Travel Swings

Travel swings are portable, but not as well-liked

Some parents like travel swings for their mobility and convenience. Travel swings sit much lower to the ground, are lighter in weight and often have fewer features than full-size swings. In general, we didn't find the same high ratings for portable swings as we did for full-size swings, however. Alternatives to portable swings include bouncers, which receive better reviews overall and often cost less.

The basic Fisher-Price Open Top Take-Along Swing (*Est. $50) is recommended in reviews as a good buy for a second swing for grandma's house. Some parents like it, but we find complaints that the reclining seat is not adjustable and leans too far back for some babies. We also find comments saying heavier babies won't experience much swinging motion. The seat fabric is not as padded and comfortable as that of many full-size swings. Because portable swings are compact and short, some parents are concerned that their baby's head can come too close to the top bar or that baby's arms or fingers can get caught.

The Fisher-Price Rainforest Open Top Take-Along Swing (*Est. $60) is a little fancier, with a toy bar stretching across the top. Two plush toys hang from the bar. The latest version is the Precious Planet Open Top Take-Along Swing (*Est. $60). These swings come with five speeds and a handful of songs, but they are battery-powered only. Some owners say the hanging toys don't provide as much entertainment as they'd hoped. Some also express concerns that their babies fall too far forward in the seat, and it's a good idea to keep your receipt until you know how this swing works for your baby.

The Fisher-Price Aquarium Take-Along Swing (*Est. $70) is the fanciest Fisher-Price travel swing. This travel swing features two hanging soft sea creature toys that allow baby to activate the sounds and lights. Parents who try the open-top swings and the Aquarium swing prefer the Aquarium version, saying the seat is a bit deeper. Two fluid-filled tanks on the sides create a visual effect in coordination with the motion of the swing. Several parents comment that they used this travel swing as the primary swing in a smaller living space, and several mention using it in an office. Most reviewers say the Aquarium Take-Along Swing is easily moved from place to place and is practical for taking to grandma's house.

The bottom line: Most parents say a full-size cradle swing is really the best way to soothe and entertain cranky babies, but if you have a small space or need to move your swing often, the Aquarium Take-Along Swing is also a decent choice. Some parents say bouncers are a good alternative to travel swings. Made for infants who cannot yet sit up on their own, a vibrating bouncer such as the Fisher-Price Rainforest Bouncer (*Est. $50) has fewer moving parts.

Another Fisher-Price model, the Soothing Motions Glider (*Est. $100), is an alternative to the travel baby swing. This model looks like an infant carrier on a base unit. More than 100 owners posting at Amazon.com contribute to this model's excellent rating. The Soothing Motions Glider sits on a track that allows it to glide from side to side or front to back, and it features eight playful and eight soothing songs. A couple of reviewers say their babies with acid reflux issues would sleep only in this glider, but there are some comments that the motor is too loud and the gliding motion too slow to soothe babies to sleep. One parent mentions that a vibrating feature would be a nice added touch to this model. Overall, however, we find this alternative gets better reviews than any portable baby swing.