The Skinny
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Graco Simple Sway Swing | |||||
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Awards | ![]() | ![]() | |||
Price | Check Price at Amazon | $150 List Check Price at Amazon | $100 List $81.13 at Amazon | $90 List $67.99 at Amazon | $95 List $94.97 at Amazon |
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Star Rating | |||||
Bottom Line | A traditional baby swing with a more extended usage range | A powerful gliding swing with longevity | A space-saving baby swing ready for travel | A travel-friendly swing that's basic | A baby swing for travel or for those on a tight budget |
Rating Categories | Graco Simple Sway S... | Graco Glider LX Swing | Ingenuity Portable... | Ingenuity Comfort 2... | Graco Slim Spaces |
Quality (35%) | |||||
Entertainment (35%) | |||||
Portability (20%) | |||||
Assembly (10%) | |||||
Specs | Graco Simple Sway S... | Graco Glider LX Swing | Ingenuity Portable... | Ingenuity Comfort 2... | Graco Slim Spaces |
Manufacturer Usage Range | 5.5 lbs - 30 lbs, or once your child attempts to climb out (approximately 9 mths), whichever comes first | 5 lbs - 30 lbs; or when infant attempts to climb out (approximately 9 mths) | 0-9 mths; 6 lbs - 20 lbs, or once your child can sit up unaided, whichever comes first | 0-9 mths | 5.5 lbs - 25 lbs |
Weight | 17.2 lbs | 18 lbs | 8 lbs | 7 lbs | 13 lbs |
Dimensions | 30"L x 31"W x 38"H | 30.75"L x 25.5"W x 36.13"H | 22"L x 23.5"W x 23"H | 28.74"L x 22.64"W x 26.77"H | 39"L x 23"W x 29.5"H |
Harness | 5-point | 5-point | 5-point | 5-point | 5-point |
Power Source | AC Adapter or Batteries | AC Adapter, Battery | USB Cord (wall adaptor not included), Battery | Battery | Battery |
Number of Speed Settings | 6 | 6 | 5 | 6 | Roller switch with infinite speed settings |
Sounds | 10 songs, 5 sounds | 10 classic melodies, 5 nature sounds | 8 melodies, 3 nature sounds | 12 melodies | None |
Motion | Side to side | Gliding motion | Front to back | Front to back | Front to back |
Fold | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Seat Rotate | No | No | No | No | No |
Our Analysis and Test Results
The beginnings of the Graco company date back to 1942, in Philadelphia, with Russell Gray and Robert Cone embarking on a collaborative venture. Their initial endeavors focused on producing car parts, but Russell Gray eventually pursued a different route, and Robert Cone focused on baby gear. This transition led him to partner with an engineer to design and create products. With their first infant swing an instant hit, Graco was on the baby product map. Today, Graco is one of the world's leading producers of baby products.
Performance Comparison
Quality
The Graco Simple Sway Swing is a classic full-size design, offering a stable and durable structure. Some parts and components may not be the highest quality, but it still performs better than certain competitors in the baby swing review.
The Graco Simple Sway Swing has a spacious seat that's deep and wide, providing ample room for your little one. However, it's important to note that the swing doesn't recline, which might be a consideration for some parents looking for multiple seat positions.
The swing impressed us with a smooth swinging motion during testing, showing no signs of strain or resistance. It produces some motor noise during operation, but we found it more akin to a soothing lull than an annoyance.
The plastic buckle component on the 5-point harness feels somewhat cheap and less sturdy compared to others in the competition. The harness also lacks padding behind the crotch and shoulder straps, which could impact the baby's comfort. We recommend being attentive when buckling your baby to avoid accidentally pinching their skin.
Entertainment
The Graco Simple Sway Swing offers some entertainment features to engage little ones. It's not a big entertainer, but it strikes a balance between being entertaining and simple yet allowing babies to have an experience without overwhelming stimuli.
It offers side-to-side swinging motion, vibration, and six different speeds, so you can select your baby's preference, whether that's a gentle sway or a more brisk swing. It's also equipped with ten songs and five sounds. The mobile has soft, plush toys that dangle above the baby. It doesn't spin, and it's very basic.
Portability
The Simple Sway doesn't fold or easily disassemble, which limits its portability. It's not designed for on-the-go use and will likely stay in one location.
It's worth noting that due to its wider frame base, moving it around may require a bit of care, especially when navigating through doorways without brushing against the door frames.
Assembly
Assembling the Graco Simple Sway Swing was a bit time-consuming and challenging.
Once unboxed, there are several parts to put together. The user manual's instructions could be improved as we struggled to follow them. However, the most significant hurdle we faced was snapping the snug seat cover over the seat frame.
The swing offers dual power options, allowing you to operate it with an AC adapter or batteries. The vibration function, however, is solely battery-powered. To ensure a smooth setup process, installing the batteries before completing the seat cover is essential. The battery box is easily accessible at this stage; otherwise, it becomes concealed by the seat cover.
Should You Buy the Graco Simple Sway Swing?
The Graco Simple Sway Swing is a good economical choice for parents seeking a more straightforward and classic swing that still caters to their baby's desire for amusement or soothing. We think it's fine for the price.
What Other Baby Swings Should You Consider?
Among the baby swing competition, another option to consider is the 4moms MamaRoo Multi-Motion, which offers more quality than the Simple Sway. Also, it's hard to beat the entertainment on the Ingenuity InLighten Swing if lights and action match your baby's style.