REASONS TO BUY
Sturdy
Longevity
Above-average quality
2-in-1 function
REASONS TO AVOID
Large footprint
Simple mobile
Graco DuetSoothe Swing and Rocker Review
Perfect swing to fill a certain 2-in-1 niche, but other options might be better at soothing
A product's mobile can be an entertaining feature for babies to focus on.
Credit: Dana Ellis
RELATED: The Best Baby Swings
Our Verdict
Unlike other baby swings, the Graco DuetSoothe is a rocker and swing combined. According to the manufacturer, this swing is suitable for babies from 5.5 to 30 lbs or once your baby attempts to climb out, and the rocker has a maximum weight limit of 25 lbs. This multi-functional product is convenient and intuitive to operate and features multiple swing directions, a vibration setting, and many different songs and nature sounds. The DuetSoothe has a multi-step assembly that requires effort, and the swing has a large footprint. Unless you specifically want the 2-in-1 capabilities this swing provides, we recommend looking at some alternatives to soothe and entertain your little one.
Editor's Note: We updated this Graco DuetSoothe gear review on August 10, 2023. With several products added to the baby swing competition, we share how this product compares.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Graco DuetSoothe Swing and Rocker | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Overall Best Baby Swing |  Best Budget-Friendly Baby Swing |  Best Baby Swing for Portability | ||
| Price | $190 List $179.99 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  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | A versatile baby swing with a large footprint | 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 DuetSoothe an... | Ingenuity InLighten... | Graco Simple Sway S... | Ingenuity Portable... | Ingenuity Comfort 2... |
| Quality (35%) | |||||
| Entertainment (35%) | |||||
| Portability (20%) | |||||
| Assembly (10%) | |||||
| Specs | Graco DuetSoothe an... | Ingenuity InLighten... | Graco Simple Sway S... | Ingenuity Portable... | Ingenuity Comfort 2... |
| Manufacturer Usage Range | Swing: 5.5 lbs - 30 lbs; or when infant attempts to climb out (approximately 9 mths) Rocker: 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 | 21 lbs | 17.9 lbs | 17.2 lbs | 8 lbs | 7 lbs |
| Dimensions | 33"L x 34"W x 43"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 | AC Adapter, Battery | USB Cord (wall adapter not included), Battery | AC Adapter or Batteries | USB Cord (wall adaptor not included), Battery | Battery |
| Number of Speed Settings | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 6 |
| Sounds | 10 melodies and 5 nature sounds | 20 melodies, nature sounds, white noise | 10 songs, 5 sounds | 8 melodies, 3 nature sounds | 12 melodies |
| Motion | Front to back, side to side | 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 | Yes. Rotate the seat on the base to allow it to swing either front-to-back or sway side-to-side. | Yes. Seat can rotate 180-degrees, so you can keep your baby in sight; 3 different directions. | No | No | No |
Show full specification details ▼Hide full specification details ▲
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.
Performance Comparison
Graco's DuetSoothe functions as either a stand-alone rocker with battery-operated vibration mode or as a full-size swing with mobile.
Credit: Dana Ellis
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.
Simple controls for movement speed (1-6), sound (music, mute or nature) and volume are common for the baby swings we reviewed.
Credit: Dana Ellis
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.
The base of the Graco DuetSoothe is wide.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
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.
We found the Duet Soothe's 5-point harness to be easy to use, even with a wriggling baby.
Credit: Dana Ellis
Should You Buy the Graco DuetSoothe Swing and Rocker?
The DuetSoothe is better than most, but it's not one of the best 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.
Manufacturer Video
—
Juliet Spurrier, MD and Abriah Wofford
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