Standard Baby Swings

Basic cradle swings are most popular

In reviews, most experts and parents prefer cradle swings over other types. Standard swings move only back and forth. Cradle swings can rock back and forth or side to side with a flip of a switch and a turn of the chair. Experts are quick to point out that the term "cradle swing" is misleading, because the baby sits in a seat on an incline rather than lying down. This incline position is preferable for many parents with younger (or smaller) babies with acid reflux, colic or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), offering one possible solution to the sleep problems caused by these conditions.

In reviews, there really isn't any doubt as to the top-rated baby swing; the trouble is sorting out the bewildering variety of nearly identical versions. There's no dispute, however, that the Fisher-Price Papasan Cradle Swing is a parent favorite. Fisher-Price appears to be shifting the name of this cradle swing to Cradle 'n Swing, but most retailers are still listing it as the Papasan swing. Fisher-Price representatives say that, aside from color, they are functionally the same.

The most widely available versions are the Fisher-Price Starlight Papasan Cradle Swing (*Est. $125), selling at Babies "R" Us as the Fisher-Price Starlight Cradle 'n Swing, and the Fisher-Price Butterfly Garden Papasan Cradle Swing (*Est. $125), selling at Babies "R" Us as the Butterfly Garden Cradle 'n Swing. All versions share a seat that's modeled on comfy Papasan chairs made popular by import stores like Pier 1. Parent-written reviews at Amazon.com and Target.com tend to be enthusiastic about the Papasan seat style, giving it good marks for comfort and support. Feedback on the music features is excellent. All versions can play 16 songs with volume control, plus a variety of other sounds like cricket and frog noises. Both include a light-show feature; the Starlight version projects stars on the canopy, and the Butterfly version projects butterflies. All versions include a power adapter, and you don't need to spend money on batteries. Both have a two-position reclining seat.

We find older versions of these baby swings available online, some of which are lacking the power adapter; be sure to check carefully before you buy. There's another current version, the Fisher-Price My Little Lamb Cradle 'n Swing (*Est. $150) that includes a mobile and a plush toy, but only uses batteries -- no power adapter is included.

We chose the Starlight version for our Best Reviewed section. Some parents find the Butterfly version too feminine, but it's a matter of personal taste. The only consistent complaints about the Fisher-Price Papasan Cradle Swing are about the motor, which some parents say is inconsistent and failure-prone. On the positive side, owners report excellent customer service experiences with Fisher-Price, and most say replacement motors are shipped and received within a few days. The weight limit on all of these cradle swings is 25 pounds.

Standard swings rock back and forth only. They include the Graco Lovin' Hug swing (*Est. $100), which has a five-point harness and a curvier design. It has a Papasan-like seat design meant to be more supportive and comforting for infants. Like other baby swings, there are six speeds plus a four-position recline and 10 tunes. The big bonus in the Lovin' Hug swing is that it can hold a baby weighing up to 30 pounds. User reviews at ToysRUs.com.com point out some downsides, though. There are scattered comments about the tray being difficult to remove and the swing being difficult to assemble, and there are a fair number of comments about the motor being too noisy. The nature sounds are another unpopular feature. Parents say they're distorted and unpleasant sounding, and most say it's better to use the music mode instead.

A new standard swing is available, the Boppy Soothe in Comfort Full Size Swing (*Est. $120). This swing is supposed to automatically detect baby's weight and adjust the swing's speed accordingly. Otherwise, features are similar to the Fisher-Price swings above, but the Boppy swing moves back and forth only, not side to side. A downside is that this swing requires four D batteries for operation and an additional two C batteries for an extra vibration feature, with no options for plugging the unit in. Battery use is the main complaint we find about this new swing.

The Graco Sweetpeace Newborn Soothing Center (*Est. $150) looks very different from other swings. According to the manufacturer, this swing is supposed to "keep your baby calm and content" with several vibration and movement modes, and different sounds -- including simulated "womb sounds." The Sweetpeace features four seating and three recline positions. Like most swings, this model is meant for babies up to 25 pounds. Parents can choose to power this swing with five D batteries or the included AC adaptor. This swing also can double as a stationary rocker with a removable carrier seat that can be positioned on the floor.

Although we can't find any evidence that babies feel like they're in utero when in the Sweetpeace, parents do seem to like it. Most like the wide variety of motions and vibrations. You can choose among several built-in sounds, but there's also a standard 3.5 mm input for plugging in your own iPod or MP3 player. The main consistent complaint is that some units have motors that "croak." These parents say they returned the swing to the store or called Graco for a new motor. Some parents also say their babies quickly grew bored with the activity toys. A few others say the swing is overpriced.

A new combination swing, bouncy seat and infant carrier, the Graco Swing 'N Bounce 2-in-1 Infant Swing (*Est. $140) is getting decent overall owner ratings. Parents are enthusiastic about the versatility with two vibration speeds, three reclining positions, and a choice of 10 classical music tunes and nature sounds. The Swing 'N Bounce also features a timer, which has three different settings, and parents can control how long the music or vibration lasts. The unit also comes with a power adaptor, and parents don't have to rely solely on batteries. Parents posting at Target.com say they enjoy the convenience of being able to move the baby from room to room by removing the seat instead of taking the baby out. Reviewers on ToysRUs.com say this swing is practical for small spaces, and several say it's very easy to remove and replace the bouncer. There are some consistent complaints, though, about the seat being too upright for young babies and the overhead mobile being hard for little ones to see. Parents also say assembly is difficult and the instructions could be clearer.