REASONS TO BUY
Inexpensive
Compact
Foldable
REASONS TO AVOID
Basic
Battery power only
No music/sounds
Graco Slim Spaces Review
A foldable baby swing to use when traveling, but with limited soothing ability
A good swing can keep a baby happy and mom momentarily free to do other things.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
RELATED: The Best Baby Swings
The Skinny
The Graco Slim Spaces is an option for parents who want to take their swing on the road or store it at grandma's house for weekend visits. It is one of Graco's most compact swings and can be folded even smaller. Compared to other baby swings, this contender keeps it simple and easy to use, with only a roller switch control to adjust the speed. It is much quieter than anticipated for a battery-operated swing, and we hardly noticed the noise during use. The fold method is intuitive, and the legs have three different height positions to keep your baby close, whatever level you are on. This compact swing isn't a good choice for parents looking for an everyday option to entertain little ones as it has limited features. But if you're looking for travel gear on a budget, the Slim Spaces may meet your needs.
Editor's Note: We updated this Graco Slim Spaces gear review on August 10, 2023, as the baby swing review received new additions.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Graco Slim Spaces | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  |  |  | ||
| Price | $95 List $94.97 at Amazon | $180 List $179.99 at Amazon | Check Price at Amazon | $100 List $81.13 at Amazon | $90 List $67.99 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | A baby swing for travel or for those on a tight budget | A big baby swing packed with exciting entertainment | A traditional baby swing with a more extended usage range | A space-saving baby swing ready for travel | A travel-friendly swing that's basic |
| Rating Categories | Graco Slim Spaces | Ingenuity InLighten... | Graco Simple Sway S... | Ingenuity Portable... | Ingenuity Comfort 2... |
| Quality (35%) | |||||
| Entertainment (35%) | |||||
| Portability (20%) | |||||
| Assembly (10%) | |||||
| Specs | Graco Slim Spaces | Ingenuity InLighten... | Graco Simple Sway S... | Ingenuity Portable... | Ingenuity Comfort 2... |
| Manufacturer Usage Range | 5.5 lbs - 25 lbs | 0-9 mths; maximum weight 20 lbs | 5.5 lbs - 30 lbs, or once your child attempts to climb out (approximately 9 mths), whichever comes first | 0-9 mths; 6 lbs - 20 lbs, or once your child can sit up unaided, whichever comes first | 0-9 mths |
| Weight | 13 lbs | 17.9 lbs | 17.2 lbs | 8 lbs | 7 lbs |
| Dimensions | 39"L x 23"W x 29.5"H | 31.89"L x 42.13"W x 40.94"H | 30"L x 31"W x 38"H | 22"L x 23.5"W x 23"H | 28.74"L x 22.64"W x 26.77"H |
| Harness | 5-point | 5-point | 5-point | 5-point | 5-point |
| Power Source | Battery | USB Cord (wall adapter not included), Battery | AC Adapter or Batteries | USB Cord (wall adaptor not included), Battery | Battery |
| Number of Speed Settings | Roller switch with infinite speed settings | 6 | 6 | 5 | 6 |
| Sounds | None | 20 melodies, nature sounds, white noise | 10 songs, 5 sounds | 8 melodies, 3 nature sounds | 12 melodies |
| Motion | Front to back | Side to side, front to back (depending on seat position) | Side to side | Front to back | Front to back |
| Fold | Yes | Yes, semi-fold | No | Yes | Yes |
| Seat Rotate | No | Yes. Seat can rotate 180-degrees, so you can keep your baby in sight; 3 different directions. | No | No | No |
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Our Analysis and Test Results
The Graco company began in 1942 co-founded by Russell Gray and Robert Cone in Philadelphia, PA. They initially manufactured car parts but eventually decided to broaden their horizons and hired an engineer to design gear for babies. Their first product was a baby swing, which was wildly successful. They quickly moved on to include strollers, high chairs, car seats, and more. They have been striving to create innovative products that will help simplify a parent's job ever since. Graco has been manufacturing baby gear for over 60 years and is one of the most popular brands.
Performance Comparison
The fleece lined infant insert adds another level of comfort to the seat.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Quality
The quality of the Graco Slim Spaces is average, which isn't surprising for a swing in this price range. Nothing is wrong with the swing, but there is nothing exceptional about it. Because this unit is so light and portable, it has no extras or perks commonly found on other swings. The fabric is a synthetic canvas-type material that isn't soft on sensitive skin. The infant insert is fleece covered, so the areas around the baby's head and shoulders are more comfortable.
The seat is deep but is positioned more upright than others, and the recline level is not adjustable, and it may be better for use with older babies with better-developed head and neck control.
Baby can sit up and look in on the action while mom gets things done around the house.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Entertainment
When it comes down to it, the Slim Spaces is just a swing and nothing more. It barely has any entertainment features like music, soothing sounds, vibration, or a timer. The stationary toy bar is attached to the swing's frame and is about as basic as they come, not even moving when the swing is in motion. The motor only swings the seat in one direction, front to back.
One roller switch operates the Slim Spaces, powering it on and off and making speed adjustments.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Operating this swing is super simple. There is only one roller switch to turn it on and off and to make speed adjustments. Due to the nature of the switch, the number of swing speeds is infinite, allowing you to find your baby's sweet spot. However, if you want music, white noise, or playtime distractions, you will have to bring your own, as Slim Spaces does not offer any other features.
This swing has a 5-point harness with cloth backing behind the crotch strap that prevents pinching, and the basic inverted V shape of the frame ensures that it is very stable when swinging.
The Slim Spaces is very compact when folded and will fit easily into most storage spaces and car trunks.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Portability
The Graco Slim Spaces does swing well, considering that batteries solely power it. The maximum swing speed is decent, which is vital to soothing fussy little ones. Folding the Graco Slim Spaces only takes two steps; there are two buttons on either side of the frame that you press simultaneously to fold the rear set of legs in towards the front, and then the seatback folds forward to complete the process. We managed it on the first try without any trouble.
The swing folds nearly flat, measuring a compact 33"L x 22.7"W x 11"H, and is small enough to fit comfortably in even the most crowded trunks and closets. It also has a convenient carry handle to make transportation easier. Unfolded, the dimensions of the Simple Switch are 31.5"L x 22.8"W x 29.5"H.
Assembly
The Graco Slim Spaces required average effort to assemble, and tools are needed. One of this swing's unique features is its adjustable height options. There are two height positions, one that keeps the baby close to the floor and keeps the footprint at a minimum and a taller one that puts the baby closer to sitting level but takes up a little more space. The height positions are clearly labeled, so there is no chance of setting up the legs unequally.
The Graco Slim Spaces swing is a great value and a good option for travel.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Should You Buy the Graco Slim Spaces?
The Graco Slim Spaces is undoubtedly a lightweight, compact baby swing. However, its basic nature is limiting and less engaging. Unless you are set on a height-adjustable travel-friendly swing, we think other products in the review will bring a better experience for soothing and entertaining.
What Other Baby Swings Should You Consider?
To save money on batteries, and we think you'll go through many with the Graco Slim Spaces, we suggest a travel-friendly option powered by an AC adapter or batteries, and the Ingenuity Portable Swing fits the bill. If you're looking for an everyday swing, consider the Graco Slim Spaces or 4moms MamaRoo Multi-Motion.
Manufacturer Video
—
Juliet Spurrier, MD and Abriah Wofford
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