Travel Swings

Travel swings are portable, but not as well-liked

Travel swings sit lower to the ground, swing in only one direction (back and forth), are lighter and often have fewer features than full-size baby swings. They also often fold up for parents to tote on the go. However, we found that most travel swings receive lackluster reviews when compared to full-size, standard swings. Instead, many users and experts agree that in most instances, baby bouncers, which receive better reviews overall and often cost less, can be a better buy than travel swings.

Despite this, one noteworthy item, the Fisher-Price Ocean Wonders Deep Blue Sea Space Saver Swing & Seat (*Est. $70) receives very positive reviews. Parents laud its double-duty design: It can serve as a swing and an infant feeding seat.  More than 320 parents reviewing this portable swing at LilaGuide.com (where it averages 4.5 out of 5 stars) say they appreciate this feature.

The Fisher-Price Space Saver portable swing features six songs, five swinging speeds and a toy bar that swings away when needed. Parents say its toy bar is bright and colorful and keeps their older infants well entertained.  Parents also praise the swing's price and compact size, saying its two handles make it a cinch to move from room to room or to pack in the car. A significant number of reviewers at ToysRus.com agree, saying it's a solid product for the price.

Like most travel swings, the Fisher-Price space saver swing requires batteries. Four C batteries are needed to operate the swing, and there is no plug-in option. Additionally, many parents report that their newborns don't like this swing. Some parents say newborns dislike the deep seat because it forces them to sit upright when many do not yet have head control. Still, this design is a hit for older tots, users say.

Even less expensive, the Fisher-Price Rainforest Open Top Take-Along Swing (*Est. $50) receives some solid reviews. Some parents like it, saying the swing does a good job of soothing babies. However, we found consistent complaints that its reclining seat is not adjustable and leans too far back for some babies. We also found 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, and we found quite a few concerned parents at Amazon.com who worry that their baby's head could come too close to the top bar or that baby's arms or fingers could get caught.