Which baby swing should you get: Fisher-Price vs Mamaroo vs Ingenuity swings?
Swings, rockers, bouncers…no matter how the manufacturers name it, the purpose is the same – to help soothe a cry baby. In an earlier article, we have compared BabyBjorn bouncer and 4moms Mamaroo swing, and we explained that the main difference is the power source.
If you are keen on getting an automatic baby swing, then your best bet is among the top three brands: Fisher-Price vs Mamaroo vs Ingenuity. That is what we will be comparing today.
As always, you can jump to the COMPARISON section or the PRODUCT REVIEW section directly. Let’s get started.
Our Final Verdict
Winner: Fisher-Price Snugapuppy Cradle ‘n Swing
It sports 2 swing directions, 2 power sources, 6 speeds, and 16 sounds.
Most Convenient: 4moms Mamaroo Baby Swing
It can be controlled by a phone, features 5 circular motions, and can play any music.
Best for Travel: Ingenuity ConvertMe Swing-2-Seat
It is lightweight, small, and doesn’t require a power cord.
Why Do You Need A Baby Swing?
A baby swing is a modern invention that only became popular in recent decades. Babies from all centuries have grown up fine without a swing, so why would you want to consider one?
The answer is simple – baby swings can make parents’ lives easier.
Baby swings can automatically move in various patterns as well as vibrate. The familiar movements make a baby comfortable and feel calm. This helps an infant stop crying or fuzzing, and go to sleep easier. Of course, pediatricians recommend that you move the baby to her crib once she falls asleep in a swing.
Additionally, a baby swing helps an infant stay in an upright position. Little infants are susceptible to reflux and spitting up because they are on their back all the time. A swing can help reduce stomach discomfort by lifting their upper body.
Many baby swings are also equipped with cuddly animals or toys that can keep your tot entertained.
What do all these mean to you? You get a chance to relax – both physically and emotionally.
Most Popular Swings from Fisher-Price vs Mamaroo vs Ingenuity
When it comes to baby swings, there are some major brands that dominate the market. The most seen brands are Graco, Fisher-Price, 4moms, and Ingenuity. Certain models are especially popular among these brands,
The most popular Fisher-Price baby swings are:
- Fisher-Price Snugapuppy Swing. This is what we will talk about today.
- Fisher-Price Snugabunny Swing. It’s very similar to Snugapuppy. The main difference is the appearance.
- Fisher-Price Moonlight Meadow Swing. This baby swing is also similar to Snugapuppy, but the seat and the toy on this swing are different.
- Fisher-Price Deluxe Take-Along Swing. It is a portable baby swing for travel.
Unlike Fisher-Price, 4moms doesn’t have a broad selection of baby swings. The only two models available today are 4moms MamaRoo and 4moms RockaRoo.
Ingenuity offers a wide range of baby swings, even some very elaborate models such as the Boutique Collection. The popular Ingenuity swings today are:
- Ingenuity Confort 2 Go. This is an inexpensive swing that is lightweight and portable.
- Ingenuity InLighten Swing & Rocker. This is a high-end swing and rocker combination.
- Ingenuity ConvertMe Swing. This is the most popular Ingenuity baby swing on the market today. It can convert into a stationary seat.
- Ingenuity Simple Comfort Swing. This is a minimalistic swing with a rotatable seat.
If you are interested in the best baby swings for the above three brands, then stay with us in this comparison guide. We will look at Fisher-Price Snugapuppy Swing, 4moms MamaRoo, and Ingenuity ConvertMe Swing.
Important Features to Look for In the Best Baby Swing
Before we start comparing Fisher-Price vs Mamaroo vs Ingenuity swings, let’s take a look at the important things you need to pay attention to when evaluating a baby swing.
Comparison of Fisher-Price vs Mamaroo vs Ingenuity Swings
Now let’s get right to the point and compare the top Fisher-Price vs Mamaroo vs Ingenuity Swings baby swings.
As we mentioned before, the models we are looking at today are Fisher-Price Snugapuppy Swing, 4moms MamaRoo, and Ingenuity ConvertMe Swing-2-Seat.
1. Age Limit
Similarities: All three baby swings are suitable for newborn babies to babies up to 20 pounds.
Differences: Neither Fisher-Price nor Mamaroo swing have a suggested age limit because they go by a baby’s weight. The weight limit for both models is 25 pounds.
Mamaroo has a compatible newborn insert add-on. If your child was born prematurely or your baby is underweight, the insert can provide more comfort and head support to your baby. However, it’s not a must-have item.
Ingenuity ConvertMe has a weight limit of 20 pounds and an age limit of 0 to 12 months. Like most other baby swings, it will most likely obsolete once your child turns 6 to 9 months.
2. Power Source
Similarities: Fisher-Price and MamaRoo swings can be powered by AC powers and Ingenuity can only be powered by batteries.
Differences: Fisher-Price Snugapuppy Swing comes with an AC power adapter that you can plug into the wall. The power cord is extra long – it measures 71 inches. Alternatively, it has a box for batteries in the event of a power outage.
4moms MamaRoo baby swing also includes a power adapter. However, it doesn’t offer an alternative to using batteries. If for any reason the power adapter goes bad, you can purchase a replacement from their website.
Ingenuity ConvertMe Swing-2-Seat can only be powered by batteries. You need to purchase four D batteries and two C batteries in order to use the swing. This is the biggest limitation of portable swings.
3. Movement Patterns
Similarities: All three baby swings have multiple swing speed settings. However, the available swing directions are different.
Differences: Fisher-Price Snugapuppy Swing can move side to side and head to toe. Additionally, there are 6-speed settings to adjust how fast the swing moves.
4moms MamaRoo has a lot more swing patterns: Car ride, kangaroo, tree swing, rock-a-bye, and wave. You can also control the motions and the speed from your phone.
Ingenuity ConvertMe Swing-2-Seat only features one swing direction but you can adjust the speed in five different ways.
4. Seat Adjustment
Similarities: The seats on Fisher-Price and MamaRoo baby swings are adjustable.
Differences: Fisher-Price has two comfortable reclining positions for you to choose from.
4moms MamaRoo features an arch holder for the seat so that you can adjust the seat to almost any position. This is especially useful if your child has lots of reflux. The uppermost position can help reduce stomach discomfort.
The seat on Ingenuity Ingenuity ConvertMe Swing-2-Seat is stationary. The seat is positioned at a slight angle and you cannot adjust it.
5. Connectivity
Differences: 4moms MamaRoo is the only baby swing among all three that can connect with a mobile app. Therefore, you can use the phone to control the swing motion, speed, melodies, and volume.
6. Portability
Differences: Among all three baby swings, only Ingenuity ConvertMe Swing-2-Seat is meant to be portable. This baby swing doesn’t require any power outlet, is lightweight, and doesn’t take much space. That’s why if you need to bring the swing to your in-law’s every other weekend, Ingenuity swing might be a better choice.
Fisher-Price Snugapuppy Swing is not portable but it can fold in half. So if you need to travel with it just occasionally, you still have the flexibility.
4moms MamaRoo is a home-use baby swing that must be plugged into the wall. Plus it weighs 25 pounds. You may want to think twice before you carry it to the back of your car.
7. Convertibility
Similarities: None of these three baby swings are convertible.
Though 4moms MamaRoo labels itself as a swing and a rocker, there is no practical difference between the two names. Therefore, we don’t consider it convertible.
You may ask me: “What about Ingenuity ConvertMe Swing-2-Seat? Isn’t it two-in-one?” Well, you will be disappointed to find that it’s just a marketing scheme. The “Seat” is nothing but a stationary swing. It means when the swing is not in motion. Both Fisher-Price and MamaRoo swings can do that. Therefore, there is nothing special about the Ingenuity Swing-2-Seat in terms of convertibility.
8. Toys
Similarities: All Fisher-Price vs Mamaroo vs Ingenuity Swings baby swings come with a toy bar and some toys. Additionally, you can replace the included toys with other baby hanging objects.
9. Extra Features
Similarities: All three baby swings can play soothing songs and nature sounds. 4moms MamaRoo allows you to plug in an MP3 player or a phone with the swing so that you can play any music you want.
10. Price
Differences: Fisher-Price Snugapuppy Swing costs around $130, 4moms MamaRoo is priced at $220, and Ingenuity ConvertMe is around $70.
Which One Is the Best: Fisher-Price, Mamaroo or Ingenuity Swings ?
So which baby swing is the best: Fisher-Price, Mamaroo, or Ingenuity Swings? The answer lies in what features are most important to you.
If you are looking for something functional and cost-effective, we recommend Fisher-Price Snugapuppy Swing because it has all the important features, features two power modes, and is less expensive.
If you are looking for a high-end baby swing that you can control through a phone, or if your child has lots of reflux, 4moms MamaRoo will be your best option.
If you need to travel with the swing frequently, then we recommend Ingenuity ConvertMe because it’s lightweight, portable, inexpensive, and most importantly, it doesn’t require a power outlet.
Product Reviews
1. Fisher-Price Sweet Snugapuppy Dreams Cradle ‘n Swing
Top Pros:
Top Cons:
Fisher-Price Sweet Snugapuppy has almost everything you could dream of for a baby swing.
This baby swing can be powered by an AC power adapter and the included cord has a decent length of 71 inches.
Alternatively, if you have a power outage or you don’t want other kids to trip on the power cord, you also have the option to use batteries.
Because of the flexible power source, it’s not entirely impossible to travel with this swing. The good news is that it can fold in half so that you can fit it inside the trunk.
The Fisher-Price Snugapuppy features fix swing speed and can move in two directions. For a more calming effect, it sports 16 different melodies and sounds.
Another thing you will love about this swing is that the seat can recline in two positions. You only need to press a button to adjust the position.
Having said this, it’s easy to see why Fisher-Price Snuggapuppy earns a 4.7 star by almost tens of thousands of reviews on Amazon.
Who Is It for?
Fisher-Price Sweet Snugapuppy Swing is the best overall baby swing that is feature-packed and cost-effective for most parents.
Production Specifications
- Dimension: 35.04 x 44.02 x 37.01 inches
- Weight: 25 Pounds
- Movement Directions: 2 directions
- Swing Speed: 6 settings
- Built-in Sound: Yes
- Portable: Somewhat
- Machine Washable: Yes
2. 4moms Mamaroo Baby Swing
Top Pros:
Top Cons:
Modern parents especially love the 4moms MamaRoo baby swing because of its many advanced features.
The most popular feature this baby swing offers is the ability to connect with a cellphone. With it, you can change the swing motion, the speed, and the music without leaving the sofa or bed.
Another feature that separates 4moms MamaRoo from other baby swings is its ability to rock in five unique motions. Rather than swaying sideways or back and forth, this swing is capable of making circular movements.
For babies who are often bothered by reflux, MamaRoo offers maximum comfort by letting the baby sit upright. As a matter of fact, the seat can be adjusted to any position until you find the best one for youth little one.
Who Is This For?
4moms MamaRoo is for parents who need to control the baby monitor remotely on a phone.
Production Specifications
- Dimension: 33 x 19.5 x 25.5 inches
- Weight: 25 Pounds
- Movement Directions: 5 directions
- Swing Speed: 5 settings
- Built-in Sound: Yes
- Portable: No
- Machine Washable: Yes
3. Ingenuity ConvertMe Swing-2-Seat
Top Pros:
Top Cons:
Having a portable baby swing is important for parents who travel with the baby often. If this is you, Ingenuity ConvertMe Swing-2-Seat is an excellent choice.
This baby swing measures 22 x 23.5 x 23 inches – the smallest one among all three baby swings. It is also the most lightweight one -only weighs 19.8 pounds.
To be portable, this baby swing can only be powered by batteries. The apparent disadvantage is that the battery life is limited and you need to purchase separate batteries depending on the usage. But the good news is that you can use the baby swing anywhere you want.
Ingenuity ConvertMe doesn’t offer fancy swing patterns but you can control the speed. Additionally, its motor is probably the quietest one among all baby swings we have tested.
Who Is It For?
Ingenuity ConvertMe Swing-2-Seat is for parents who need to travel with the baby frequently.
Production Specifications
- Dimension: 22 x 23.5 x 23 inches
- Weight: 19.8 Pounds
- Movement Directions: 1 direction
- Swing Speed: 5 settings
- Built-in Sound: Yes
- Portable: Yes
- Machine Washable: Yes
Final Words
A baby swing is a modern-day baby gear designed for today’s busy parents who have to juggle between work, baby, and house chores. As technology advances, we are seeing more and more useful features that can really make a difference to parents’ daily lives.
Our final recommendation is that Fisher-Price Sweet Snugapuppy Swing is the best overall baby swing for most parents. Alternatively, 4moms Mamaroo Baby Swing is the most convenient baby swing for tech-savvy parents and Ingenuity ConvertMe Swing-2-Seat is the most portable baby swing.
Cecilia Yeung is a successful entrepreneur and product researcher. She has a background in psychology and children’s education. As a working mother of two, she loves to write about children’s education and development.