Table of Contents
- View The Best Baby Rocker Below
- 1. Graco Duet Soothe Swing & Rocker
- 2. 4moms mamaRoo
- 3. Fisher-Price Infant-to-Toddler Rocker
- 4. Fisher-Price My Little Snugabunny Cradle ‘n Swing
- 5. Graco Glider Lite LX
- 6. BabyBjorn Balance Soft Baby Bouncer
- 7. Nuna LEAF GROW
- 8. Baby Jogger City Way 2-in-1 Baby Rocker
- 9. Ingenuity Swing ‘n Go Portable
- 10. Fisher-Price Deluxe Bouncer
- Baby Rockers Buyers Guide
There’s no substitute for your arms when it comes to lulling an infant to sleep – and believe us, your baby knows it. But you can still find ways to avoid being stuck with a list of chores or work projects and a baby who doesn’t want to leave your embrace.
We investigated baby rockers and bouncers to determine which models work best to help soothe a cranky infant so busy parents can get to work (or take a well-deserved break!). Our “rock tour” unveiled ten top rockers and bouncers that many parents rated among the best. Check out our winners – these models rocked.
View The Best Baby Rocker Below
1. Graco Duet Soothe Swing & Rocker
Does baby prefer a side-to-side rocking motion or a forward swing? Don’t know yet? Hedge your bets with this versatile swing/rocker combo – it converts easily to either mode, and you can take advantage of the multi-directional seat that boasts three recline positions to find just the right configuration for your little one. Swing speed is adjustable, and we appreciated the carry handles for when you’re rocking around the house. There’s even a toy bar – toys included!
Pros:
+Adapts to baby’s needs – it’s both a rocker and a swing
+Adjustable positions, recline and speed
+Five-point harness for baby’s comfort and safety
Why We Like It – This Graco swing/rocker model topped our list of the best due to its versatility and attention to design detail (it even has two vibration settings for those extra-fussy days). Whether the baby wants to swing back and forth or rock side to side, the setup couldn’t be more straightforward.
2. 4moms mamaRoo
The ultimate tool for appeasing your little one, this infant seat is an investment that we can justify. Bluetooth and MP3 compatible, it simulates five tried and true baby-friendly motions: car ride, the bounce of a caregiver’s arms, a wave, a cradle, and a swing. The swing base has easy-to-read foot controls, and the seat’s soft cover is machine washable. No batteries needed; it’s got an A/C adapter.
Pros:
+Movements mimic classic soothing motions
+Operate with your Bluetooth
+Safe for babies up to 25 lbs
Why We Like It – The mamaRoo stood out to us not just for its tech capabilities, but for the variety of motions. You can reap the benefits of a car ride from the comfort of home, and the baby also will be mesmerized by the gentle wave setting (with or without music).
3. Fisher-Price Infant-to-Toddler Rocker
Don’t let the simple design and low price of this rocker fool you. It’ll serve you and baby well – and well into the toddler stage, as it converts to a chair for kids up to 40 pounds. In baby seat mode, you can set it to rocking, or employ the kickstand to keep it stationary. There’s even a vibration option and toy bar. It operates with batteries, so you can easily move it throughout the house.
Pros:
+Inexpensive rocker that you’ll use past the infant stage
+Vibrates to soothe your little one
+Includes toy bar and toys
Why We Like It – Whether it’s in rocking mode or being used as a stationary seat, we loved the sturdy construction and soft, cozy cover of this affordable option. And the best part? It will double as a comfy toddler rocker.
4. Fisher-Price My Little Snugabunny Cradle ‘n Swing
Crack the code of which motions, speeds, positions, and sounds will help calm your cranky baby the best. This cradle-swing hybrid offers a ton of options, from music and nature sounds to six swing speeds that take baby’s weight into account. The little birds mobile provides visual stimulation, and the swing may earn our “Cutest” award with its downright adorable body insert and head support.
Pros:
+Features music and nature sounds
+Choose from rocking or swinging motion in six speeds\
+Change positions and mode with a touch of the button
Why We Like It – Cozy as all get out, these swings may outshine your arms when it comes to baby’s comfort. You don’t have to push the swing to start it, and we also liked that the swing’s speed settings include a weight sensor. It’s got an A/C adaptor, but also can run on batteries, a detail busy parents will appreciate.
5. Graco Glider Lite LX
For being so tiny, babies sure seem to attract big amounts of clutter. Graco has streamlined the footprint of this rocker, which mimics the smooth swing motion of a glider chair (it’s 40 percent smaller than other swings in its class, making it the best option for small living spaces and travel). Six speeds, vibration mode, and a ton of music and nature sounds lend this small rocker big impact.
Pros:
+Smaller profile than most rockers
+Plug-in/batteries operation includes a timer
+Snug seat features three reclining positions
Why We Like It – In addition to the space-saving design, we were taken with the glider-smooth motion of this rocker. Sure, the toy bar and music options help keep baby occupied during wakeful times, but this one just may earn the designation of fastest soother.
6. BabyBjorn Balance Soft Baby Bouncer
Bouncers for babies are different from rockers and swings – the little one’s in control here. Bjorn’s take on this time-tested device is deceptively simple: it’s a streamlined unit without bells and whistles, but there’s a lot to unpack. The ergonomic design properly supports baby in a cozy seat made with organic cotton, and the frame gently responds to baby’s bouncing motions to stimulate without startling. Find the position that works best; make sure your baby is buckled in, and let the fun begin.
Pros:
+Baby bouncer features three positions for newborns to older babies
+Can convert to a chair when infant outgrows the bouncy mode
+Engineered with Bjorn’s expertise for proper neck and head support
Why We Like It – Far from the more passive experience of swings, the best baby bouncers will stimulate baby and help develop motor skills. We like the thoughtful design and extended weight limit on this baby bouncer, which can be converted to a stationary toddler seat.
7. Nuna LEAF GROW
https://www.thetot.com/product/nuna-leaf-grow/?attribute_pa_color=blush
It looks different because it acts differently from other rockers, and we can’t stop talking about it. The Nuna LEAF Grow rocker perfectly mimics the way you soothe baby in your arms – and once they’ve outgrown wanting to be rocked, just remove the infant insert and this handy device functions as a chair. The responsive rocking mechanism requires the lightest of touches, and once you’ve started it, the motion will continue for up to two minutes.
Pros:
+Gentle side-to-side motion mirrors the motion of rocking baby in your arms
+Provides a cozy, secure rocking experience from birth to about five months
+Has a second life as a comfy kids seat (weight limit is a whopping 130 pounds)
Why We Like It – Sleek and elegant (we never thought we’d say that about a baby seat), this model has three recline positions and also locks into a stationary mode. We appreciated the silent movement and power-free simplicity, too.
8. Baby Jogger City Way 2-in-1 Baby Rocker
https://www.babyjogger.com/en-US/city-sway-rocker-bouncer
A soothing rocker or a stimulating baby bouncer – just a flip of the kickstand, and you’re set with this hybrid model. Either way, the baby will be super comfy with the Optivent fabric seat and customized calf support. Put baby in bouncer mode and add the toy bar for playtime, or set the stage for lullaby land with the rocker and vibration options. This model folds flat for convenient storage and travel, too.
Pros:
+Converts easily from rocker to baby bouncer
+Best bouncer for baby if you travel a lot
+Adjustable calf supporter for ultimate comfort
Why We Like It – Although it makes a great traveling companion, we also thought this was one of the best baby bouncers available: it features a removable infant insert and leg support for extra comfort. Just add batteries, pack the diaper bag, and hit the road.
9. Ingenuity Swing ‘n Go Portable
Parents who travel, take note: here’s another adventure-friendly option. This portable swing folds flat and features a machine-washable chair pad and headrest, as well as battery-saving technology ( you can also conserve power by using one of the three timer settings). The quiet swing motor adjusts for baby’s weight to keep each speed consistent through growth spurts, so you never have to second-guess. Audio options include music and nature sounds.
Pros:
+Simple design folds fast and flat
+Five-point harness secures babies up to 20 pounds
+Swing is designed to conserve batteries
+Non-slip feet design keeps swing stable on bare floors
Why We Like It – One of the best baby swings for travel, this model will save your batteries without sacrificing performance. The quiet operation means nothing will come between the baby and the swing’s music or nature sounds.
10. Fisher-Price Deluxe Bouncer
This is a bouncer baby will love, with its colorful bar toys and cushy, supportive padding – and we love it, too: the three-point restraint is easy to adjust, the bouncy action keeps baby busy, and the bar is simple to remove. More than a typical baby bouncer, this one offers a vibration mode (powered by batteries), which can soothe your fussy little one. We also liked how easily the padding detaches for laundry time.
Pros:
+A step up from the typical baby bouncer, with a vibration option
+Super colorful, eyecatching toys included for the bar
+Bouncing action is easy to trigger, but not jolting
Why We Like It – A good balance between no-frills and bells-and-whistles bouncers, the Deluxe Bouncer will make sure your little one is entertained and content, giving harried parents a reprieve.
Baby Rockers Buyers Guide
As with all baby products, safety and security prevail when you’re searching for the best baby, bouncer, rocker, swing, or hybrid model. Look for the following safety features first, and then decide what “extras” (portability, tech-compatibility, versatility) you’d love your swing, rocker, or bouncer to offer. If you’re on a tight budget, you may want to stick to the simpler designs, but bear in mind: some models have a second life as toddler chairs – you may get your money’s worth in the long run!
Safety
Whether the motion is back and forth, side to side, or up and down, your baby will be moving, so you want to make sure the swing or bouncer includes a three- or five-point harness that’s fully adjustable. Also, look for baby bouncers that have non-slip feet – they’re great for wood and tile floors. Swings, rockers, and baby bouncers should all have sturdy, wide frames, even the smaller-profile models designed for tight spaces.
Typically, a rocker or swing will feature multiple reclining positions and infant inserts. These help keep baby propped at the correct angle – check manufacturer specs for age and weight recommendations.
Sound (and other value-added features)
Now for the fun part – for maximum entertainment value, consider swings and rockers that include bars for toys, music and other sound settings, and vibration modes. These all keep baby occupied and happier for longer, buying you valuable time!
