
Our Verdict
Our Analysis and Test Results
Graco's origin story dates back to 1942 when Russell Gray and Robert Cone decided to partner and venture into manufacturing products. Although Russell Gray opted to pursue different endeavors, Robert Cone set his sights on baby gear, and this shift was nothing short of transformative. Eventually, Robert hired an engineer, and they created an automatic baby swing, which was the first of its kind and wildly popular. With a goal to create intuitive, long-lasting, safe products to make parenting easier, Graco has been a go-to brand for many parents.
Quality
While not top-tier, the DuetSoothe has above-average quality. We appreciate the swing's sturdy base, but the seat is more shallow. Some users comment that the swing's motor is loud, especially when the swing is at full speed. We did notice rhythmic creaks and humming, but we believe it's something that seems to bother parents more than the baby. We prefer padding or material on the harness straps to protect the baby's skin and add comfort, and the absence of material on this contender is a disappointment. Therefore, we suggest taking extra care when buckling. The plush fabric on the infant insert is something some babies may enjoy.
Entertainment
The Graco DuetSoothe Swing and Rocker has some valuable features that parents and babies may enjoy. It offers the choice of battery power or the AC adapter, and the vibration function requires batteries. The user interface has clear labels with visual icons, making it easy to navigate. To transition the swing to a rocker, you simply lift the seat and slide it off the base.
To entertain little ones, the swing has a collection of ten songs and five different nature sounds, and the mobile features an adorable trio of teddy bears. However, given their stationary presence and lack of contrast, they don't captivate a baby's attention for an extended period compared to some other contenders. Choose from two recline positions, six swing speeds, and two vibration settings to customize and accommodate babies at different ages and stages. We also appreciate that you can rotate the seat on the base to allow it to swing either front-to-back or sway side-to-side. However, despite all these features, we enjoyed this seat more as a rocker, mainly because it was easier to soothe a fussy baby and transport it from room to room.
Portability
The Graco DuetSoothe Swing and Rocker does not get any more compact; what you see is what you get. It has a substantial footprint, and it will likely occupy a significant amount of space in your home until your baby has outgrown it. It's not something you will likely be moving often. However, you can separate the rocker from the swing, which reduces some weight and bulk, making it more manageable to move. The rocker itself comes with a convenient carry handle and is lightweight enough to tote around single-handedly.
Assembly
To get this swing up and running, it will take some effort. It requires multiple steps, and you must follow the user manual. You will also need a screwdriver.
Should You Buy the Graco DuetSoothe Swing and Rocker?
The DuetSoothe is better than most, but it's not one of the better baby swings. If you have room to spare in your home and value versatility, the Graco DuetSoothe Swing and Rocker might be a good choice to comfort and entertain your baby.
What Other Baby Swings Should You Consider?
If you don't need the 2-in-1 function, there are other better-performing swings to consider. The 4moms MamaRoo Multi-Motion is a high-tech contender with unique motions and higher quality. It's also easier to assemble than the DuetSoothe. If you're on a budget, the Graco Simple Sway Swing is a standard baby swing that's less pricey.