In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

Graco Simple Sway Swing Review

A basic baby swing that provides side-to-side swaying motion
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Graco Simple Sway Swing Review
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $120 List
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Manufacturer:   Graco
By Molly Bradac & BabyGearLab Review Team  ⋅  Aug 10, 2023
51
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#4 of 8
  • Quality - 35% 5.0
  • Entertainment - 35% 6.0
  • Portability - 20% 4.0
  • Assembly - 10% 4.0

Our Verdict

The Graco Simple Sway Swing works from 5.5 to 30 lbs, or once your child attempts to climb out, whichever comes first. Compared to the best baby swings, it's a simple option with a side-to-side swaying motion and some entertainment features. Customize your baby's experience by choosing from six speeds, two vibration settings, ten songs, and five sounds. You can use batteries or the AC adapter to operate this product, depending on your needs. Constructing this swing wasn't our favorite, particularly getting the seat cover snapped on. It's not designed to be folded, and the seat offers no recline. But, if you're seeking a basic swing to soothe or entertain your baby at home, we think the Graco Simple Sway Swing strikes a balance between being functional and economical.
REASONS TO BUY
Economical
Sturdy
Longevity
REASONS TO AVOID
Doesn't fold
Stationary mobile
Assembly
Editor's Note: We updated this gear review on August 10, 2023, as the baby swing review has been updated with new products, including this product.

Compare to Similar Products

 
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Best Budget-Friendly Baby Swing
 Top Pick Award
Best Baby Swing for Portability
  
Price $120 List
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Overall Score Sort Icon
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Star Rating
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Bottom Line A traditional baby swing with a more extended usage rangeA powerful gliding swing with longevityA space-saving baby swing ready for travelA travel-friendly swing that's basicA 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%)
5.0
6.0
4.0
3.0
5.0
Entertainment (35%)
6.0
6.0
3.0
3.0
1
Portability (20%)
4.0
3.0
9.0
9.0
9.0
Assembly (10%)
4.0
3.0
7.0
8.0
5.0
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


The Simple Sway Swing includes a 5-point harness, with no features to prevent chaffing.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

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.

graco simple sway swing - the child harness on the graco simple sway is simple with...
The child harness on the Graco Simple Sway is simple with lower-quality components.
Credit: Abriah Wofford


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.

The Graco Simple Sway Swing is straightforward to operate thanks to an easy-to-use dial and visual icons that indicate different functions.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

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.

The Graco Simple Sway Swing is a standard full-size swing with longevity.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

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.

graco simple sway swing - the child seat on the graco simple sway swing does not recline.
The child seat on the Graco Simple Sway Swing does not recline.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

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.

graco simple sway swing - the mobile on the simple sway swing is basic.
The mobile on the Simple Sway Swing is basic.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

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 favorite baby swings, 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.

Manufacturer Video



Molly Bradac & BabyGearLab Review Team
 

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