4moms MamaRoo Multi-Motion Review
Our Verdict
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This Product
4moms MamaRoo Multi-Motion | |||||
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Awards | Baby Swing for Tech-Heads | Overall Best Baby Swing | Best Budget-Friendly Baby Swing | Best Baby Swing for Portability | |
Price | $270 List $199.99 at Amazon | $180 List $139.99 at Amazon | $120 List $95.99 at Amazon | $100 List $84.99 at Amazon | $90 List $76.98 at Amazon |
Overall Score | |||||
Star Rating | |||||
Bottom Line | A one-of-a-kind baby swing that's tech-friendly | 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 | 4moms MamaRoo Multi... | Ingenuity InLighten... | Graco Simple Sway S... | Ingenuity Portable... | Ingenuity Comfort 2... |
Quality (35%) | |||||
Entertainment (35%) | |||||
Portability (20%) | |||||
Assembly (10%) | |||||
Specs | 4moms MamaRoo Multi... | Ingenuity InLighten... | Graco Simple Sway S... | Ingenuity Portable... | Ingenuity Comfort 2... |
Manufacturer Usage Range | Birth - 25 lbs, or until your baby attempts to climb out (approximately 9 mths), whichever comes first | 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 | 15 lbs | 17.9 lbs | 17.2 lbs | 8 lbs | 7 lbs |
Dimensions | 26.25"L x 23.5"W x 35.5"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 | Convertible harness from 5-point to 3-point, as needed | 5-point | 5-point | 5-point | 5-point |
Power Source | AC Adapter | USB Cord (wall adapter not included), Battery | AC Adapter or Batteries | USB Cord (wall adaptor not included), Battery | Battery |
Number of Speed Settings | 5 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 6 |
Sounds | 4 sounds and Bluetooth streaming | 20 melodies, nature sounds, white noise | 10 songs, 5 sounds | 8 melodies, 3 nature sounds | 12 melodies |
Motion | Unique, parent-inspired | Side to side, front to back (depending on seat position) | Side to side | Front to back | Front to back |
Fold | No | Yes, semi-fold | No | Yes | Yes |
Seat Rotate | No. But, it offers multiple motions. | Yes. Seat can rotate 180-degrees, so you can keep your baby in sight; 3 different directions. | No | No | No |
Our Analysis and Test Results
Founders Rob Daley (a businessman) and Henry Thorn (a roboticist) teamed up to use their complementary skills and backgrounds to design and manufacture baby and toddler gear. Established under Thorley Industries LLC in 2006, the 4moms name reflects the first focus group that offered insight while creating their infant tub, the company's first product.
Performance Comparison
Quality
Quality is where the MamaRoo Multi-Motion shines. It's not perfect, but it offers more quality than most of the competition. It uses nice fabrics and has a sturdy base.
Most contenders in the baby swing review have removable, machine-washable covers, but the material's quality determines how well it will stand up to multiple washes. We prefer seats with inserts that are easy to remove yet retain their shape well after washing. We found this to be true with the 4moms MamaRoo Multi-Motion. Thanks to its zipper connection, it's easy to access and manage, which is a nice perk as some contenders have seat covers that are challenging to get on and off, turning the laundering process into a drag you try to avoid.
The five motions can feel mechanical, and the motor is somewhat noisy when in action. The seat recline is adjustable and offers several positions, and the lowest setting is flatter than most of the competition. If you're interested in a newborn insert, it's an additional purchase.
The harness type on a baby swing can make buckling your baby a breeze or a lesson in patience, and this product has an outstanding 5-point safety harness that is significantly better than most of the competition. It has useful padding on the crotch strap and shoulder straps, and the straps are smoother, which can be less irritating against delicate skin. These little details are thoughtful extras for the baby's comfort.
Entertainment
A handful of baby swings in the competition are loaded with entertainment; however, the MamaRoo Multi-Motion is more moderate. It's a high-tech option that's different from most traditional baby swings. It has some unique features that your baby may enjoy.
Instead of moving from front to back or side to side, the MamaRoo Multi-Motion features several unique, parent-inspired motions, including car ride, kangaroo, tree swing, rock-a-bye, and wave. Parents can change the motions, speed, sounds, and volume by using the control panel on the touch-sensitive base. Or, adjust the settings remotely, thanks to its Bluetooth functionality and voice compatibility with Alexa and Google Home. Streaming your baby's favorite music is also possible, which is a fun bonus feature.
Although the mobile doesn't spin on the MamaRoo Multi-Motion, we love the soft, interactive toy balls, and so did our little tester. Some contenders have basic and dull mobiles, but that's not the case for the MamaRoo. The black and white and color contrast helps with visual development, and it's an age-appropriate activity for this stage of your baby's life. As a bonus, they are machine-washable, so go ahead and let your baby touch, hold, and drool on them.
Portability
The 4moms MamaRoo Multi-Motion is not the most portable swing in the lineup.
It is more compact than full-size baby swings, and it's possible to pick it up and carry it around the house. However, it's not the lightest, and we suspect you'll likely leave it in one area. We appreciate that the seat can be disassembled for long-term storage, such as if you plan to grow your family in the future.
Assembly
Assembling the MamaRoo Multi-Motion was a breeze, and we wished other competitors were as easy to put together.
Despite several parts to connect, the task was easy, and the user manual provided easy-to-follow instructions, guiding us through the entire process. It didn't take long to get this product up and running. What does take longer is how to connect and use the product's app unless you're a tech-savvy person. In the meantime, or on an ongoing basis, you can use the touch-sensitive control panel to operate the swing if you prefer this method. Overall, considering the product's ease of assembly, we think it's a good swing for busy parents who don't want to spend too much time figuring out how to put it together.
Should You Buy the 4moms MamaRoo Multi-Motion?
The 4moms MamaRoo Multi-Motion is certainly stylish, and some parents may feel this product is worth the splurge. It does bring a lot to the table, particularly with quality. If you are willing to pay for higher quality, this baby swing may meet your needs.
What Other Baby Swings Should You Consider?
If you want to spend less on a traditional best baby swing, check out the Graco Simple Sway Swing. It's an economical choice that gets the job done. Also, check out the Ingenuity InLighten Swing if you want all the possible entertainment to engage your little.