who shared safety tips; and Marla Davis, OTD, OTR/L, a pediatric occupational therapist and owner of Bloom Pediatric Therapy and Wellness, who considered swings and bouncers from a developmental perspective.

My work is based on the original version of this guide written by Jen LaBracio, Babylist’s senior gear editor. LaBracio is a mom of two boys, ages three and ten. She’s personally used or tested almost every bouncer and swing on this best-of list.

The Best Bouncers and Swings 

Bouncers:

Swings:

How We Judged

  • Movement. We want bouncers that are bouncy and swings that really rock.

  • Portability. Bouncers and swings should always be used with supervision, so it’s nice to have one that’s not too tough to move to where you are in the house. Bonus if they fold flat so they can travel with you, too.

  • Easy to clean. Spit up and blowouts are inevitable, we wanted to make sure they’re easy to manage.

  • Value. If you’re spending a bit of money on an item, we want to make sure that it’s going to hold up during baby’s first year and (hopefully) be in good shape for the next baby who may use it.

Best Baby Bouncer Overall

Pros
  • Babylist parents’ favorite bouncer
  • Bouncier than other seats
  • Ergonomic positioning, even for newborns
  • Folds flat
Cons
  • Pricey
  • Toy bar sold separately

Babybjörn has been making baby bouncers since 1960, way before they launched their well-known baby carriers, and they have definitely perfected the product in that time. Their lightweight bouncer clocks in at seven pounds and folds flat, making it easy to move around the house and take on the go. When it’s unfolded, it has three recline levels—one for newborns, one for babies who can hold up their own head and one for babies who can sit on their own.

In Babylist’s survey of thousands of parents, the Babybjörn was the top-ranked bouncer/swing. “I’ve used it with both my kiddos now and it is the perfect item to take around the house and have baby in every room,” said a Babylist parent. And after your baby outgrows the bouncer, it can be converted into a little chair your child can use until they hit 20 pounds.

“When I was building my first baby registry, a few mom friends told me this bouncer was a must-have. It looked so simple—and it was pretty pricey—so I wasn’t sold,” says LaBracio. “Turns out my friends were right. I used this bouncer with both of my boys and it was hands-down one of my favorite baby products. It’s supportive, even for newborns, and so easy to move around your home. I can’t imagine the newborn days without it.”

Since the seat’s bounce motion is triggered by baby’s movements, you’ll need to manually bounce this until your little one is big enough to start kicking. It’s also pricey, and the toy bar isn’t included. But since it can be used into toddlerhood (until your child hits 20 pounds), it’s a bit easier to justify the higher cost.

Real Parent Reviews

“I really wish I would have bought it sooner! We literally tried everything to make my reflux baby girl happy. From swings, to play mats, to car rides and nothing worked! I am so happy with this purchase! It’s the best baby item on the market in my opinion. It also folds super easy and it’s very very light! My baby absolutely loves it! I would definitely recommend this to any parent! I got my happy baby back…” — Jennifer

“This bouncer saved my sanity. I would have paid double!!! Get this and skip a swing. Amazing. Perfect. Love.” — Alexandra

“Only thing that would make it better is if there was a way to make it bounce without pushing while he’s still too little to kick it & bounce on his own.” — Rachel

Additional Specs
Child Guidelines As a bouncer, birth to when baby sits up unassisted; as a chair, up to 2 years old (or 20 pounds)
Plugs or Batteries None; uses baby’s movements

Best Affordable Baby Bouncer

Pros
  • Affordable
  • Folds flat
  • Toy bar and carry bag included
Cons
  • Loose fit for some babies
  • Assembly required
  • Not as bouncy as other options

With a similar aesthetic to the Babybjörn bouncer at a fraction of the cost, this bouncer is definitely worth a look. It has all the features we love: three recline positions, easy portability (it folds flat and weighs just over four pounds), a comfy, washable seat and a toy bar included. The simple, neutral design is also a big plus for lots of parents. “It has been our baby’s favorite place besides our arms,” said a parent from Babylist’s survey.

The main downside is that it is not quite as bouncy as higher-priced options. It also doesn’t have an adjustable harness, which may leave too much room for a smaller baby. And unlike other similar bouncers, this one doesn’t come ready to go out of the box; it has to be assembled. Parents also complain that the toy bar doesn’t attach securely and that the organic fabric option doesn’t have organic fabric in the part where the baby sits (which is polyester mesh).

If you’re looking for another budget-friendly bouncer, check out the Bright Starts Playful Pinwheel Bouncer. It’s under $30 and I used it with my last baby—it was a simple option for when I needed two hands to cook and a soft place to put the baby in sight.

Real Parent Reviews

“It definitely helps with babies that have reflux. The material is so soft, well-made, great quality fabric and the best part, SO EASY TO CLEAN.” — Santana

“We absolutely LOVE this bouncer. And our daughter does too! It’s so easy to set up and pack up. We take it with us whenever we go out of town or to our friends and family’s houses. It’s so easy to take apart and wash when our daughter has blowouts. This has honestly been one of our absolute favorite baby gear items.” — Tay2bg

“There is no way to securely tighten the straps so that it fits snug. My baby is 11 lbs and this is way too big for him and he easily slides all over the place.” —L.D.

Additional Specs
Child Guidelines Birth to 6 months or up to 20 lbs
Plugs or Batteries None; uses baby’s movements

Longest Lasting Baby Bouncer

Pros
  • Includes a newborn insert
  • Folds flat
  • Works from newborn days through toddlerhood
Cons
  • Larger footprint than other bouncers
  • Toy bar sold separately

Well known (and loved) for their ergonomic baby carriers, parent-favorite brand Ergobaby’s first baby bouncer is thoughtfully designed, stylishly modern and may stay in use longer than other bouncers on our best-of list. “It’s the only way I can put my baby down!” said a parent in the Babylist survey.

The ergonomically designed newborn insert makes the Evolve suitable for infants starting at five and a half pounds. The insert pops out as baby grows, at which point you can use the seat in one of three different recline positions and then as a seat until your little one hits the toddler years, up to 29 pounds. The adjustable harness helps keep the baby in securely. And the bouncer folds completely flat for easy transport and storage.

The Evolve is similar to the Babybjörn Bouncer Balance Soft in that it’s powered by your baby’s kicks; however, it does have a larger footprint, something to keep in mind if space is an issue for you.

Real Parent Reviews

“It is beautiful, easy to use, folds compact for storing, and is super easy to clean. The nicest feature to me is how quick and easy the bouncer is to use. A single step button allows you to move between the 3 reclining positions, or with one extra switch, the bouncer folds flat for travel or storage. It only takes seconds. The fabric is velvety, breathable, and impressively soft.” — Beeba

“It’s simple to use, store and looks lovely. My little one is a Velcro baby but when I can put him down he enjoys this. Plus it’s light enough I can carry it up and down the stairs for when he needs to be put down so I can do things hands free.” — Erika

“I have a very colicky baby and it has been difficult to find anything to keep her content. This bouncer has been a life changer and I would recommend it to all new parents!” — Elizabeth

Additional Specs
Child Guidelines As a bouncer, birth to when baby sits up unassisted; as a chair, up to 3 years old (or 29 pounds)
Plugs or Batteries None; uses baby’s movements

Best Bouncer + Rocker Combo

Pros
  • Rocks or bounces
  • Folds flat
  • Lightweight
Cons
  • No toy bar
  • Not as bouncy as other options
  • Doesn’t rock well on carpet

This stylish bouncer has more going for it than just its good looks. It’s actually a bouncer and a rocker rolled into one, offering two different ways to soothe and entertain your little one depending on which motion they like best. “It was so durable and was able to use it for longer than I would have if it was a traditional bouncer,” a Babylist survey respondent told us.

There are three different recline positions and a newborn inlay for extra support. And speaking of support—parents love how sturdy this bouncer is. They also love that it folds completely flat so it’s easy to carry or tuck away when not in use. Many said it was the perfect substitute for an extra set of hands around the house, especially during the newborn days. “I’ve done my research…with every newborn/baby purchase I made, despite unknowingly becoming a mom overnight after unexpectedly adopting a newborn,” one parent said in the Best Baby Products survey. “Amongst the sleepless nights, in between feedings, in those early days I found this gem. And as a single mom it helped me to get feelings in for my son, showers in for myself, a soothing rock when he was fussy…and sometimes just a safe place to set him if when I needed my own set of

Keep in mind that the Kori isn’t the bounciest of bouncers and has difficulty rocking on rugs and carpets, especially if they’re plush.

Real Parent Reviews

“Ever since I bought this rocker for my baby she’s always comfy and happy on it. I take the chair with me literally everywhere: on trips, to visit family, all around the house etc. I am able to do more things at home, while she keeps me company.” — Cristi

“My baby loves this rocker. There’s not as much movement as I expected, so it’s more of a stationary seat for him. But with the cozy newborn insert, he is snug, cozy, and happy to be in it while I’m getting some chores done.” — Karen

“The rocking motion is very limited and only works on hard floors. If you place it on carpet or a even semi-plush rug, it hardly moves at all.” — Jordan

Additional Specs
Child Guidelines Birth to 9 months
Plugs or Batteries None; uses baby’s movements

Best Baby Swing Overall

Pros
  • Five different motion settings, including up-and-down and side-to-side variations
  • Motion settings are customizable—you can program your own variation
  • Smart home features like Bluetooth
  • Voice control compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Home
Cons
  • Heavy (almost 16 pounds)
  • A bit noisy
  • App connection can be difficult
  • Only plugs-in (no battery)

Sure, it looks futuristic, but the mamaRoo is more than a mod piece of baby gear. Its claim to fame is that it moves like you do, mimicking natural rhythms and movements. (Think bouncing up and down or side-to-side.) The five motions, five speeds and four sounds can be tailored to your baby’s preferences for a custom mix-and-match motion—there’s an app to help you figure out which motions mimic your own the most. There are also smart home features like Bluetooth and voice control compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Home.

If you’ve spent even a few minutes reading parent reviews on the mamaRoo, you may notice they can be a bit contradictory. It’s not uncommon to read an incredible rave (“The 4moms mamaRoo swing is hands down the best product we purchased,” a parent said in the Babylist survey) followed by a not-so-great review (“Our kid just hated it and it’s not worth the noise [or] floor space,” said another). We’ve had a similar experience. My own kids didn’t like the mamaRoo (but I never found a swing that they did like), while LaBracio said it was one of the few things that calmed her first son down, even when he was extra fussy. It’s a good reminder that babies can have their own individual—and strong!—reactions to things, so don’t stock up on too many swings or bouncers before you know how your little one will respond.

The mamaRoo is also on the pricier side. And it’s heavy—moving it from room to room won’t be as easy as other swings or bouncers. It’s also one of those items of gear that some babies have particularly strong opinions about.

Real Parent Reviews

“This is truly the best invention ever! My daughter did not like to be in any swing or bouncer until we purchased the mamaroo. She absolutely LOVES it and so do we!” — Natasha

“The swing is great but it’s not for every baby. My 3 month old didn’t care for it too much. I love the variety of motions and ease of the straps.” — Bree

“I finally bought this and am not disappointed—my son is a snuggle baby and loves to be rocked and this is perfect.” — Bobbie

Additional Specs
Child Guidelines Birth until 25 lbs (approximately 9 months) or attempts to climb out, whichever comes first
Plugs or Batteries Plugs in

Best Baby Swing for Small Spaces

Pros
  • Small footprint
  • Folds up for storage
  • Lightweight (10 lbs)
Cons
  • Movement not as strong as other swings
  • Only has side-to-side motion
  • Only plugs-in (no battery)

If you like the idea of the mamaRoo but don’t quite have the space, you’ll want to give this lower profile, foldable option from Munchkin a serious look. “I needed a safe spot on the second floor of our house to put my second son during the newborn days, but I didn’t want anything big or bulky,” says LaBracio. “The Munchkin swing was the perfect option. It was sleek and small and my son loved the gentle rocking motion.”

This sleek-looking swing rocks side-to-side. It has a compact silhouette and easily comes apart into two parts so you can store it flat or take it on the go, and it’s not too heavy—just 10 pounds. There’s a remote to control everything wirelessly and the system connects to your phone so you can stream your own music if you don’t want the music or sounds that are already built in.

One complaint is that this swing doesn’t have much velocity—its side-to-side glide is rather gentle. For some babies, that totally works, but others like a little bit more oomph.

Real Parent Reviews

“We love the baby Munchkin swing, but more importantly, our three-month-old son loves it too! The swing is light and really easy to assemble.” — Daniel

“My baby loves the Munchkin swaying seat. I originally purchased it for a weekend away because it would travel easily and break down into two parts. But it has actually turned into our main baby swing. I have three other types and this ended up being my favorite over the swing, the bouncer, and the rocker.” — Kristen

“This swing was perfect for me as a new parent. When I need 20 minutes to get something done I can sit my newborn in this seat and she will relax.” — Shawnee

Additional Specs
Child Guidelines For babies 5-20 lbs who cannot sit up or climb out of swing unassisted
Plugs or Batteries Plugs in

Most Stylish Baby Swing

Pros
  • Quiet
  • Lightweight (10 pounds)
  • Uses power cord or batteries
Cons
  • Only has side-to-side gliding motion
  • Doesn’t fold

Not only is the Maxi-Cosi Cassia a particularly good-looking swing, it’s one of the quietest we tried, and one of the few that can use a power cord or batteries, which is handy for keeping your baby close as you get things done around the house. It’s also lightweight—about 10 pounds—so it’s easy to move. It features a side-to-side gliding motion with five speeds, 12 songs and nature sounds, two recline positions, and automatic motion detection that rocks gently when it senses that your baby is getting restless.

Like most swings, it’s tough to know if your baby will love it or not. “Swings in general are hit or miss with babies and we only used it a few times and our baby did not enjoy the Cassia,” a parent reported on the Babylist survey. Many parents also commented about the price, wishing it was a bit less expensive.

Real Parent Reviews

“We had used prior swings and he always hated being put in them, we had about almost given up looking for a swing till this one. With this one I’m finally able to do things without holding him all the time. He will be happy in his swing while I cook or do some light cleaning around the house.” —Gemma

“My absolute favorite thing about this swing (aside from the easy assembly) is that you can use it with a power cord OR with batteries! The portability of this swing is literally amazing.” —Aramelis

“My daughter was so fussy until I put her in this swing! It rocked her back and forth like I would and it completely calmed her.” —Julia

Additional Specs
Child Guidelines Birth to 20 pounds
Plugs or Batteries Plugs in or can use with batteries

Best Traditional Baby Swing

Pros
  • Vibration settings in addition to swinging
  • Compact
  • Affordable
Cons
  • Only side-to-side swinging motion
  • A bit noisy
  • Only plugs-in (no battery)
  • On the heavier side (15 pounds)

If you’re in the market for a simple yet soothing swing with lots of features and a mid-range price point, Graco’s Simple Sway is a Babylist parent favorite. “It’s a lifeline when my baby is fussy,” a parent said on the Babylist survey.

It features a compact frame, six side-to-side sway speeds, 15 sound options and two vibration settings, all at a price that comes in a lot lower than many similar baby swings. It’s not without its downsides; it weighs 15 pounds, making it hard to move around the house, and some parents find the seat is too deep for newborns. It’s also on the noisier side compared to many other baby swings. But considering all of the options—and the price—we think it’s a good affordable option.

If you’re willing to spend a little more for a swing that sits higher off the floor, check out the Graco Glider LX Gliding Swing model. Many babies enjoy its front-to-back gliding motion.

Real Parent Reviews

“We tried multiple swings and this one has proven to be the best option. The swing is smooth and simple. The vibration is strong in a good way (must have batteries to use vibration). My one complaint is that it squeaks/clicks while swinging.” — Brit

“This is a must-have for parents who are trying to do chores around the house. It soothes the baby and keeps them calm.” — Aurelio

“It has helped us SO many times when our baby was fussy. Especially when she was so tired to the point of being difficult to console.” — No name

Additional Specs
Child Guidelines Infants between 5.5-30 lbs
Plugs or Batteries Plugs in

Best Affordable Baby Swing

Pros
  • Lightweight (only 7 pounds)
  • Uses power cord or batteries
  • Folds up for storage
Cons
  • Only one recline option
  • Only front-to-back swinging motion

This compact swing is a parent favorite and a budget-friendly pick. It features five swing speeds, eight melodies and three nature sounds. The frame is pretty compact and foldable, and the seat fabric is washable. “I love it so much because it offers a soothing, gentle motion that calms my baby effortlessly, allowing for much-needed breaks,” a parent reported on the Babylist survey.

One drawback is that there’s no ability to recline the seat on this swing, plus the smaller size means your baby may grow out of it faster than they would with other swings.

Real Parent Reviews

“This is the perfect swing for us. It’s small and doesn’t take up a huge area in your living room. Plus it folds up when not in use. I love that I can easily move it room-to-room if I need to.” — Bri

“I really like it. It’s durable. Has decent settings. Does the job. I like that I can take it apart and wash the fabric in the washer too.” — Stephanie

“We purchased this swing as a backup when my baby boy was born as we were traveling and needed something smaller than the huge swing we usually used. It is very convenient and folds up nicely.” — Britt

Additional Specs
Child Guidelines 6 to 20 pounds
Plugs or Batteries Plugs in or can use with batteries

What’s the Difference Between a Baby Bouncer and a Swing?

A baby bouncer is usually lightweight and low to the ground. It’s powered by baby’s own movements or by giving it a quick nudge with your hand or foot. Bouncers tend to be fairly compact—some even fold flat for easy storage—and range in price but are often quite affordable.

Swings tend to be heavier and larger than baby bouncers and are mechanically powered. A swing rocks your baby back and forth, side to side or a combination of both in some cases. Many have other features like sounds and vibrations. Swings tend to be more than bouncers (but not always) and some are fairly pricey.

Do You Need a Baby Bouncer or Swing?

Baby bouncers and swings are not must-have baby items. But for most parents, they like the idea of a portable piece of baby gear that offers a safe place for baby when they need to get something else done. Bouncers and swings can also be great for soothing a fussy baby.

When Do You Need a Baby Bouncer or Swing?

Baby bouncers and swings are generally made for the pre-sitting set. They’re best for newborns and babies up to about six months old or until they can sit up on their own. Be sure to check the age recommendation and weight limit on the particular swing or bouncer you’re using to ensure it’s still okay for your baby to use as they grow.

How to Use Baby Bouncers and Swings Safely

“Bouncers or swings are best used when infants are fully awake and when there is an adult monitoring them,” said pediatrician Alexandra Cvijanovich. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends limiting baby’s time in swings, bouncy chairs and car seats. “Time should be limited to prevent them falling asleep and to allow for tummy time, which is important for development and also to prevent flattening of the baby’s head,” Cvijanovich explained.

Marla Davis, a pediatric occupational therapist, said it’s okay to use a bouncer or swing if you need hands-free time to do things around the house, but “as much as you can provide tummy time and floor time and really unrestricted movement in a safe area.” Unrestricted movement is a really big key to healthy development, she says, warning that too much time spent in bouncers, swings, car seats or jumpers can lead to container baby syndrome.

Also, per the AAP, these products are not approved for sleep. While some of these products have the word “sleep” in the name or have photos of babies sleeping on the packaging, it’s important to always follow safe sleep guidelines for your baby. 

“When a baby is in a bouncer or swing and they fall asleep, their heads can fall forward which can compress their airway, leading to suffocation,” explained Cvijanovich.

The AAP offers these tips for helping to keep babies safe in swings and bouncers:

  • If your baby falls asleep in a bouncer or swing, move them to a safe, firm sleep surface as soon as possible.

  • Infants under four months of age should be seated in the most reclined swing position. (This is to avoid the “chin to chest” position, which can cause suffocation.)

  • Ensure the bouncer or swing you’re using cannot tip over or fold up easily.

  • If your bouncer or swing has shoulder straps, always use them to keep your baby safe and secure.

  • Follow all manufacturer height and weight recommendations for your bouncer or swing.

What Is Best, a Baby Bouncer or a Swing?

If you’re pitting a baby bouncer against a swing, one isn’t necessarily “better” than the other; it’s more about what works best for your family and your baby.

The biggest pros of baby bouncers are that they’re lightweight, easily portable and have small footprints. There are no plugs or batteries to worry about and are ideal for storage and travel. They do, however, require manual movement either from you or your baby’s wiggles.

Swings provide constant motion, which is a big pro for lots of babies. They can be great for soothing your little one when they’re fussy. But they require power and tend to be on the larger, bulkier side.

You may want to start by adding either a baby bouncer or a swing to your registry, not both. You can then test things out once your baby arrives and go from there. (You can check out local consignment stores or Facebook marketplaces for lightly used products).

How to Choose the Best Baby Bouncer or Swing

Here are a few things to think about when you’re deciding on a baby bouncer or a swing:

  • Portability and storage. How heavy is the swing or bouncer? Can you easily move it from room to room if you’d like? What about storage—does it fold flat?

  • Seat incline. If there’s an adjustable seat, you might be able to use your bouncer or swing longer. 

  • Sound and motion. More features to entertain baby might mean less fussiness.

  • Ease of cleaning. A machine-washable cover is your friend.

  • Style and fabric. Do you want neutral colors or organic cotton?

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